The weather wasn't good, but four hardy souls, John, Judith, Mary and Peter, stocked up with calories, Mary's Christmas Cake, lashings of tea and a warm in front of the log fire before setting out from Mary's to find the first coffee stop at Monkshill Farm. After enormous coffees, hot chocolates and more cake, it was time to leave the comfortable coffee house and friendly staff, and depart for lunch.

In fact, we were late! Fortunately, John's bike satnav suggested a short cut that only added a few more hills. The weather was kinder and the ride great. Once crossing the A28 had been sorted, we reached the lunch stop - The Artichoke. What a fantastic pub! And what a lunch - it was superb! There will be future rides to this pub.

Back across the A28 (ugh) we sped back to Mary's along a well chosen route that rewarded the riders with a splendid view of Canterbury Cathedral. Back to Mary's for tea and more Christmas cake.

We must have more rides like this. The Christmas cake has gone, but while we were away, Mary had a new wood-burning stove delivered - just right for our next pre-ride warm-up.