The alternative route to the May Day run at Hastings
The A21 is the traditional route to this huge gathering of motorcyclists from far and wide. Some love being part of the huge convoy of bikes that leaves South London, with more joining on the way and others er...don’t. So here’s a ride from the Tunbridge Wells area to sunny Hastings, to be used on May Day or any time you fancy a winkle.
Royal Tunbridge Wells is famous for the reviving waters of its spa. Personally, I feel a decent blast on my bike is more refreshing than some dodgy aqua minerale, so the sooner the town’s in my mirrors, the better.
Head out on the A267 towards Frant, a busy but fast A road with some decent sweeping bends. Once past Mark Cross, the pace picks up and apart from a couple of small villages, it’s flat out until Heathfield.
Follow the main drag through the high street, then about a quarter of a mile after the lights at the top of the town, take the B2096 towards Cade Street. There are a few speed restrictions on frustratingly straight roads, but generally it’s a lovely route into the heart of the East Sussex countryside.
As you pass through Dallington and out towards Netherfield, watch out for some deceptive bends where the road tightens up considerably. The gradient also starts to vary, making this part particularly fun, with some great roller coaster tight turns.
After passing the Nethefield turn on your left, a couple of cracking long straights running through the woods completely alter the outlook and give a last chance for a real blast before reaching the junction with the Battle road.
The approach to Battle is a bit dreary and severely speed restricted, but the town itself is worth a stop, maybe sneak in a quick cream tea before heading to the coast. Once through Battle, the road again widens, but more lovely signs dominate the roadside to keep us sensible.
In Hastings, all roads lead to the sea, so take your pick of routes, park up, play crazy golf then head home.
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
