Just how many exciting adventures can one club possibly organise in a single
year? Judging by the tales told on this page, well over 100! This special archive page
has been compiled from all available ride reports,
attendance lists and photographs from 1991. It marks several "firsts":
* The first time these reports have been seen since they were originally
printed as part of the section newsletters at the time
* The first time that attendances have ever been seen alongside the ride
reports.
* The first time that photographs taken on the rides have ever been seen
outside Section slide shows
* The first time that photographs have ever been linked with the ride reports.
Painstaking restoration work has been carried out on digital records that
were previously thought corrupted, and now all attendance lists have been
recovered. A new high quality Nikon slide scanner was purchased so that
the best possible scans of the original slide film could be taken.
If you were on any of these rides and you would like a high quality print or
digital image of any of the photographs on this page, please get in touch with
Michael. Prints can also be provided of other photographs that just
couldn't be squeezed onto this page. If you have any good photos of any of
the rides please let us know so we can add them to the page. And of course, if you were on any of
these rides you will always be welcome to join any of our current range of club
rides and activities.
We hope you enjoy this remarkable record of our many and varied activities
during 1991. Please fill out the comment form at the end of the page.
And read our new Comments page to see
what others have written!
Sunday 6 January
Hardriders Day
Ride: Blackingstone Rock (40m)
2 Present:
Richard Hopper, Simon Hopper
Weather:
Windy, showers/rain
The forecasters had issued storm
warnings for the night before: was it this or the nine o'clock start that
kept everyone else at home? Simon and Richard had a good tail wind to get
them to Chudleigh Bridge, but there was no one there either. We went up
past Canonteign Falls and climbed over the ridge to the reservoirs,
regretting our lack of recent exercise. We paused on the way to
Blackingstone to admire the snow on the higher moorland. By the time we
clambered to the top the view was obscured by approaching rainclouds, so we
had a quick lunch in the lee of the rock, picking a spot amidst the last
vestiges of the snow.
The rain held off as we made our
way through Hennock to Bovey. So far we had only had the odd shower, but
now it set in steadily. The helpful wind of the morning was in our faces
and we made a rather dour and damp return to Buckfastleigh. We considered
joining the afternoon ride, but as we'd clearly had the best of the day's
weather we decided against it.
Sunday 6 January
Afternoon ride (BF): Stert
Barton
6 Present: Joseph
Bellows, Luke Hatherly, Martin Luke, Ken Oakley, Paul Oakley, Martyn
Williams
Weather: Wet
Heavy rain didn't stop a few hardy
souls from turning up at the start, including Joseph Bellows on his new Trek
800. They 'enjoyed' a short ride along Colston Road and returned early.
Sunday 6 January
Afternoon ride (PT): Stoke
Gabriel Weir
6 Present: Ben Hobday,
Paul Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: Heavy rain
The forecasters had got it right
again - rain, rain and more rain. However as Ken had to be at the pick up
point as ride leader, he saw no reason why Ben and Paul should not suffer as
well. What is amazing is that the male Walkers decided to turn up as
well.
Our party of six set off towards
Westerland but had to wait for Paul who had already had enough and was
insisting on a return home. However the threat of Julie's wrath when he got
home gave him new heart and we started again.
The weather got worse as we went
through the lovely (and soon to be made into a by-pass) Westerland valley,
so we decided to cut back towards home. On the way there was a 'lush'
off-road section that the Boys enjoyed to the full - suddenly the rain
didn't seem to matter!
A swift return to Ken's house
followed by hot chocolate all round prematurely ended the day - could have
been better but at least we made the effort.
Friday
11 January
Social:
Bicycle Workshop
1900-2200
24 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Jeremy Ford, Richard Gray (11,
new), Dayle Guy, Martin Hamlyn-White, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul Hamlyn-White,
Phillip Harler, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday,
Roxanne Hobday, Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Luke Kudliskis, Marcus
Kudliskis, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt, Debbie Twydell, Ken
Twydell, Martyn Williams
Our first social at South Dartmoor
school was a resounding success. We had the exclusive use of the CDT room,
with eight metalwork vices and numerous benches. Most members brought
wheels, and during the course of the evening they learned how to dismantle
the wheel bearings, clean them, replace damaged parts, regrease, reassemble
and adjust them. There was adult assistance to guide them, of course, and
we also supplied grease, bearings and tools.
Ken was beginning to panic when
Martin Luke's Shimano gears came apart, but he managed to complete the job
on time.
Sunday 13 January
Day
Ride: Blackingstone Rock
13
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Dayle
Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones,
Martin Luke, David Robinson, Martyn Williams, Eliot Wright
Weather:
Cold and sunny
This was an excellent ride, taking
us through some delightful scenery enhanced by the perfect winter weather
conditions. Neil, who had been feeling unwell for half an hour, decided to
go home at Bovey Tracey - a sensible decision, as it later transpired that
he had German Measles.
A steep climb past the hospital
brought us quickly to the reservoirs, and thence to the Rock for lunch. A
few foolhardy members ate lunch on the top whilst the sensible ones
sheltered from the wind at the base of the rock, making the most of the
sunshine. Moretonhampstead's Mearsdon Manor provided welcome warmth and
refreshments before we proceeded to North Bovey and the famous ford. The
river was too high for fording today, but the muddy track offered amusement
for many - the sight of Paul HW and others gingerly creeping along a high
bank to avoid getting dirty was amusing.
Part way up the hill towards the
Manaton road we met an interesting old lady and her two rescued dogs. After
a short chat we were on our way again, only to be subjected to a mad
motorist hurtling down the hill towards us. The icy patches which were
causing us problems did not affect the car, but he very nearly overshot the
bend: Paul and others were fortunate to survive!
A 'hot snack van' at Hound Tor
proved irresistible for some despite the descending darkness - Dave Robinson
certainly wasn't going to wait for them. When we finally descended
Ausewell hill we discovered that Tao was in a poor state: his fingerless
gloves had done little to protect him from the cold. We thawed him out in
the Peartree filling station, and then Michael's gloves protected him for
the short journey home. He vowed to bring better gloves in future!
Sunday 20 January
Hardriders Day
Ride: Dartmouth (40m)
4
Present: Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
Overcast & dry
While we waited in Totnes for
others to appear Richard H took the opportunity to fix his front
derailleur. No one else turned up, so we headed up the hill under the still
ruined East Gate arch. We had decided that Julian needed some hill work, so
the route to Dartmouth took in Dittisham and Old Mill creek, but left him
unimpressed with our concern. The return journey involved avoiding some
maniacal motorcyclists outside Harbertonford. Harberton itself suffers from
the Robin Hood syndrome: every road in or out has an arrow on it. So, once
again mindful of Julian's development, that was the way we returned to
Buckfastleigh.
Sunday 20 January
Morning ride (PT): St
Augustine's Priory
16 Present:
Christian Bryant (12, new), Jenny Briant (A, new), Mike Bryant
(A, new), Luke Hatherly, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Gary
Taylor, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul
Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: Dull but dry
Thanks to Luke's sterling efforts
as Publicity Officer we had a photographer from the Weekender who took up
about half an hour of our time. Then, just as we were about to set off Luke
had a puncture - another quarter of an hour gone!
Finally we set off through
Compton, temporarily closed to traffic for pipe laying. Ben went rushing on
ahead with the 'Big Boys' but failed to negotiate a slight bend and hit a
stone wall at considerable speed. Dad's knowledge of first aid ("Can you
wriggle your fingers?") was supplemented by Charlie who is a qualified
nurse, and Ben was soon on his way - hopefully a bit wiser.
Soon after this we acquired a dog
who followed us nearly as far as North Whilborough. When we stopped for
Luke to mend another (or same) puncture the dog amused us by teasing some
Heifers into chasing him out of their field.
At North Whilborough we separated
into 'trackies' and sensible people. During the route discussion a P**t in
a Ford Escort hurtled round a bend missing Julie's rear (trailer!) by
inches. It's an interesting question - who would have been at fault if an
impact had occurred? We undoubtedly were taking up much of the road, but it
was a very quiet route and he could clearly see us as he drove at us like a
complete idiot. In future we must ensure that we don't block off roads when
we stop, however quiet they may be.
There followed the long climb to
the Priory, the steep drop into Abbotskerswell and another climb out again.
Coffee was taken at Pick 'n' Park where we said goodbye to Gary and Luke
before a nice ride back to Marldon.
Sunday 20 January
Morning ride (BF): Pupers
Hill
18 Present: Tristan
Allen, Nathan Arecco, Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Alan
Dawson (J, new), Matthew Hamlyn-White, Phillip Harler, Michael Jones,
Martin Luke, Keir Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, David Platt, Gavin
Taylor, Joseph Watkins, Eliot Wright, Oliver Wright (J, new)
Weather: Dry but
overcast
The first ever morning ride from
Buckfastleigh didn't go exactly to plan. First of all, Michael fooled David
and Matthew by being early at the start: they thought they'd missed the
group and made their own way to Cross Furzes. Meanwhile Michael met
Matthew's father, who was somewhat concerned that his son wasn't with us!
We met Oliver and Tom at Cross
Furzes as well as David and Matthew. Oliver got permission to ride with us
until midday, so we set off along the track to Hayford Hall and Lud Gate.
Pupers Hill lay in front of us, and the plan was to ride to the top and then
across the ridge towards Water Oak Corner, returning to Buckfastleigh via
the Avon Dam. Two successive mistakes compounded to make this impossible,
however.
Michael made the first mistake.
The leading riders were half way up Pupers Hill while the tail enders were
still close to Lud Gate. Looking at his watch, Michael decided to direct
the stragglers along a more direct route to the ridge, veering to the left.
This should have enabled the leaders to see the spectacular views from
Pupers and then meet the others along the ridge. Unfortunately, however,
the stragglers took various different short cuts, and several of the leaders
changed direction to intercept the stragglers. After a few moments, Michael
could not be sure if anyone had gone up to Pupers. He had to spend ten
minutes going to the top to check. When he found nobody there he proceeded
to rejoin the others along the ridge.
As he approached, he saw a few
cyclists riding off towards Water Oak Corner. The others were waiting as
they had been directed. When heads had been counted and questions asked it
became clear that David and Matthew had been followed by four other
members. As we watched them in the distance they turned down the hill
towards Cross Furzes, and Michael was powerless to stop them. The rest of
us had no choice but to follow them, so we missed out on the Avon Dam.
The mistake here was made by David
and Matthew, who should have waited with the main group until Michael
arrived. They did not know Michael's proposed route, and moving off made it
difficult to see if anyone had gone missing on the previous short section of
riding.
We now had time to spare, so we
decided to ride home via Coombe and Hawson Court. Sadly, however, Joseph
Watkins got a puncture at the top which Matthew and David were unable to
repair in four attempts. Michael, being without adult assistance, could not
cycle up to assist, so he led the other riders home and then returned in his
car to collect Joseph. Matthew and David had been very helpful, which
made up for their earlier mistake!
