LAM Rideout 9th March

LAM Rideout 9th March Westerham to Little Farthingloe Farm

Eager to get back on the bike after a poor start to year, I signed up for this Members Rideout organised by Anthony Findlay and TEC Kathy Balmain. Having been on several rides with LAM organised by Anthony I knew that this would be a technically challenging but enjoyable ride.

The weather was unusually warm and dry and the planned five-hour ride was well attended with eighteen members turning out in good time outside the Costa in Westerham to discuss the important business of bikes, bikes accessories and where we planned to stop for lunch.

The ride briefing covered the route overview and drop off system before the impressive line-up of recently polished bikes of all shapes from BMW, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki (and even a Ducati Diavel) headed off on the day’s adventure headed by Anthony and followed by Kathy as TEC.

The group travelled B, C roads and green lanes at our individual pace across the scenic downs towards our first stop at the Village Tea Rooms in Headcorn for a welcome break and refreshments after two plus on the road, before heading onto Little Farthingloe Farm for lunch.

There we had reserved a large table and ordered from the wide selection of sandwiches, all day breakfasts and lunch specials. We discussed the ride and any impressively large potholes and mud that we all had expertly negotiated without incident.

Following lunch, we headed off to petrol station on the opposite side of Folkstone where we filled up with the intention of not stopping on the route back. However, the long ride and technical route was taking a toll, concentration was becoming more difficult so we stopped again for fuel and shared chocolate at a petrol station on the A21 around Sevenoaks before heading off on our most direct routes home to wash our bikes.

It was the longest Members’ ride I had attended, nine hours door to door and just short of 200 miles. Although challenging, it was a great learning experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I look forward to the next organised ride as always look forward to seeing new and interesting bikes, Members and places - but mainly bikes:)

Gerald Dayalsingh 

Kawasaki Z650, Full Member June 2021