Each Spring Medway Velo members and invited guests get ready for their own reliability ride ‘Not the Tour of Flanders’. Based on the Flandrian one day classic it takes in some of the ‘bergs’ of the North Downs from Boxley Hill to the Wynd at the top of Charing Hill. Usually this involves about 2,000 metres of climbing across 14 climbs. Whilst there are no cobbles the poor state of the roads will still guarantee mechanicals and punctures.
2014, over 30 velo members start the ride
With no feed stations, no signposting and no back up, riders can choose to ride as much or as little of the course as they wish. The two aims are to have fun and to get back to the start point for a set time when Belgian classics of beer, and frieten and mayo are served.
The course usually changes slightly each year but for those who do the full route it is about 80 miles. A good test of members fitness and their bikes’ ability to cope with the muddy and potholed back lanes of the North Downs. All it needs is for the council to put some cobbles on Hollingbourne Hill!
2015 and velo riders raise money for a worthy cause
The date for the 2018 ride will be decided in due course. More details will be given closer to the date.