Friday
25 January
Social:
Indoor Games
1900-2200
17 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Chris Giles, Dayle Guy, Paul
Hamlyn-White, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Roger Johnson,
Michael Jones, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, Martin
Rushworth, Peter Rushworth
Another evening of fun and games
at the Southpark centre, including Risk, table tennis, pool and computer
games.
Sunday 27 January
Day
Ride: Exeter Ship Canal (51m)
16
Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Jamie Davey, Paul
Hamlyn-White, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Keir Manning, David Robinson,
Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, David Waldron, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
Cold with drizzle
Uninspiring weather did not deter
the entire Walker family or the other twelve participants from taking part
in this enjoyable ride to Exeter along the canal path from Powderham.
Conditions at Turf Lock were so cold that we shortened lunch to just fifteen
minutes, but once moving again we soon became comfortably warm.
The drag up to Haldon from Clapham
was not particularly welcomed by the slower riders, but we still managed to
get home by about 6.30.
Sunday 3 February
Hardriders Day
Ride: Hunters Path (49m, 6.8mph)
6
Present: Richard Burge, Dayle Guy, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Richard
Hopper, Sebastian Lessware (16, new)
Weather:
Dry, very cold
Although there was still snow on
the ground the council crews had done a good job and the roads were
ice-free. Martin and Dayle joined Richard at the start and after picking up
Richard B at Alston Cross we found Luke waiting for us at Chudleigh Bridge
with new rider Seb. Luke demonstrated his understanding of the word cool by
wearing shorts and cycling mitts.
Once we left the road at Steps
Bridge the snow on the path became both a visual delight and a challenge to
staying upright. The forestry track from Clifford Bridge presented new
problems: the deep puddles had thick ice on them, but was it enough to take
our weight? Most of the time, yes. Enjoyably Fingle Bridge had only a
handful of motorised visitors, and here Dayle found that the Ribena in his
water bottle was undrinkable - it had frozen.
Hunters' Path was the usual
strenuous struggle to the top, but we were rewarded by excellent views of
Castle Drogo in the snowy landscape. Tea at Moretonhampstead allowed the
thawing of extremities and fortified us for the return home.
Members may be interested to know
that a pot of tea at the Primrose café is now £1 per person!
Sunday 3 February
Afternoon ride:
Ashprington
29 Present: Neil Ault,
Christian Bryant, Mike Bryant, Tao Burgess, David Cutts, Alan Dawson,
Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul Hamlyn-White, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne
Hobday, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Keir Manning, Ken Oakley, Paul Oakley,
David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, Peter Rushworth, Debbie
Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Joseph Watkins
Weather: Cold, calm,
dry, cloudy
When everyone had assembled at the
Totnes pick-up we made an impressive sight for the locals - a huge throng of
cyclists that filled a large portion of the Plains.
Our favourite route to Ashprington
is along the Sharpham Drive track, but this doesn't suit everyone,
especially in the winter period when the track is muddy. Today, just nine
of our number opted for the road alternative, and paid a penalty with a
prolonged half-hour wait at Ashprington. It wasn't that the trackies were
being unusually slow: the track boasted several muddy patches, much to the
excitement of many younger riders who managed to get filthy, and there were
a number of styles to be negotiated - not an easy matter with twenty bikes!
Then there was the gate which looked like a barbed wire fence: several had
struggled to carry their bikes over the top before Neil pointed out that it
could be opened. And then Christian broke a chain in the middle of a
particularly muddy patch - quickly repaired, but causing slight delay
nevertheless. To round off the fun there was a steep-sided field to climb
(with an awkward style at the top of course), at which point Andrew Walker
would have lost his new cycle computer had Dave Robinson not spotted it
lying in the leaves.
We returned swiftly to Totnes
via Bowden, and thence to Paignton and Buckfastleigh by our separate ways.
The Buckfastleigh contingent were feeling so energetic that they opted for
the hard return via Rattery. Joseph B had chain problems along the way, but
these were eventually fixed when Neil returned to find him.
Friday
8 February
Social:
Map Reading
1900-2200
15 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Paul Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Richard Hopper, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Ken Oakley, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, David Platt,
Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert
Walker
Richard Hopper had prepared an
enjoyable pair of map quizzes for our members.
Saturday 9 February
Weekend
Ride: Crowcombe YH
16
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Jamie Davey, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul
Hamlyn-White, Ben Hobday, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, David Platt, Ken
Twydell, Paul Twydell, David Waldron, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine
Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
Cold, sunny
The entrance to Crowcombe YH
Crowcombe YH
Recent snowfall over the
south-west had meant that the final decision about whether or not the
weekend should proceed as planned could not be made until the Saturday
morning. The forecast was good and the wardens assured us that all main
roads were clear, so we decided to go ahead.
The weekend began early for the
Walker family: we were using a Luton van to transport the bikes, and the
lot fell to the Walkers to collect it from the hire firm. Ken was bringing
his personal mini-bus for the passengers, so when the Paignton contingent
had loaded up, the strange convoy set off for Buckfastleigh and Heathfield
to collect the other participants. The loading was not straightforward
because Charlie took great care to secure the bikes with blankets and ropes,
but the whole operation still proceeded right on schedule - much to the
surprise of David and Jamie, who are used to waiting for an hour or more for
the South Dartmoor brigade, especially on cold mornings!
Ben & Paul huddling around the fire
The van's engine had only just
warmed up when the crew in the mini-bus decided it was time for a pit-stop
and promptly rolled into the Happy Eater on Haldon Hill. The youngsters
definitely wanted a café stop, and this seemed like the only place we could
be certain of getting it, but Charlie was not a happy eater today!
The closer we got to Crowcombe
Heathfield the whiter the fields became, but the main roads remained clear
and safe as the wardens had predicted. The half-mile lane from the main
road to the hostel, having recently been salted, was covered with various
textures of snow and slush, but Ken decided it was too white for the vans.
We parked opposite a nearby garage and coasted precariously down to the
youth hostel, only to find that the warden's 'opening after lunch' was
actually going to be 4.30pm! We shivered on the doorstep as the warden
walked off and left us - his heart must have been made of stone.
Getting ready to leave the hostel
Snow fun by the roadside
A short ride was attempted in
order to keep warm, covering a roughly circular route around the hostel.
The lanes we used were thick with snow, which offered plenty of scope for
amusement. One of the amusements was the sight of Matthew riding over a
snowy mound and discovering a steep drop on the other side which ended in a
gully. He somehow managed to avoid serious injury, but ruined his front
forks. Meanwhile, Ken decided to risk bringing the vans into the hostel
grounds: they offered welcome comfort when we returned, keeping us warm
until we were eventually allowed into the hostel.
The warden gave us a belated
'warm' welcome. We all clamoured round a glowing Parkray fire in the common
room - except for one illustrious member, initials KT, who was doing his
'Scott of the Antarctic' routine as the snow fell. Apparently, where
there's no sense there's no feeling! He finally returned as darkness fell
to find everyone enjoying board games, magazines and quiet conversation in
the cosy common room.
Martin Luke and Neil
Snow fights
The dormitories were very cold,
but that didn't stop the inevitable blanket fights from taking place.
Perhaps the most memorable sight of the evening was that of David Waldron
consuming vast quantities of food after supper!
After a comfy night's sleep we
arose to a little confusion in the dining room: apparently Michael had
ordered a 'veggie' breakfast even though he was self-catering. He returned
to the members' kitchen to finish off the remainder of Ken's porridge - not
one of his better concoctions.
We were greeted by a fine but cold
day and decided to make the most of it by cycling to the sleepy fishing
village of Watchet for refreshments, exhausting all the 'watch-it' jokes
along the way. On arrival we descended upon the unsuspecting proprietor of
a local tearoom who, when he had pulled himself together, provided us with
excellent fare. As we were preparing to leave for Dunster, David Platt,
clearly disappointed at the lack of tracks on the ride so far, decided to
wallow in the mud of Watchet harbour! There was considerable delay while he
changed his attire.
Riding through Dunster
Packing the bikes back into the van
After a steep pull out of Blue
Anchor there was much high jinks in the deep, drifted snow by the roadside:
several people received snowy missiles from their 'friends'. When we
finally reached Dunster we had to agree that it was picturesque, but all the
tearooms were closed so we gathered under the famous yarn market and dug
deeper into our remaining provisions.
We made a swift return back to
Crowcombe via the main roads, quickly learning (after two close encounters
with four-wheeled vehicles) that high jinks and main road cycling don't
mix. We packed the bikes into the van and returned to Devon, all agreeing
that we couldn't have had a better mid-winter weekend.
Sunday 17 February
Hardriders Day
Ride: Down the Avon (51m)
1
Present: Richard Hopper
Weather:
Sunny & warm, windy
This was a
non-event, as only Richard H attended. Well actually, Luke Hatherly and his
friends would have been there too, but they were a few minutes late (as
usual) and missed the ride! Fortunately they only had to wait an hour for
the Whiddon Farm Tracks ride.
Sunday 17 February
Morning ride (BF): Whiddon
Farm Track (14m)
13 Present: Neil Ault,
Stuart Benns (16, new), Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Mark
Hedges, Mark Hiscutt (14, new), Roger Johnson, Michael Jones,
Sebastian Lessware, Keir Manning, Peter Rushworth, Michael Young (14,
new)
Weather: Sunny and
cool
The road through Rew towards South
Dartmoor School was delightful today. We had just begun the steep climb
towards Whiddon Farm when a loud explosion signalled the end of the ride for
Keir. Closer inspection revealed that a particularly bald patch on an
otherwise good tyre had finally given way. Keir is not the only young
member who enjoys skidding on his bike. Be warned, all you skidsters, that
skidding costs a lot of money in new tyres, ruins your enjoyment of a ride,
puts someone to considerable inconvenience to collect you, and holds up the
entire club. Don't do it!
Keir walked the ridge road and the
track, and then Peter, Roger and Mark Hedges escorted him back to the
telephone box at Ashburton while the rest of us climbed to Cold East Cross.
Luke and his friends took the short cut up the track, and then regretted it
when Michael turned out to be right about it being 'all uphill and unridable'.
We returned to Ashburton and Buckfastleigh across the moor, arriving just in
time to see Keir passing in a van. Congratulations to the new riders, who
all performed admirably.
Sunday 17 February
Morning ride (PT):
Torbryan Caves
17 Present: Ben Hobday,
Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Dominic
Robinson, Philip Robinson, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken
Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert
Walker ...
Weather: Cool but dry
We chose a route through the back
lanes to Ipplepen where we were stopped by an intrigued resident who said he
may come out with his family in the future. As he had six children (and a
white minibus) the Twyfam may yet be outdone.
At Torbryan Dave Robinson led the
tracksters past the caves (?) whilst the others went round by road to meet
at the next junction. Here we said goodbye to the Robinsons who had to be
back early. As the weather was not too bad we voted to continue through the
lanes with no particular purpose, going through Denbury before doubling back
to Broadhempston and home via Red Post.
Friday
22 February
Social:
Give us a Clue
1900-2200
13 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul
Hamlyn-White, Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, David Platt,
David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth
This is always an enjoyable
evening: using the Southpark Centre gave us even more space in which to
perform our strange mimes. We were so engrossed in the game that we lost all
track of time, and were quite surprised when parents started to arrive at
9.30.
