While Operation Stack mounted up a colossal 30 mile queue of 4,600 lorries, we crossed the Thames into Kent and experienced blissfull cycling compared to Essex.
We arrived at Tilbury and another cyclist called Peter arrived with a Thorn Rohloff and a bigger beard than mine! He was so interested with our journey that he generously paid for our ferry crossing and we exchanged tales over a cup of tea in Gravesend.
Joining the NCN 1 for it's final stages to Dover we enjoyed a car free day stopping for lunch in Rochester then continuing on a lovely track along the Medway avoiding Gillingham. We met another cycle tourist from Denmark, he seemed to have done a substantial tour of Britain and was heading off to France, Germany, Holland... As long as he can get a ferry across the channel though!
Only the last few kilometres gave us difficulty as we approached Upchurch where the frustration of a hot Friday and effects of the M20 blockage was taking it's toll on all the drivers- or perhaps they had all come over from Essex!
Our walk to the Three Tuns pub in the next village (Lower Halstow) was rather perilous with the constant stream of cars on narrow lanes, we were regarded as the freaks on foot!
Figures:
Distance:- 41.3 km
Cycle Time:- 3 hours 29 minutes
Average speed:- 11.8 kph
Total Distance:- 4970 km
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