Travellers' Tales: Battle & Hastings

Before the first lockdown in March 2020, the 1066 Cycle Club in East Sussex celebrated a decade on two wheels with an anniversary relay ride through the area around Hastings. We planned five different sections, and members were invited to ride as many of them as they wished.

The ride started in Robertsbridge, with more members joining in Battle. At the halfway point in the village of Hooe, we had a celebration cake and coffee. Then we continued in wet and windy conditions to Bexhill-on-Sea and Hastings.

Club Chair Sue Burton, who led the second section, said: “The relay ride was a great way for riders of different levels to join in and celebrate our anniversary”

The complete circuit of 45 miles was due to finish in the historic town of Rye. It didn’t quite go to plan. Geoff Frost, who would’ve lead the final 14-mile section from Hastings to Rye, said: “Those of us who made it to Hastings were beginning to get chilly and damp. Plus it was getting dark, so we abandoned the ride in favour of one of the best fish-and-chip shops on Hastings seafront. After that, some of us cycled home and others caught the train.”

Despite only four of the five sections being ridden, 19 members enjoyed taking part, logging 287 miles in total. We can’t wait to ride the whole route in summer!