Sunday 24 February
Day
Ride: Bantham Sands
8
Present: Neil Ault, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Sebastian
Lessware, David Robinson, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
Very wet after 10.30
Nobody felt like riding to Bantham
once they had been drenched by the unfriendly downpour, so the Copper Kettle
café at South Brent seemed to be the obvious alternative. They had been
expecting us after seeing the Buckfastleigh starters half an hour earlier,
and some old carpets had been laid out in strategic positions to protect the
café furnishings! We felt a bit miserable with such wet feet, but the
proprietors did their best to make us feel better.
The weather cleared up for the
afternoon, but we didn't venture out again.
Sunday 3 March
Hardriders Day
Ride: Elender Cove (51m)
2
Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
Sunny & warm, windy
Unseasonably fine weather, quiet
roads, lunch by the swirling seas at Elender Cover: a cyclists' delight.
Sunday 3 March
Afternoon ride (BF):
Ponsworthy (16m)
18 Present: Neil Ault,
Joseph Bellows, Stuart Benns, Alan Dawson, Harry Dawson, Alex Flanagan
(15, new), Jeremy Ford, Luke Hatherly, Zoe Hatherly (J, new), Michael
Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, Peter Rushworth, Gavin
Taylor, Joseph Watkins, Martyn Williams, Eliot Wright
Weather: Sunny, 11
degrees C
Jeremy Ford won an award from the
members today when he asked whether there was any water at the destination.
Luke Hatherly explained (rather sarcastically) that a single drop of rain
landed there a few millenia ago and caused a splash, hence the name
Ponsworthy Splash.
Our route took us through Hembury
Woods, New Bridge and Spitchwick, where the river Dart flowed strongly with
an abundance of clean, fresh water. Unfortunately many people were swarming
in the sunshine like bees around a honey pot, so we quickly set off for the
peace of the Leusdon lane - too narrow for the vehicles to follow. We were
greeted along the way by the friendly gaggle of ducks that reside in the
pond, and by three pet goats tethered to a wooded verge.
Arriving at Leusdon Lodge, the
venue for our annual Christmas Lunch, we were greeted by the proprietor's
son James, who interrupted his painting to supply us with various items of
confectionery. We also had to see his new bike, of course.
Ponsworthy Splash, now renamed
Forder Bridge for some strange reason, was as green and wet as ever, but
nobody slipped on this occasion. Alex and Zoe both did well on their first
rides, but Zoe learned a hard lesson at Buckland when she ran out of road on
a sharp bend and found herself with a few cuts and grazes. Brother Luke
stayed with her until father came to the rescue, while Michael escorted the
other members home, arriving at Buckfastleigh rather late at 6pm.
Sunday 3 March
Afternoon ride (PT):
Staverton Bridge
16 Present: Christian
Bryant, Jenny Bryant, Mike Bryant, Sarah Bryant (15, new), Ben Hobday,
Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Dave Humphreys, David Robinson, Gary Taylor,
James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Robert Walker
Weather: Fine
A change for the better in the
weather saw the magnificent total of 16 members at Five (now only Four)
Lanes, Marldon. Drama began almost immediately with Mike and Christian
Bryant having to return home by car to fix a loosened crank. They were able
to rush back and catch us up within a mile or so, we having delayed our
start as long as possible - Dave used the time to mend his first puncture of
the day.
By the time we reached Red Post
Dave had had another puncture in the same tyre. Luckily these were the only
mechanical mishaps in an otherwise lovely day.
Staverton Bridge, our published
destination, was soon reached and we took the path down by the river to rest
and eat. Jenny told us of an earlier career as a raft racer on the River
Dart. Also it turned out that both she and Dave H had worked together some
20 years ago. It was about then that Rob pointed out that he had last seen
his father outside the Sea Trout Inn at Staverton some 20 minutes earlier.
Gary was sent back to find him but by then it was too late. Apparently
Charlie and his son Andy had been delayed by a detached chain, and by the
time they got to the bridge we were all down by the river out of sight. He
waited a bit but assumed that we must have gone to Dartington as there are
cafés there. He got back home safely but it was a shame that we 'lost' him.
Lessons learnt: 1. When
left or detached from the group stay put: the leader will always send
someone back eventually. 2. Leaders should check that everyone
is present when deviating from the route.
After further search parties had
returned without success we set off back to Staverton village and on to
Ipplepen via Fishacre Barton, from where we observed some abseilers on a
distant cliff. From Park Hill we took the non-Compton route that is more
pleasant, safer and just happens to pass the Robinson abode.
All in all this was a very peasant
ride and a triumph of organisation by Ken - after all we did reach the
published destination, and we were back at around 6.30. Alright, so we lost
a couple of riders, but nobody is perfect!!
Friday
8 March
Social:
Cycle Workshop
1900-2200
15 Present:
Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Jeremy Ford, Dayle Guy, Martin
Hamlyn-White, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Paul Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt, David Robinson, Dominic
Robinson
Richard and Ken were unable to
attend at the last minute, but Dave Robinson saved the day, and Martin and
Dayle helped out by assisting the younger riders with their mechanical
problems.
Saturday 9 March
Weekend
Ride: Maypool YH (42m)
19
Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Jeremy
Ford, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Michael
Jones, Chris Platt, David Platt, Gavin Taylor, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell,
Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Eliot Wright
Weather:
Mainly dry and dull
We played our usual energetic
games at Maypool on the Saturday evening. On Sunday we rode through
Paignton and Torquay to Babbacombe, where we enjoyed lunch. Remembering
that the Old Bakery would now be open we decided to enjoy the refreshments
we had been denied last year. On arriving at Stoke-in-Teignhead, however,
we were told that we could not be accommodated because they needed the
tables for Mothers Day meals within the hour. I explained that we had come
a long way to visit his café for the second time in six months, but he
wasn't interested. We have to advise cyclists that they are unlikely to get
a warm welcome at this particular establishment at any time of the year.
Sunday 17 March
Hardriders Day
Ride: Denham Bridge (58m)
2
Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
Windy & wet, clearing
Martin and Richard faced a strong
headwind as they made their way over the moor. By Two Bridges the
threatening rain had become steady, and several heavy bursts were quite
dampening, of both body and spirit. The adverse weather didn't deter some
clay pigeon shooters from peppering the moorland with pellets, and Tavistock
Wheelers bowled down the hill the other way looking quite happy. What a
difference a tailwind makes. We had a brief chat with a tandeming family on
the descent from Merrivale, and Martin then scoured Tavistock looking for
acceptable food.
With the rain cleared and lunch
eaten in a field gateway we turned down to Denham Bridge. A sign warns that
the water is 40 feet deep by the rocks, and it certainly swirled menacingly
under the bridge. There's a choice of routes up from the bridge to Buckland
Monachorum, both exhaustingly steep, but neither is as bad as the road down
to the bridge, a twisting 1 in 4. We opted for the Plym Valley cycle path,
as Martin had only ridden it once before, and that was at night: he wanted
to see what it looked like. He was puzzled in the tunnel that his front
light seemed dim, and then realised that he still had his sunglasses on.
The wind was now on our backs, and we made a quick return home on an
afternoon when cyclists seemed to be out in force.
Sunday 17 March
Morning ride (BF):
Didworthy
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Alex Flanagan, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Peter Rushworth,
Gavin Taylor
Weather: Sunny with
blustery showers
Gavin & Alex near Addislade
Tao, Neil & Paul
Riding the short track to
Didworthy made a pleasant variation on our usual Avon Dam ride, but we
didn't want to vary the Abbotts Way route to Cross Furzes.
Sunday 17 March
Morning ride (PT): Lupton
Park
? Present:
Weather: Sunny with
blustery showers
Report unavailable
Friday
22 March
Social:
Games Evening
1900-2200
23 Present:
Tristan Allen, Neil Ault, Gareth Barker, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess,
Julian Duquemin, Jeremy Ford, Chris Giles, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Paul Hamlyn-White, Phillip Harler, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt, David Robinson, Dominic
Robinson, Philip Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth
Michael forgot the table tennis
balls and bats so he had to return home for them before some of the games
could commence. The final evening of the social season then continued in
true South Dartmoor style with card games, pool, table tennis and computer
games.
Sunday 24 March
Day
Ride: Whooping Rock
23
Present: Neil Ault, Hazel Brown, Christian Bryant, Mike Bryant, Tao
Burgess, Alex Flanagan, Martin Hills, Karina Hobday, Simon Hopper, Dave
Humphreys, Roger Johnson, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Philip
Robinson, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart, Gavin Taylor, Ken Twydell, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Joseph Watkins, Martyn Williams
Weather:
Sunny
We welcomed John Stuart, Simon
Hopper and Andrew Simmons back to the fold, home for the Easter Holiday. We
certainly made an impressive sight at the Bovey Tracey pick-up. Those who
went into the Primrose café at Lustleigh were rewarded with a special menu
offering 50% discount on many items - see the noticeboard in this newsletter
for details.
There was some competition amongst
the older teenagers to see who could ride the fastest along the narrow
lanes, despite Michael's attempts to encourage self-discipline. Today's
casualty was Roger Johnson, who came off on a gravelly bend and damaged his
elbow: his parents collected him and took him to the local hospital for
treatment, and he then had to return to Totnes hospital regularly for a few
weeks before the wound was fully healed. Next time the damage could be even
more serious, so please try to put safety first!
The ride continued up to Manaton,
and thence to Whooping Rock itself along a short track. After enjoying
lunch in the sun we left the tranquil setting and returned home via Jay's
Grave.
Friday 29 March
Senior
Tour: Dorset & New Forest
5
Present: Richard Burge, Hazel Brown, Julian Duquemin, Paul Hamlyn-White, Richard Hopper
Weather:
Dry, sunny, fairly cool
Click on the link below to
read the full report on this 5-day senior tour to the New Forest and Dorset
coast.
11 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Alex Flannagan, Dayle Guy, Phillip Harler, Martin
Hills, Michael Jones, Peter Rushworth, Eliot Wright ...
Weather: Sunny and
warm
Poor Eliot! Having ridden past
Buckfast Abbey Eliot had elected to go with the five other 'trackies'
through Birchetts Wood, but when he reached the ford at the end he fell in
and ended up soaked from the neck down. Fortunately the weather assisted
with the drying process as the afternoon progressed - Tao and Dayle weren't
exactly dry or clean either, as the track had been just as muddy as Michael
had predicted.
Following a tractor into Holne we
realised just how difficult it is for farmers to carry out their daily work
during the tourist season. And there certainly were plenty of tourists
about today: we took one look at the crowds in the Old Forge café and
decided to go straight to Venford, where Michael gave everyone two pieces of
a Chocolate Orange - better than Easter Eggs any day.
We decided to return using the
track to Michelcombe. As we trekked across the open moorland we witnessed
at first hand the damage caused by the recent spate of moorland fires -
heather and heath had all been reduced to charcoal in several areas. Alex
took a fall on a rough section of the descent, but he was soon patched up.
