Maidstone Rats: 3 Tea Stop Run: Sunday 1st June 2008

With grey clouds looming above, 10 bikes set off, from Laguna's around 10.30am for a Sunday ride out.
Keith & I managed to recon the route the day before. But 15minutes into the ride on Sunday, heading down to Teston, the GPO had decided to carry out maintenance on a telegraph pole and block the B2010 road. Their diversion was sending us down a dirt track. (When I say dirt track, that's what it was!)
A traffic nightmare developed down this single-track lane. Involving vans and cars that had previously gone down it and found it not driveable so were on their way back. Met by 10 bikes, slipping, sliding to a halt, with cars behind us.
After helping each other to bail out and turn round. Alan Burns re-directed us back onto our planned route for the day.
First stop took us down to the 'Route 22 diner' on the A22, Polgate, for mid-day. Taking us there through Wadhurst, Lamberhurst, Mark Cross & Blackboys. (Total 58 mile run). Members enjoyed food from the menu or just refilled with tea & coffee.
Steve Parkes had to depart back towards home. (Good to see you Steve back out on your bike again.)

Second Tea Stop was 'Hikers Café, Bury Hill, Arundel. Heaving with Bikers out for the day. (At this point, the sun was trying to shine through between the ever-gathering large black clouds!)
Our Route took us along some lovely country roads, through Hurstpierpoint & Storrington. (Total 47 mile run) More tea, coffee and bacon butties were consumed. Members chatted together and to other riders there.
Rohan & Peter left for home while us remaining few togged up for our last stop of the day.

Third and final tea stop took us up to the National Trust café up on the top of Box Hill. With time running out, we took a straight run up the A29 and onto the A24, then up Box Hill's winding road (Total 38 mile run).
After parking up in the car park, they wanted to charge us £2 for parking a bike. But after diplomatic discussions with the lady-parking attendant, provided we were going to buy a cup of tea from the café, we were allowed to park for free!

Heading back to pick up the M25, riders peeled off at their relevant junctions to head off home. (Not a drop of rain fell from the ever darkening sky's thank god!)
Hope you all enjoyed the run. Many thanks for coming.

Chrissy & Keith Bangay