Plans are well under way for the 2021 Timber Woods LDT, running on the 18th July, we have provisionally checked the 99 mile route and made some edits to the draft roadbook, by the time you read this we will have checked it all again and hopefully will be ready to post the Byway notices 2 weeks before the event.
The route will run in a anti-clockwise loop, exiting Canada Heights with a sharp left into Calfstock Lane and following the 2020 TWLDT in a reverse direction out to The Pilgrims Way at Wrotham. Working our way east to the Gated Byway at Holly Hill where riders will need a Kent CC Byway Pass and the number for the combination padlocks. Permit are available on line from KCC, on the following link,
https://www.kent.gov.uk/environment-waste-and-planning/public-rights-of-way/managing-public-rights-of-way/closures-restrictions-and-permits permits are free and last for life or until they change the rules. We cross the River Medway at Peter’s Bridge and make our way to the back of the Shell Station on Blue Bell Hill, back on to the Pilgrim’s Way to Detling crossing the A249 at the top of Detling Hill. The halfway point is the BP/M&S petrol station at Harrietsham after which we head back to the Pilgrim’s Way and Drakes Lane. After Hayes Lane we cross the A249 to South Street and follow the lanes through to the Gated Byway at Bredhurst Wood, when you will again need the padlock codes. We traverse down and up the side of Blue Bell Hill passing Keepers Lodge before crossing the Medway for the second time at Peter’s Bridge, turning north to Cuxton, then Cobham, Harvel, Meopham Green before the run back to Canada Heights.
Following comments from riders after other LDT’s this year, when the event that is not a race, is won by a race, we decided to change the format for the Timber Woods LDT. There are only two classes to enter. CLASSES: A – ANY bikes riding the harder sections at Canada Heights B – ANY bikes riding the easier sections at Canada Heights. All riders will use the same routes in sections in byways. The Clerk of the Course, Alan Clarke will endeavour to layout the “Harder Route” to the standard of the Blue Route on a NKTC Group Trial with the aim of taking makes off all competitors and achieving an overall result, the special timed test only being needed to resolve ties. The “Easier Route” will be laid out to standard of Red Route in a Group Trial, so that those riders who for reasons of their own just want an easier ride can have an enjoyable day.
As with our April TWLDT there will be refreshments provided by Graham Marchant with the help of Will and John Skinner, we could not find a suitable site on the route so the “Lunch Stop” will become a “Finish Stop” back at Canada Heights, so as to have a Covid Secure Catering the cost of the food is included in the entry fee and no cash or card payment is needed. A donation of £5 per rider will be made to the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance.
At the time of writing we have 79 entries, if you would like to enter go to www.ride-acu.uk If you’re new to Long Distance Trials and want more information have a look on www.sidcupmotorcycleclub.co.uk and look for the LDT page. Or FB Long Distance Trials, LDT’s UK, the very first post gives an insight to what LDT’s are all about.
We will need Observers at Canada Heights and at sections on the route along the Byways, if you would like to ride the route with me out to your section, observe it, and then join the course closers for the ride back please contact Alan Clarke at margeclarke45@gmail.com to book your section, places will be limited!
Looking forward to seeing you on the 18th July,
Roger Brown