Having traversed the ford near Michelcombe without further problems we
finally arrived home at about 5.15pm.
Sunday 31 March
Afternoon ride (PT):
Easter Special
16 Present: Christian
Bryant, Jenny Bryant, Mike Bryant, Dave Cutts, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday,
Roxanne Hobday, Matthew Jago, Martin Luke, Gary Taylor, James Twydell, Julie
Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: Sunny and
warm
We took a convoluted route through
the Westerland Valley to Collaton and then on to the Stoke Gabriel road. At
Long Road Gary led the trackies for a rough stuff diversion which they did
at such speed that they almost beat the rest of the group back to the road
(just as well, as Ken had already forgotten them and had sailed past the
relevant junction).
At the weir, busy with Sunday
Afternoonies, we met Dave Humphreys with family (including "It's Phil
Humphreys!!" complete with weird DJ rap King haircut).
Julie handed out Easter Eggs and
we then set off to Galmpton where we viewed the creek before setting off for
home.
Monday 1 April
Junior Tour: South and Mid Wales
16
Present: Joseph Bellows (10), Robert Walker (11), Timothy Guard
(12, Solihull), Christian Bryant (12), David Platt (14), Ian Gibbs
(14, Rochdale), Neil Ault (14), Matthew Crabtree (15, Bridgenorth),
Thomas Crabtree (15, Bridgenorth), Nicholas Guard (15,
Solihull), Mark Burnard (15, Bristol), Martyn Williams (15), Paul
Smith (16, Basingstoke), Martin Hills (16), Simon Hopper (19), Michael
Jones (31)
Weather:
Often wet
1991 Easter Tour, Wales
Click on the
link below to read the full report on this 8-day junior tour to South
and Mid Wales. The report includes many full-colour photographs.
4 Present: Richard
Burge, Tao Burgess, Martin Hills, Martin Luke
Weather: Dry but cold
Although BST was now with us, we
still had limited daylight and a route was chosen which would bring us home
before dark. With Holne in mind it was decided to go through Buckfast and
take the roads to the start of Hembury Woods track - it was more like a
stream at times. A right turn took us to the top of Hembury, and then a
devious route brought us through the back of Holne to the steep descent into
Scorriton. Since the night was drawing in it was quickly decided to head
for home along the usual roads, bringing us back for 8.30pm.
Sunday 7 April
Afternoon ride:
Combe Fishacre
10 Present: Graham
Burge, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Ben Hobday, Roxanne Hobday,
Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Ken Twydell, Charlie Walker
Weather: Wet
By the time we reached the final
pick-up point at Combe Fishacre the rain had really started so we sheltered
under the railway bridge for a while. During a brief respite we set off to
Ipplepen with the idea of going towards Torbryan. Unfortunately the clouds
threatened again, so we followed the motto "when all else fails, off to Pick
'n' Park".
After a lengthy tea break the
weather had improved, so we went to Denbury (where the Burges left us) and
took a circular route back home. We learnt the following week that Martin
Luke had turned up at Fishacre Barton instead of Combe Fishacre - what a
Wally!!
Wednesday 10 April
Evening Ride (PT): Broadhempston
1900-2130
14 Present: Jenny
Bryant, Mike Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Alan Dawson, Ben Hobday, Dave Humphreys,
Matthew Jago, Martin Luke, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker
Weather: Clear but
cold
An excellent turnout for an
evening ride - could have been more if Rob's carrier bolt had not worked
loose. Ken did have a spare but he was still on his way to Marldon when Rob
shot by on his way back home, gibbering.
We went via Farthing lane to Red
Post and on to Broadhempston. There Ken made a slight miscalculation on
timing and led us even further from home before cutting across to the
Landscove road and back to Red Post. Unfortunately the pace got slower as
time progressed and we didn't get back until gone 10pm.
Friday 12 April
Evening Ride (BF)
1900-2130
11 Present: Nathan
Arecco, Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Martin Rushworth, Peter
Rushworth
Weather: Dry but cold
We were pleased to see Catherine
Hopper and Nathan Arecco cycling again today.
Sunday 14 April
Day
Ride: Hamel Down
19
Present: Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Matthew
Jago, Roger Johnson, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Peter
Rushworth, Gary Taylor, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Joseph Watkins, Martyn Williams, Eliot Wright
Weather:
Sunny at times
After the long climb from
Bickington to Haytor we managed to find a little shelter from the cold wind
behind the banks of the track near Jay's Grave. The Twydell family had a
delightful picnic laid out. The rest of us looked on enviously, but Julie
hadn't forgotten us: she had kindly made a large apple pie which she
promptly divided up and gave out to the hungry masses!
Now that we had got cold there was
little enthusiasm for the climb to the Hamel Down track: a quick vote was
followed by a speedy descent to the relative warmth of the café at Widecombe
before we returned homewards via Ponsworthy and New Bridge.
Wednesday 17 April
Evening Ride (PT): Stoke
Gabriel
1900-2130
9 Present: Mike
Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Alan Dawson, Matthew Jago, Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell,
Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: Fine
Dave Humphreys couldn't lead the
ride due to an injured back so Ken took over at short notice. The ride took
direction as we went with a series of votes and, for once, went smoothly
with an interesting if hilly circular route via Westerland to Stoke Gabriel
and on via Aish and Berry Pomeroy, arriving home for 9.30.
On the way back Ken went over what
he thought was a puddle that turned out to be a major pothole. He didn't
come off but vowed to drastically improve his lighting - watch out for
further developments and reports.
Friday 19 April
Evening Ride (BF)
1900-2130
10 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Burge, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, David Platt, Peter Rushworth ...
Weather: Occasional
showers
There was more than a little
confusion tonight. Richard Burge was down to lead the ride along a
predetermined route, and Michael was planning to catch them up when he got
back from his trip to Bristol. In fact he got back a little earlier than
planned, and Neil told Richard, who somehow got the idea that Michael would
therefore change the arrangements and come down to the start. So at 7.25
Michael left home and chased up Dean Hill, riding faster and faster all the
time and wondering how they could possibly have made such good progress.
Meanwhile, Richard and the rest of the group were waiting at the start.
They waited until 7.45 before deciding that perhaps there had been a
misunderstanding.
Michael went all the way to
Diptford and home via Rattery as planned. The others enjoyed a short ride
up Dean hill and then returned to Crofters to explain what had happened!
Sunday 21 April
Hardriders Day
Ride: Woodbury Common (67m)
2
Present: Martin Hills, Peter Rushworth
Weather:
Sunny, cold, showers
Peter and Martin arrived at the
start this morning to discover Richard sitting in his car: he was a shade of
green and unable to lead the ride. We continued nonetheless, arriving early
at the final pick-up. No one else turned up so we were able to make good
time to Woodbury Common, arriving at the castle at 1145. After consuming
ice cream and hot dogs we continued to eat lunch. Thoroughly filled, we
went about 'getting seriously lush megabad air' (jumping) around the local
area.
After Peter was 'politely' asked
by a warden not to ride in the castle, we went down the road to Woodbury
Mountain Bike race track where a circular course was followed. On the way
we met some mountainbikers whom we chatted with, and drooled over their
suspension forks.
Return route was via Exeter Ship
canal, Dawlish (including obligatory tea stop) and Teignmouth.
Sunday 21 April
Day
Ride: Curtisknowle
19
Present: Neil Ault, Stuart Benns, Tao Burgess, Karina Hobday, Michael
Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Luke Roberts (12, new), David
Robinson, Gary Taylor, Debbie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Joseph Watkins, Martyn Williams, Craig Wilson
(15, new)
Weather:
sunny
Karina, Debbie & Gary
Martyn, with a large chain he found
New rider Luke Roberts
Ken with his child-back tandem
From the Avonwick pick-up we took
the road which runs alongside the river Avon and the old railway station
(Ham Mill Halt) to Diptford. Michael had to give Luke a little training on
the right-turn procedure, then we continued to Curtisknowle. Unfortunately
the leaders were so keen to charge off at the front that most of them went
straight past the right turn which leads to the track alternative: those of
us who took it agreed it was an excellent detour.
Lunch was enjoyed on a log pile
near the river at Gara Bridge before we tackled the big climb out of the
valley. It wasn't long before we found ourselves passing the famous goat
farm about which Plymouth Section are always raving. A change is as good as
a rest, or so we are told, so plans for Loddiswell café were abandoned in
favour of goats milk scones and organic apple juice. The food wasn't too
bad, and the prices were excellent, but the odours emanating from the male
Llama outside were sickening!
Return was via Topsham Bridge and
Moreleigh.
Wednesday 24 April
Evening Ride (PT): Mansands
1900-2130
11 Present: Mike
Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Alan Dawson, Matthew Legg (11, new), Luke
Roberts, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: cold but
clear
Mike had very generously allowed
himself to be conned into planning the route and had opted for Mansands -
perhaps because this would be as far as possible from his home ground of
Torquay/Newton Abbot.
Due to the distance we had to opt
for a main road route to Hillhead - it was surprising just how quickly we
ate up the miles on the smooth, straight roads. At the Hillhead garage we
stocked up with crisps and sweets and were just about to go when Matthew
discovered a puncture - Ken gave an impromptu display of his puncture repair
skills whilst giving a running commentary to Luke, Mathew and Alan, our
junior members. Luke was, to put it mildly, a little cheeky and was twice
threatened with 'Yorkshire Justice' from Charlie. It is to be hoped that he
really does know it all, because it is likely that he will have to mend his
next puncture himself!
Due to the time wasted on the
puncture, Mike decided to give Mansands a miss, so we returned via the back
road to Galmpton and via Stoke Road to the back of STC, where we joined the
ring road back to Marldon.
Lights! - Dave had an interesting
sealed lead/acid rechargeable system on which he is still ironing out the
bugs. Ken had a combination of a spoke-driven dynamo, halogen
headlamp, two halogen rechargeable Nightrider front lamps, mudguard mounted
rear light and a Vistalight - an LED rear light that gives five hundred
hours light from two AA size cells - he is still working on the Fairy on
Top!
On a more serious note it is hoped
that Dave and Ken will be able to produce a technical sheet on cycle
lighting in the near future.
Friday 26 April
Evening Ride (BF):
Landscove (10m)
1900-2130
12 Present: Nathan
Arecco, Clive Buckland, Tao Burgess, Andrew Caunter, Dayle Guy, Martin
Hills, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Martin Rushworth, Peter
Rushworth, Joseph Watkins
Weather: Occasional
showers
Report unavailable.
Sunday 28 April
Day
Ride: Clampitt
28
Present: Stuart Benns, Christian Bryant, Jenny Bryant, Mike Bryant, Tao
Burgess, Jamie Davey, Alan Dawson, Barry Dawson, Dayle Guy, Mark Hedges,
Martin Hills, Lee Jelfs, Roger Johnson, Michael Jones, Matthew Legg,
Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Luke Roberts, David Robinson,
Philip Robinson, Gary Taylor, David Waldron, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Robert Walker, Joseph Watkins, Craig Wilson
Weather:
sunny
Jenny, "enjoying" the rough track from
Clampitt
On the road near the reservoirs
First stop today was the
Canonteign Falls café, although not everyone partook of the refreshments.
