The early morning of the run was wet but we were sure that by the time we were out and about that the weather would clear up and this proved to be the case as the afternoon was hot and sunny.
Barry and I met up at The Mote first of all and collected Colin and Mags (who arrived for her first group run), Paul, Alison and Dave Clarke + my Dad who just came to see us off and went as far as Bearsted before leaving us. At Bearsted we met Duncan, Max and John and Joan.
We set off at 9.45 and made our way to Charing on the A20 where we turned off for Pluckly, Smarden, Tenterden and Smallhythe on some great bendy roads. Max was giving Barry a run for his money and Mags was holding her own on some tricky bends. We all arrived safe and sound down at Hastings and parked up in the main carpark.
We left Mags and Colin to look at the sights and wondered over to the old town to watch the last of the 'Folkies' going through the streets with some rather loud drumming while we had some refreshments. We then made our way to Duncan's sister's house where we were invited to join them "alfresco" for some smoked salmon and alcohol which went down rather well in the sunshine. After much relaxation we departed and made our way back to the bikes and Duncan to the pub! Max stuck with Barry, myself, Paul and Alison and enjoyed a good trip back and a stop off at Yalding for more refreshment, before heading home to Farningham.
Everyone said how much they enjoyed the route and the quite roads - certainly a better way to get to Hastings on May Day than on the usual route!