A Day of Cycling in England
A little background: back home, I figured out that what I really wanted to do here in England was to go for a bike ride around the area.
Dear Reader,
A little background: back home, I figured out that what I really wanted to do here in England was to go for a bike ride around the area. Even if not much, at least a little time on two wheels. I didn't bring a bike with me, so I had to get one. On the very first day at school, a nice teacher helped me out by telling me that the school had its own bikes that could be borrowed. On Wednesday I got the keys. This made today's tour possible. Thanks to the school for the bike.
The original plan was to go to Margate and spend the day there, as it's not that big a town I didn't spend much time there and I also went to Ramsgate and then eventually returned to Broadstairs.
I saw an interesting thing on the way there. As I always stress the importance of environmentalism and sustainable living to save the earth (which is why it's worth cycling if you can). Cycling towards Margate I was greeted by the following sight at one of the fences.
Basically, it could have been cut down, but instead this nice resident (or whoever made the fence) decided to save these two trees. What do you get in return? Cool in summer, catches dust from cars and the closeness to nature is not negligible.
Arriving in Margate, I was greeted by almost the same scene as in Broadstairs. I think the beach was more deserted and the condition was not as nice. In many places it looked as if it had not been rebuilt for decades. When I reached the main beach I put the bike down and looked for a good cafe. The people were very nice here too. There was an elderly man sitting at another table (he had a little difficulty moving). He was oozing love and respect. Many people knew him and it seemed to be his hangout. Most people who passed by said hello to him and the waiters had a good chat with him. After coffee I walked around the old and inner part of the town. The atmosphere of the town was like being back in the 1800s. Colourful houses with old buildings, narrow streets and people moving around with cheerful smiles. It was a pure pleasure to walk among them. I liked the Victoria Queen clock on the beach (made for Queen Victoria's jubilee in the 1800s, as she loved to come here) the most. Interestingly, it always rings at three quarters of the hour. She has a wonderful voice too. After visiting the clock, I headed to Ramsgate.
Arriving in Ramsgate I was surprised again, what I had seen in Margate was more strongly felt here. Wonderful streets and houses. I started on the beach again, and in the harbour. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the sheltered part. The harbour is very nicely and tastefully designed. Illuminated tower was also done in the period spirit. However, here too you could see that the iron teeth of time had left their mark. After visiting the harbour, I went to get lunch and then again to a café. After coffee I had a look at the church from the outside. I was amazed at how beautifully preserved it was. After the church I found a very nice park. I sat down on one of the benches and enjoyed the sunshine, which finally came during lunch, before that it had been overcast and windy all the time. Fortunately, this didn't deter me. (I have to admit, if it had been raining, I wouldn't have started. ) After hours in Ramsgate, I headed back to Broadstairs. I left the bike at the school and will return the key on Monday. Walked back to the hostel.
Back at the hotel, I packed up and went to the beach to enjoy the sunshine some more. Of course I took a long walk in between. Actually, I don't think I can describe in words how much fun I had that day.
I will now write some thoughts about the cycling infrastructure and what I experienced. For a nation that is not a cycling nation, the British do pay attention to cyclists. For the most part, English drivers observe the 1.5 metre side clearance (but it would be nice if Hungary did the same, it would be one better at home). They are not impatient and do not push off the road. If they don't have room they wait for the opportunity, they can still get out of the way. There was a cycle lane and road between Margate and Ramsgate. In most places I rode on the road (I was a bit worried here because I couldn't get a bike helmet, but as I wrote before, thanks to the attitude of the motorists, that worry quickly passed). Road quality (especially on the edges) is not the best, with lots of potholes and level differences. Distance travelled: 20.48 km.
Map showing where I was:
Finally, I'll put some links here (pictures and videos from today):
Dagoca