We then followed country lanes through the picturesque village of Christow
and up the long hill to the destination.
Michael was somewhat disappointed
when we arrived, because the surrounding forests had all been harvested
since his last visit several years ago, leaving a desolate wilderness almost
everywhere. We made the most of it, however, selecting a couple of grassy
banks along the track for lunch.
Continuing along the track we were
soon riding around the reservoirs. Approaching Hennock a few decided to
explore the bridleway shortcut down to Five Lanes - it turned out to be very
rough, but enjoyable nevertheless. After a short puncture delay we
separated near Bovey Tracey, some returning to Paignton via Chudleigh
Knighton and others stopping at the café at Bovey Tracey.
Wednesday 1 May
Evening Ride (PT): Coffinswell
1900-2130
8 Present: Alan
Dawson, Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell, Ivan (New), Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: dry
Ivan
(the mechanic from Paignton Cycles) turned up on his lovely refurbished
original type Moulton which Ken loved but Gary thought was a relic. By the
time we reached Compton, Ken and Ivan had swopped bikes, but had swopped
back by Kingskerswell. It was very comfortable but a Sturmey Archer 3-speed
is too much like hard work around these parts.
We had the vague intention of going on the Haccombe
track but only got as far as Coffinswell before deciding that it was getting
too late and making for home.
At Compton we took a left turn and
climbed a long steep hill to the new ring road and then back to Five Lanes
via the new bridleway that used to be the old ring road. This was a longer
route home but did avoid the tedious climb that we usually take.
Friday 3 May
Evening Ride (BF):
Michelcombe
1900-2130
10 Present: Neil Ault,
Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Andrew Caunter, Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright
Weather: Windy, sunny
and cool
After
meeting Joseph Bellows at Hawson Court we rode to Michelcombe and Holne,
pausing to follow tradition and play on the swings! We then took the track
which was one of the old entrance roads to the River Dart Country Park
estate, intending to turn left for emergence on Holne Chase. Unfortunately,
stopping was the last thing on the minds of the impetuous leaders of the
pack, as the track continued steadily downhill through the woodland. We
eventually met up with the track from Galant le Bower, however, emerging at
Holne Bridge.
We returned homewards through the
Country Park, getting back close to 9.30pm.
Sunday 5 May
Hardriders Day
Ride: Exeter Cathedral
3
Present: Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Peter Rushworth
Weather:
Sunny
No report available
Sunday 5 May
Afternoon ride (BF): Avon
Dam
15 Present: Neil Ault,
Joseph Bellows, Stuart Benns, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Zoe
Hatherly, Mark Hedges, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware,
Martin Luke, Susannah Maurer (A, new), Paul Oakley, Craig Wilson
Weather: sunny and
warm
Preparing for the Abbots Way descent
Downhill fun on the Abbots Way
A
short ride through Dean to Shipley Bridge brought us to the reservoir, which
wasn't overflowing today - an ominous sign for those who haven't forgotten
last year's drought. We returned to Buckfastleigh along our usual route
over the moor via Cross Furzes, and enjoyed refreshments on the Crofters
lawn.
Sunday 5 May
Afternoon ride (PT):
Galmpton
6 Present: Luke King
(13, new), Gary Taylor, Tom Widger (13, new) ...
Weather: sunny
We
headed out via the back roads to Stoke Gabriel and then along the river to
Galmpton, where Gary left us to go and revise. It was agreed to try
Galmpton Creek, so we followed the river and the footpath signs. Our
dyslexic leader was good at reading the variations on these: "No Entry" and
"Private". But not to worry, a patient landowner was on hand with a "Where
the hell are you going? This is my garden".
We found the path along the beach and up through a
field. Here some members managed to paint themselves with watery cow pats.
On we went past the tied-up farm dog (trying to strangle himself in a
desperate attempt to get at us), down to the quay at Greenway, back up the
hill and then right, towards Maypool. Here we met Mr & Mrs Hatherly
enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon ride away from their son.
We took the bridleway straight through somebody's
private land. Having been directed to the correct path we paused for a
drink from light green water bottles (see a previous sentence). Now we had
to decide on a choice of pathways all clearly signposted. The decision was
put to the vote and we went at some speed down the field to the next
gateway. Here a naughty farmer had placed barbed wire on the other side so
we had to climb over it. On we went down the path, which was now clear to
see.
At the bottom was a herd of inquisitive cows. They
seemed very pressing in their friendliness and were remarkably frisky. Our
group started to back up the field with the hedge protecting them on one
side and dragging their bikes in front of them. One member even managed to
cross some barbed wire and started to walk along the top of the hedge. We
could now see our path on the other side. The cows kept following us. Upon
closer examination we realised, at some length, that these 'cows' were not
quite what we had at first thought. This seemed to produce panic in one
member who presumably thought he was a prize cow: he was gone, straight
into the next safe field. Here we took a photo of our group and the
'cows'. At the top of this very steep field our prize Jersey then concluded
his acrobatics display by demonstrating a back somersault complete with
bike. He landed with the thud of the bike on top of him in a patch of
stinging nettles!
At the top of the field we found an arrow hidden in
the hedge, pointing in another direction! Having found the correct path we
headed for home by a direct route as it was getting late.
Wednesday 8 May
Evening Ride (PT): Coffinswell
1900-2130
5 Present: Alan
Dawson, David Humphreys, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker
Weather: showery
The threatening weather
had discouraged all but the most hardy (or insane!) who set off under Ken's
indecisive leadership to Edginswell. The idea was to meet a new member,
Dominic Steeples, near his home as he would not have had time to get to
Marldon for 7pm. In the event Dave had a puncture due to the tread of his
Hutchinson tyre disintegrating. By the time we had patched the tyre, fitted
a new tube and maimed all of our thumbs struggling with the Hutchinson's
ridiculously tight beading, we didn't get to Edginswell until 8pm and
Dominic wasn't there. Still, we did try!
Our route then took us past the Barton new town
development and on to Coffinswell (again!). Rather than go directly home
via Kingskerswell we went through Abbotskerswell to the Ipplepen end of the
Compton road. This route meant that we were never more than about forty
minutes from home so that Ken could time the return for 9.30 exactly - some
of his previous rides had been rather late, or early.
Friday 10 May
Weekend
Ride: Dartington / Salcombe YH
13
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Jamie Davey, Alan Dawson, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt, Martin Rushworth,
Peter Rushworth, David Waldron, Eliot Wright
Weather:
sunny
Ready to leave Dartington YH on Saturday
morning
Salcombe's warden showing off his python
Alan the snake handler!
David Waldron
Martin Rushworth
Michael
went down with a virus on Saturday, but he had recovered sufficiently by
Sunday morning to manage the cycle journey home. Highlight of the weekend
was when the warden at Salcombe hostel produced a three-metre python from
his kitchen - alive and fully functional! The younger members were highly
amused at the sight of Michael knocking over a jug of water as he backed
away from it! A succession of smaller snakes and lizards were then brought
out, some of which were safe enough to be handled by the younger members -
we have a photograph of a small snake wrapped around Alan's neck!
Return from Salcombe was across the ferry to East
Portlemouth, and then via Slapton Sands and Totnes. We lost Peter Rushworth
at Bow Bridge: he took a wrong turning and promptly got a puncture, so he
wasn't missed until we had climbed the long hill. He found his way home
eventually, however.
Friday 17 May
Evening Ride (BF): Buckland
1900-2130
6 Present: Neil Ault,
Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Martin Rushworth
Weather: sunny
Ashburton, Buckland in
the moor, Spitchwick and Hembury made an interesting route. We spent a
little too long at Spitchwick, waiting for some members to finish wading in
the cool waters, which made us later home than we planned.
Sunday 19 May
Hardriders Day
Ride: Burgh Island
2
Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
cool start, hot later
Martin and Richard
didn't fancy the allotted destination of Burgh Island before the Rough Stuff
event, so they found some roads that were new to them to take them first to
tea at Totnes and then on to Woolston Green.
Sunday 19 May
Day
Ride: Rough Stuff Event
22
Present: Neil Ault, Christian Bryant, Clive Buckland, Alan Dawson, Alex
Flannagan, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Richard Hopper, Toby
Hopper, David Hmphreys, Matthew Jago, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware,
Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Martin Rushworth, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell,
Gwyn, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
sunny
Meeting with other
members of the Devon DA at one end of the Beaston track was a recipe for
a fabulous day. Buckfastleigh starters were still late, because they
had to go via Totnes to meet up with other Section members. Arthur
Browne, the organiser from Exeter, had put together a superb course to
test us, and his wife had prepared excellent refreshments which included
freshly baked current buns. We are, as always, indebted to them both.
Wednesday 22 May
Evening Ride (PT): Broadhempston
1900-2130
11 Present: Ian Ceely
(A, new), Alan Dawson, Christopher Grimmond (A, new), David Humphreys, Luke
Roberts, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine
Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: sunny
Lorraine didn't feel
well. She hadn't felt well the day before or the day before that. Cause of
the illness? Kenotandophobia (ie she was trying to get out of going for a
ride on the back of Ken's tandem that had been originally planned for the
Monday). Ken wasn't to be put off so easily so he went round early on the
sunny Wednesday evening and persuaded her to 'just come round the block' -
it was a revelation! Hills that had previously hurt became flat - she was
hooked. Even so, Ken and Charlie still had to persuade her to come out on
the actual ride, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
The rest of the ride? Pretty ordinary really -
through the lanes to Broadhempston, round to the Woodland road and back via
the cross at Style Park Gardens. Everyone had a great time, especially our
two new members.
Friday 24 May
Evening Ride (BF):
Lambsdown
1900-2130
12 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Andrew Caunter, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper,
Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth,
Joseph Watkins
Weather: sunny
After climbing Dean
hill we took the right turn short-cut from Eden Farm to Gidley Bridge. The
sheltered field near the stream at the top of the valley, secluded amongst
the surrounding woodlands and stocked with peacefully-grazing cattle
and sheep, made an idyllic picture. Having climbed the track to Lambsdown
we returned across the moor to Cross Furzes and thence to Buckfastleigh.
Sunday 26 May
Day
Ride: Stepping Stones
15
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills,
Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Michael Jones, Matthew Legg, Martin Luke, Paul
Oakley, Martin Rushworth, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell
Weather:
sunny
An easy late start
for the Buckfastleigh riders but a hard slog for Ken (with Karina) and
Ben, the only Paignton/Totnes starters (there would have been more from
Totnes if Luke Hatherly hadn't given them false information). There was
more hard work in store as we climbed through Hembury Woods onto the
moor. Somebody was flying a kite across the road near Venford
reservoir, seemingly unaware of the danger.
The moors were particularly busy with canned
lemmings following each other tail to tail, which made the lung-busting
climbs unpleasant at times as we inhaled their exhausts. The
destination was about half a mile from the road: even here was busy with
walkers and other families, but it was a lovely setting down by the
river.
As usual Martin Luke and his sidekick Neil were soon
in the water. Unusually though things didn't get out of hand and there
were no tears.
