Rye Cycling Weekend

Our Saturday cycle ride route was inspired by the twins' cycle ride to Appledore in The Elusive Grasshopper.

Although we did not find the large house described in the story we managed to find refreshments at a pub and tearoom. Our return journey followed in Jon and Penny's tyre tracks in Treasure at Amories as we explored the Isle of Oxney and saw many of the locations that feature in these stories. Although it was warm enough no-one was going to risk a swim in the Military Canal.

We relaxed over a well-earned meal at the Ypres Inn on the Saturday evening. No-one was so saddle sore that they had to eat standing up. On Sunday morning we headed west from Rye exploring Winchelsea and some of the journeys described in The Gay Dolphin Adventure.

The youngsters in the books often used bicycles in their adventures but this is the first time that the Society has used this means of transport, exercise or torture during an event. New member Jennifer Copping came along in 1950s style dress and matching bicycle featuring rod operated brakes and Sturmey Archer gears. Kathleen Elliot brought a stuffed and disgruntled Scottie dog in a basket on the front of her bike to add a note of authenticity.

Setting out

Route Planning

Fabulous Feasting