The afternoon tea stop was at Dartmeet where the
proprietor hustled us to suitable tables very efficiently, if a trifle
condescendingly. He didn't seem interested in our consumer feedback
that a No Smoking area would be a benefit. "When the government
says that I have to ban smoking then I will," was his comment.
Presumably he only cleans the plates because "the government says so".
We got the impression that pleasing customers was not a priority,
although it must be admitted that the place was well run.
The day passed by with no major mishaps - not even a
puncture - but the Bank Holiday traffic ruined it for many of us.
Perhaps the 'Honeypot' routes are best left for the winter?
Friday 31 May
Evening Ride (BF):
Staverton
1900-2130
9 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke,
Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Martin Rushworth
Weather: sunny
Having ridden past
Caddaford farm and Abham, along the Fursdon track and past Staverton
station, we decided to call in at the public meeting in Staverton
courthouse. The discussion concerned the proposed cycle path between Totnes
and Buckfastleigh, and we thought it our duty to register our general
approval. We seemed to be outnumbered, however, by residents who felt the
path would affect their peace and privacy!
We left the meeting before it was concluded and
returned home by the quickest route.
Sunday 2 June
Hardriders Day
Ride: Sheepstor (51m)
3
Present: Clive Buckland, Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
dry/sunny, then overcast
Fox Tor Café was the
first stop. In addition to the items on the menu we could also have bought
the café, which is up for sale. We had lunch at Sheepstor, but did this
mean the village or the tor itself? We compromised and sat halfway up the
slopes of the tor. Martin was determined to be mentioned in these
despatches, and achieved this for two reasons. While Clive and Richard got
down to the serious business of eating lunch he dragged his bike to the top
of the tor to engage in some serious posing. Then later, when we descended
the Plym Valley cycle path, he remembered to remove his sunglasses before
entering the tunnel. However, he redeemed himself by suggesting the leisure
centre in Ivybridge for an afternoon cup of tea.
Sunday 2 June
Afternoon ride:
Broadhempston
37 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Barry Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Mike Giles, Dayle
Guy, Mark Hedges, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Matthew Jago,
Matthew Jeffery, Michael Jones, Luke King, Matthew Legg, Alex Lessware,
Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Liz Minskip (A, new), Robert Minskip (J,
new), Paul Oakley, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Peter Rushworth, Matthew
Staccombe (J, new), Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken
Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert
Walker, Francis Whitestone, Tom Widger
Weather: sunny
The group assembling near Denbury
Nearly ready to leave
Our invitation rides
usually attract a good attendance, and today was certainly no exception.
After a short play in the park at Broadhempston and a meander through the
local lanes we somehow managed to find our way to the Pick and Park café for
afternoon refreshments.
Wednesday 5 June
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
8 Present: Christian
Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Alan Dawson, David Humphreys, Ken Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: sunny
No report available.
Friday 7 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Woodland
1900-2130
12 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Tao Burgess, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Paul Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Matthew Jeffery, Michael Jones, Martin
Luke, Peter Rushworth
Weather: dry
Every now and then we
have a 'trackie' sort of evening ride from Buckfastleigh. Tonight we
started with the Priestaford House track (off the B3357), which was as muddy
as ever. Next we took the Old Totnes Road track across the old railway
line, crossed the A38 (a dangerous occupation!) and climbed Whistley Hill.
Next track on the agenda was Beaston, but we had a bit of riding to
do first - through
Woodland and Knowle. There was plenty of mud at Beaston, but there was
still time to squeeze in just one more track - the one from Landscove -
before heading homewards for a well-deserved hose-down.
Saturday 8 June
Weekend
Ride: Beer YH
7
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Martin Hills, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Eliot Wright
Weather:
wet
This would have
been an excellent weekend had it not been for the bad weather. Some who
had booked decided not to attend (including a certain large family from
the Paignton area). Of the remainder, Martin, Martin and Tao cycled
through the rain and Michael, Neil, Eliot and Alan went by car, calling
in at the café at Branscombe for some Dandelion and Burdock cordials and
an excellent range of home-baked cakes.
We made the most of our stay by walking to the beach
and along the coastal path, and playing Neil's new board game in the
common room.
On a sunny Sunday morning the cyclists set off for
Woodbury Common whilst the rest of us waited around for Beer caves to
open. It was well worth the wait. For a small fee we were given a
guided tour around the caves, created by humans as they removed huge
slabs of stone for use in such buildings as Exeter Cathedral.
After another stop at the Branscombe café we moved
on to Woodbury castle for lunch, hoping to meet the cyclists.
Unfortunately they had already gone through, so we made an early return
homewards.
Wednesday 12 June
Evening Ride (PT): Milber
Woods
1900-2130
4 Present: Ian Ceeley,
Chris Grimmond, Matthew Jago, Ken Twydell
Weather: variable
Without the moderating
influence of any youngsters the pace was fast - tempered only by a stop
every two miles to loosen stiff links in the chain of Chris' new Raleigh
Pioneer (the chain was a Suntour and similar problems have been encountered
by Carol Taylor, Gary's mum, with a similar chain).
Under Ken's forceful direction we sped through
Kingskerswell and on to Coffinswell where we took a lane that became a
bridleway (called Milber Lane) that was diverted around the sand quarries.
At the end we entered Milber Woods and took a downhill track almost to Penn
Inn roundabout.
We cut back through an estate to the Newton road
where we stopped at the Texaco garage for sweets etc before setting off home
via Stoneycombe.
Friday 14 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Hembury
1900-2130
11 Present: Tao
Burgess, Stan Ford, Ashley Freeman, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin
Hills, Matthew Jeffery, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt
Weather: wet
Light drizzle near
Buckfast didn't dampen spirits too much, as everyone voted to continue the
ride. Heavy rain halfway along the Hembury track forced a re-vote, however,
and this time all but three voted to return to Crofters for a viewing of a
Star Trek video. The three returned later, looking rather muddy.
Saturday 15 June
Hardriders Weekend
Ride: Boundary Ride
1
Present: Richard Hopper
Weather:
one shower, windy
Riders from different
Sections rode to meet each other at various youth hostels around the edge of
the county to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the CTC in Devon. Richard
rode to Salcombe, where he met Derek and Mike from Plymouth. We had a short
walk along the cliff path before dinner, and then had the pleasure of
sitting in the bay window watching the sunset over the estuary. The hostel
was almost empty, surprisingly, and the five of us (including the warden and
an Australian visitor) gossiped peacefully. While we solved all the world's
problems one of the hostel's colony of bats flitted around in the fading
light, catching an early evening meal. On Sunday we rode together for a few
miles, chatting over the ever-changing fortunes of cycling, before our paths
divided once more.
Sunday 16 June
Day
Ride: Cranbrook Castle
25
Present: Neil Ault, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne
Hobday, David Humphreys, Matthew Jago, Michael Jones, Stephen Larkin, Alex
Lessware, Martin Luke, Daniel May (J, new), Martin Rushworth, Debbie Twydell,
James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Tandem 1, Tandem 2,
Tandem 3, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Tom Widger
Weather:
breezy, sunny with showers
Dave Humphreys, Alex, Tom and Martin at
Cranbrook Castle
Tom, Alex, Matthew Jago, Martin Luke,
Martin Rushworth and Martin Hills at Cranbrook Castle
After a gentle ride
along the Lustleigh railway track, about half the group (mainly the
oldies and the very youngies) decided to shorten the ride and headed
straight for the Primrose café. The rest of us - including Paul and Ben
- took the Wray valley road from Bovey Tracey and stopped for lunch near
the old railway bridge on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead, sitting on
piles of logs. Stephen and Daniel decided to head homewards for some
reason, leaving the rest of us to continue to the destination.
Conditions were somewhat breezy on the hill, but the
views were extensive. We returned home via Chagford and Hound Tor
rocks, leaving Paul and Ben very ready to consume tea at Crofters and
await the arrival of Mum in the van.
Wednesday 19 June
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
1 Present: Dave
Humphreys
Weather: rain
Dave
abandoned the ride owing to the bad weather.
Friday 21 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Brutus Bridge
1900-2130
9 Present: Julian
Duquemin, Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones,
Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Martin Rushworth, Joseph Watkins
Weather: dry
The famous Totnes track
was the destination this evening, which we reached by traversing Colston
road. Most of the youngsters missed the whole point of the track by racing
along it at full pelt. During the return, which was via Barracks Hill and
Rattery, we were horrified to see a live rat sitting beside the entrance to
a Week farm. It didn't run off, so we presumed it had eaten some rat poison
kindly left for it by the farmer.
Sunday 23 June
Day
Ride: Elender Cove
5
Present: Neil Ault, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Dave Humphreys, Michael
Jones
Weather:
wet
Five souls braved
the foul weather conditions in order to meet in a Totnes café for
coffee, but nobody fancied continuing to the destination so the ride was
abandoned.
Wednesday 26 June
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
5 Present: John
Horsler, Ken Twydell, Dave Vernon (A, new), Mark Vernon (J, new), Charlie
Walker
Weather: showers
Despite the weather,
five hardy souls turned up with the intention of having a short ride,
getting soaked and going home early. In the event the heavy rain never
materialised so we kept extending the ride until eventually returning home
for 9.00.
The pace was unusually very fast, averaging about
12mph. New members Dave and Mark Vernon showed their high level of basic
fitness as they kept up despite high gears and a terminal bottom bracket on
Dave's bike.
Friday 28 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Avon Dam
1900-2130
9 Present: Neil Ault,
Alan Dawson, Ashley Freeman, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Keir Manning, Chris Platt
Weather: dry
We took our usual route
up to Shipley Bridge and back to Cross Furzes, the only memorable incident
occurring when Neil hit a stone on a descent and buckled his front wheel.
Friday 28 June
Hardriders All-night ride
2
Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
dry & moonlit
Originally scheduled
for the previous week, the threat of bad weather had prompted a
postponement. A shame really, for about fifteen riders had expressed their
intention of going. This week we had just two: Martin and Richard. We
altered the route to take account of the wind, and a nearly full moon rose
as we passed Bickington discussing the finer points of the last episode of
Twin Peaks. We had two climbs of our own: from Steps Bridge towards
Moretonhampstead, and from Bovey Tracey to Haytor. Both were new to Martin,
and he wasn't impressed, but perhaps the darkness meant he was unable to
appreciate their scenic qualities. Caution was needed with the few mad
drivers around in the early hours, although the slightly eerie moonlit
landscape was more than enough compensation. No glowworms this year,
although we saw both a fox and a badger.
Sunday 30 June
Day
Ride: Ten Tors Special
21
Present: Christian Bryant, Jenny Bryant, Mike Bryant, Sarah Bryant,
Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Ashley Freeman, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Martin
Hills, Dave Humphreys, Matthew Jago, Matthew Jeffery, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, MartinRushworth,
Peter Rushworth, Tom Widger
Weather:
damp, then bright and windy
Every year we seem
to have trouble with the weather on our Ten Tors event. Once again mist
and drizzle shrouded Saddle Tor and Rippon Tor, but things had improved
by early afternoon so that we were able to enjoy the spectacular views
from Bel Tor, Honeybag Tor, Chinkwell Tor and Mel Tor for the first
time!
Regrettably, a few of the older teenagers decided to
challenge the Section's unspoken policy on riding across open moorland.
We encourage responsible off-road cycling on bridleways, and permit it
on certain other tracks or rights of way. Riding on open moorland,
however, is never permitted without express permission: members who
breach this rule threaten the reputation of all cyclists in the eyes of
walkers and landowners. Perhaps all members could try to observe this
policy whenever they are riding their cycles, either in or out of the
club: it is CTC policy and a part of the Mountain-Bike code.
There was some confusion on Dr Blackalls Drive as
some of the mountain bikers took a rougher track to New Bridge and some
other members followed them by mistake. Congratulations are due to the
following, however, for completing all ten tors this year:
Matthew Jeffery Martin Luke
Sebastian Lessware Dave Humphreys
Alex Lessware
Mike Bryant
Tom Widger
Jenny Bryant
Martin
Hills Christian Bryant
Dayle
Guy Andrew Guy
Peter Rushworth
Michael Jones
Martin Rushworth
Ashley Freeman
Certificates will be presented at the Christmas
Lunch ride in December.
Wednesday 3 July
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
8 Present: Ian Ceeley,
Gareth Dart, Alan Dawson, Bob Minskip, Liz Minskip, Robert Minskip, Ken
Twydell, Charlie Walker
Weather:
No report available.
Friday 5 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Spitchwick
1900-2130
9 Present: Alan
Dawson, Ashley Freeman, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Matthew Jeffery, Michael
Jones, Chris Platt, David Platt, Martin Rushworth
Weather: thundery
Michael informed those
present that, according to the weather forecast, a thunderstorm was moving
towards South Devon from Cornwall, and he advised a cautious route through
Landscove which would facilitate a speedy return if the forecast proved
correct. Apparently, however, everyone else had decided that Spitchwick was
the place to visit in view of the high level of humidity, and they weren't
about to be put off the idea by Michael!
Climbing through Hembury Woods the air felt thick,
but as we reached Spitchwick everything became quickly dark. Several
members were swimming as the first rumbles of thunder became audible.
Michael wasted no time in ordering a retreat, but of
course it was too late. The heavens opened, and a spectacular light display
chased us all the way home. We had never been cycling in an electrical
storm before, especially one with such frightening forks of lightening, and
I feel that many members won't want to do it again!
Sunday 7 July
Hardriders Day
Ride: 80km Reliability Ride
2
Present: Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper
Weather:
wet & fairly windy
Wimbledon men's singles
final, the early start and the weather combined to dampen just about
everyone's enthusiasm for the first of the year's reliability rides. When
Toby and Richard turned out to give the new tandem its first CTC outing no
one else appeared. The rain looked as though it might hold off for a while
as they made their way to Newton Abbot for the pick up, but had become quite
steady by the time they got there. A double puncture made them late; the
first one was just bad luck, but the second was the result of carelessness -
Toby eventually spotted the sliver of glass that Richard missed after the
first tube change. The bad weather and lack of companions made the
programmed ride up on to the moor less than inviting, so they took the
quickest route back to Buckfastleigh.
Sunday 7 July
Afternoon ride (BF):
Ramshorn Down
3 Present: Martin
Hills, Michael Jones, Eliot Wright
Weather: rain
Discretion again seemed
the better part of valour as we retreated to Crofters to watch the men's
singles tennis final over hot drinks.
Sunday 7 July
Afternoon ride (PT): Man
Sands
1 Present: Ken Twydell
Weather: wet
Only Ken turned up in
the bus in view of the appalling weather conditions, so the ride was
abandoned.
Wednesday 10 July
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
12 Present: Ian Ceeley,
Alan Dawson, Chris Grimmond, John Horsler, Dave Humphreys, Bob Minskip,
Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker,
Robert Walker
Weather:
No report available.
Friday 12 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Woolston Green
1900-2130
4 Present: Neil Ault,
Alan Dawson, Michael Jones, Andrew ?
Weather: drizzle, then
sunshine
Those who braved the
early drizzle were rewarded with a delightful sunny evening ride through
Pridhamsleigh, Landscove and Staverton, which included a sprinkling of
tracks just for Alan. After the first one turned out to be rather muddy and
steep, he seemed to have lost much of his enthusiasm for tracks!
Sunday 14 July
Day
Ride: Treasure Hunt
37
Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Christian Bryant, Tao Burgess, Mark
Burnard, David Cutts, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday,
Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware,
Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Martin Rushworth,
Matthew Stacombe, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell,
Paul Twydell, Andrew ?, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker,
Robert Walker, Tom Widger, Martyn Williams
Weather:
dry
Richard had just
two loops in the course this year, one before lunch and one after
lunch. This proved a very satisfactory arrangement, and the clever
clues provided plenty of entertainment. Many thanks to Julie for
preparing and serving the drinks and cakes, which were very welcome.
Wednesday 17 July
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
8 Present: Ian Ceeley,
Alan Dawson, Chris Grimmond, Martin Hills, Dave Humphreys, Ernie Laurence,
Ken Twydell, Charlie Walker
Weather:
No report available.
Friday 19 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Dartington
1900-2130
10 Present: Tao
Burgess, Dennis Downing, Julian Duquemin, Stuart Furay (J, new), Martin
Hills, Michael Jones, Anthony Morgan, Martin Rushworth, Joseph Watkins,
Eliot Wright
Weather: dry
This evening's route
took in some newish lanes in the Rattery and Dartington areas, returning via
the Staverton track, Abham and Green Lane.
Sunday 21 July
Hardriders Day
Ride: South Hams Audax
4
Present:
Weather:
dry/cool, becoming sunny & warm
Four riders from
Buckfastleigh entered the 100km Audax. We enjoyed the varied route, which
included the Plym Valley cyclepath, and the company of riders from around
the country.
Sunday 21 July
Day
Ride: Ugborough Beacon
11
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Mark Hedges, Paul Hedges, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Joseph
Watkins, Tom Widger
Weather:
dry
There was a slight
delay at Avonwick caused by Tom Widger, who had left his helmet at Totnes
plains. Eventually however we set off for our usual route over Wrangaton
golf course, enjoying lunch on the Beacon. We continued along the stony
track to Petre's Cross, meeting up with a group of amateur mountain bikers
from Ivybridge school as we joined the Abbots Way behind the Avon Dam.
Return was via Cross Furzes.
Friday 26 July
Weekend
Ride: Street / Cheddar YH
9
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Mark Burnard, Alan Dawson, Matthew
Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Eliot Wright
Weather:
sunny & hot
The Willows & Wetlands visitor centre
Tao tries out the hanging willow seat!
Approaching Burrow Mump
Admiring the view from Burrow Mump
Matthew & one of the drainage channels
Somerset levels
Cheddar YH on Saturday morning
At the top of Cheddar Gorge, near Priddy
Relaxing in front of Glastonbury cathedral
The group outside Street YH on Sunday
morning
This turned out to be
one of the best weekends we have ever organised. A few were put off by the
high cost of travelling to and from Taunton on the railways, but those who
went were not disappointed.
From Taunton station we rode through Creech St
Michael, Ham, Knapp, North Curry and Meare Green, stopping at a visitor
centre near the latter to learn the importance of willow in the area. Next
stop was Burrow Mump, a strange rounded hill sticking up out of the acres of
flat landscape, with a ruined church at the summit. Our route to Cheddar
hostel was really very easy, the long flat roads being only occasionally
interrupted with short climbs. Michael was awarding points to the members
who noticed local features such as drainage ditches or willow trees, but
there were so many that we eventually had to give up the idea.
Martin Hills hit a major problem shortly after our
arrival at the hostel. He locked up his bike and realised he hadn't got the
key. He located a shop that had a pair of bolt-croppers, but had to wait
until the next morning for them to open. After a generous supper we enjoyed
a cycle excursion to the gorge before returning for card games at the
hostel.
Next morning we began the day with a guided tour
around the Cheddar caves and then climbed the long gorge to Priddy. We
called in briefly at Wookey Hole after lunch, but decided there wasn't time
to see even the Hall of Mirrors. At Wells we looked over the cathedral and
watched the jousters on the famous clock doing their thing, then we
proceeded through the lanes to Glastonbury Tor, where the long climb kept us
occupied for quite a while. We were only a couple of miles from Street, but
Michael decided not to point this fact out as we surveyed the view from the
tor. An excursion was organised which took us through West Bradley,
Baltonsborough and Butleigh before bringing us to the hostel on time.
Street hostel is a wooden chalet surrounded by
woodland and situated on a ridge overlooking Street. The interior was very
satisfactory, some of the dorms even having their own balconies. There was
plenty of room outside on the common for games of rounders, so that is how
much of the evening was spent.
Our last day was plagued with mechanical problems
near Walton, but we still found time for the planned excursion to Meare
before heading for Taunton via Ashcott. We arrived at the station with a
few minutes to spare - just enough time to purchase a few items of food from
a nearby shop.
Friday 26 July
Evening Ride (BF):
1 Present: Richard
Burge
Weather: sunny
Was Eliot responsible
for the poor turnout? He apparently told a number of people that there was
no ride because of the hostel weekend!
Friday 2 August
Evening Ride (BF): Abham
5 Present: Stuart
Furay, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth
Weather: wet
In view of the
threatening weather we kept the ride short by using Colston Road and
returning via Abham - the torrential rain on the return made us grateful for
our decision!
Sunday 21 July
Hardriders Day
Ride: Broad Rock
4
Present: Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Peter Rushworth, Andrew Simmons
Weather:
sunny & warm
After a prolonged
period of unsettled weather, a day of absolute loveliness dawned, after
numerous prayers to aid probably the Section's most lushly offroad ride in
history.
Martin, who was leading his first ride (officially),
was pleased to find three other nutters on mountain bikes at the start.
After cycling up though the back lanes past Venford reservoir, the
bridlepath from Hexworthy to Princetown was 'hammered'. At the ford at the
start of the track, Andrew decided to (try to) ride through. The camera
waited for the inevitable sudden stop halfway across - the first wet feet of
the day!
Supplies of milk suddenly disappeared from the cool
cabinet at the shop in Princetown. Bridleways across the open moor were
followed, and were great fun, so much so in fact that we went straight past
Broad Rock! We continued further into nowhere, to Erme Pits, looking for a
lunch spot. Julian either decided he wanted a closer look at the terrain or
was desperate to eat something, and flung himself spectacularly over the
handlebars, landing on his face. He tangoed to perfection with his toeclip,
which had become so fond of his foot that it would not let go. He lay
on the ground moaning (as usual) and squealing whilst Peter had to
use all his strength to pull the bike free of the corpse. Lunch was eaten
by the stream, and we continued to Red Lake.
Here we posed at riding up and down the 'big lumpy thingy' which sticks out
between the 'lakey-pond jobbies' at the end of the tramway.
We continued towards Huntingdon
Warren, where we posed before the unusually large number of people at the
bottom of the 1:1 hillside. As we descended to the valley floor Peter took
flying lessons before continuing to Cross Furzes, where Martin received a
puncture from a nasty rock. We waived bye-bye to Peter and descended the
hill to Buckfastleigh.
Sunday 4 August
Afternoon ride: Pulsford
11 Present: Neil Ault,
Jenny Bryant, Mike Bryant, Sarah Bryant, David Cutts, Alan Dawson, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Darren Nichols, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell
Weather: sunny
Ken was showing off his
new racer today, although nobody could quite understand his excitement.
When Darren's punctures had been fixed we continued to West Ogwell and once
again found our way back to Pick and Park for refreshments.
Friday 9 August
Evening Ride (BF): Venford
10 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Luke Buckland, Tom Current (11, new), Alan Dawson, Julian
Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Andrew Simmons
Weather: dry
Neil fell off near
Birchetts Wood when his chain slipped off the front chainring. He was a bit
sore so he decided to head for home while the rest of us continued to
Venford. Several members had no lights so we were forced to return at
8.45pm.
Sunday 11 August
Day
Ride: Lannacombe Beach
12
Present: Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Mark Hedges, Martin
Hills, Dave Humphreys, Matthew Jago, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Martin
Rushworth, Peter Rushworth, Andrew Simmons
Weather:
sunny
Lannacombe is a long
way from Totnes so we took the fastest possible route, via Stokenham, and
arrived in time for lunch. The beach didn't smell quite as clean as we had
expected, so we didn't stay too long today. We returned via Torcross,
enjoying refreshments in the café,
and managed to reach home by 5.30pm.
Friday 16 August
Evening Ride (BF): Staverton
8 Present: Neil Ault,
Alan Dawson, Stuart Furay, Dayle Guy, Mark Hedges, Paul Hedges, Michael
Jones, Chris Platt
Weather: dry
Once again several
members had no lights, including some who should know better, so the ride
had to be shortened to return by 8.40pm. We still managed Colston road and
the Staverton riverside track, however.
Sunday 18 August
Day
Ride: Haytor Tramway (27m)
12
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Dayle Guy, Roger Johnson, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Peter Rushworth, Ken Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
sunny
Another delightful
summer ride, passing through the ancient ruins of Graetor village.
Tuesday 20 August
Junior Tour: Lake District
14
Present: Neil Ault (15), Arthur Caulfield (12, London), Ian Gibbs
(15, Rochdale), Mark Hedges (15), Simon Hopper (19), Roger Johnson (15),
Michael Jones (31), Rufus Kahler (12, London), David Platt (14),
Tim Platt (13, Ormskirk), Martin Rushworth (13), Peter Rushworth (17),
Paul Smith (16, Basingstoke), Richard Sudworth (13, Wigan)
Weather:
variable
1991 Summer Tour, Lake District
Click on the
link below to read the full report on this 8-day junior tour to the Lake
District national park. The report includes many full-colour photographs.
3 Present: Debbie
Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell
Weather: slight
showers
After a day of fine
weather the evening threatened rain which discouraged everyone bar Paul, Ken
and Debora (on the back of the tandem). Craving company we left Marldon at
1915 and rushed to Kingskerswell to rendezvous with the Torbay CTC start due
for 1945. Alas their numbers were also sadly depleted and all they could
manage were Sue, Roy and Mark Williams.
We set off towards Abbotskerswell
but skirted to the side of the village and ended up at Style Park gardens by
Ipplepen. There we left the Torbay group and went home.
Friday 23 August
Evening Ride (BF):
5 Present:
Weather:
No report available.
Sunday 25 August
Day
Ride: Topsham Bridge
21
Present: Joseph Bellows, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin
Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Dave Humphreys, Alex
Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Paul Oakley, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell,
Charlie Walker, Lorainne Walker, Robert Walker, Tom Widger, Craig Wilson ..
Weather:
Not a bad turnout of
twenty one despite some members being off on the summer tour. As it was
such a fine day we decided to change the destination to Slapton by popular
request. The route we took was via Harbertonford and Modbury so we avoided
the main Kingsbridge road apart from crossing it a couple of times.
This route was very hilly and we were all looking
forward to the cooling sea at Slapton. However as we dropped down to the
coast we encountered a sea mist and the temperature dropped considerably.
Even so we had lunch by the beach whilst the bigger lads practiced bunny
hops and other 'stunts' until asked to stop by a wildlife trust warden.
We went back along the coast to Blackpool to
discover that the café, having been blown away in the storms, has only been
replaced by a kiosk. Disappointed we set off home - Paignton lot via
Dartmouth and the rest via Totnes.
Wednesday 28 August
Evening Ride (PT): Galmpton
1900-2130
7 Present: Alan
Dawson, Dave Humphreys, Philip Humphreys, David Robinson, Julie Twydell, Ken
Twydell, Paul Twydell
Weather:
Philip led us on a
lovely route to Churston and then via tracks to Galmpton and home on the
main road.
Friday 30 August
Evening Ride (BF): Pridhamsleigh
5 Present: Clive
Buckland, Luke Buckland, Alan Dawson, Michael Jones, John Stuart
Weather:
John Stuart joined
Michael, Clive, Luke and Alan for an excursion which started at
Pridhamsleigh and ended in the Staverton direction.
Sunday 1 September
Afternoon ride (BF):
North Huish
4 Present: Tao
Burgess, Michael Jones, Ken Oakley, Paul Oakley
Weather: dry
Ken and Paul Oakley
joined Michael and Neil for a short excursion to North Huish via Dean,
exploring some newish roads on the far side of Diptford for the return.
Sunday 1 September
Afternoon ride (PT):
Newfoundland Cove
6 Present: Alan
Dawson, Martin Luke, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker
Weather: dry
This ride was rather
unusual in that Ken had actually planned a route (albeit ten minutes before
he set off). We went down the Westerland valley to Collaton St Mary, across
the Totnes road and on to the Stoke Gabriel road. We soon left this to take
a path through the Yalberton Industrial Estate and onto lanes and tracks to
Galmpton, from where we took a lane almost to Hillhead. This route took
only about an hour and, apart from the crossing of main roads, we didn't
meet a car.
We then set off into unfamiliar territory towards
the coast via Brownstone car park and a military road (track) to the coast
path. This we followed (walking!!) for some 1½ miles to the outskirts of
Kingswear where we took a track that avoided much of the climb back to
Hillhead and returned home at speed on the main road.
Amazingly we got back for 1830 after some twenty
five miles plus 1½ miles walking, having discovered some new territory so
near to home.
Wednesday 4 September
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
Present:
Weather:
No report
available
Friday 6 September
Evening Ride (BF): Staverton
12 Present: Neil Ault,
Robert Beckwith (new, 10), Alan Dawson, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew
Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Simon Hopper, Michael Jones,
Martin Rushworth, Liz
Weather:
Dayle, Andrew and
Matthew HW forgot their lights again, so they left us after 45 minutes when
we had reached the top of Baddaford hill. Liz and Simon entertained us for
the rest of the evening by riding Richard's tandem in perfect
synchronization!
Returning along Colston Road after dark, Robert
managed to hit a hedge at the bottom of one of the hills, breaking his new
front light! We can possibly excuse him, as he had never ridden at night
before, and the bike he was riding was a little too large for him.
Sunday 8 September
Day
Ride: Dawlish Water
20
Present: Neil Ault, Robert Beckwith, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Julian
Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Michael Jones,
Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Debbie Twydell,
Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Tom Widger
Weather:
dry with sunny periods
Another excellent
ride. We took the steep road from Gappah which crosses the A380, then
continued to Ideford Arch where a few enthusiasts couldn't resist the track
to Well Covert. Michael intercepted them at the ford as they were trying to
decide which track to take next.
After a short lunch stop we followed the Dawlish
Water all the way into Dawlish, where sunny sands and breakers proved
irresistible for many. We returned homewards via the piggery at Holcombe
Down, then past the Golf Course to Little Haldon. It was during the
negotiation of the track down to Humber that Robert's handlebars worked
loose, causing him to come off and take Alex with him. Robert got several
grazes and scratches, but Alex came off worst with a nasty cut and graze
which took a few weeks to heal properly. Still, the track was good, and we
will no doubt return one day to do it properly!
Wednesday 11 September
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
Present:
Weather:
No report
available
Friday 13 September
Evening Ride (BF): Staverton
11 Present: Neil Ault,
Robert Beckwith, Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Catherine Hopper, Simon Hopper, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, Liz
Weather:
Matthew and Andrew
actually remembered their lights this evening!
Sunday 15 September
Day
Ride: Laughter Tor
13
Present: Robert Beckwith, Joseph Bellows, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson,
Julian Duquemin, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright
Weather:
dry
We rode to the
destination via Venford reservoir, enjoying an early lunch at Combestone
Tor. The track through the forest to Bellever was almost unrecognisable, as
nearly all of the forest has now been harvested. When Alan had learned not
to play with Michael's pannier we returned homewards through Widecombe and
Bonehill.
Wednesday 18 September
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
3 Present: Alan
Dawson, Ken Twydell, Charlie Walker
Weather:
No report
available
Friday 20 September
Evening Ride (BF): Brutus
Bridge
6 Present: Robert
Beckwith, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Chris Platt
Weather: dry
The red Vistalights,
promoted by Ken, were tested this evening and certainly looked quite bright
from behind. From the Dartington Hall estate we took the overgrown track to
Totnes (tricky in the dark) and returned via Rattery as usual.
Sunday 22 September
Day
Ride: Mothecombe Beach
21
Present: Neil Ault, Robert Beckwith, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Luke
Hatherly, Thain Hatherly (new, S), Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Philip Robinson,
Martin Rushworth, Andrew Simmons, Unknown rider, Charlie Walker, Robert
Walker, Ben Widger (new, J), Tom Widger
Weather:
dry
We repeated our earlier
route today by having lunch at Mothecombe and then wading across the river
to enable return via Aveton Gifford. Charlie wasn't all that enthusiastic
about the idea, but he didn't fancy climbing back up the hill we had just
descended so he went along with the majority. Things got a bit dicey when
we realised, half-way across, that the tide was coming in at the rapid rate
for which Mothecombe is famous: shoes and socks left on an island of sand in
the middle of the river were submerged a few minutes later when we returned
for them!
The Loddiswell café seemed appropriate, but as some
were then quite tired we returned home by the shortest route.
Wednesday 25 September
Evening Ride (PT):
1900-2130
Present:
Weather:
No report
available
Friday 27 September
Evening Ride (BF): Cross
Furzes
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Robert Beckwith, Alan Dawson, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke,
Chris Platt
Weather: threatening
As rain was forecast we
kept close to home, riding out to Buckfast. Since the rain had not
materialised we decided to tackle the steep climb to Cross Furzes, calling
in at the Rushworth farmstead along the way for some welcome refreshments.
The rain had still not arrived by the time we got back to Buckfastleigh -
the forecasts seem to be hopeless these days!
Saturday 28 September
Weekend
Ride: Steps Bridge YH
9
Present: Neil Ault, Robert Beckwith, Tao Burgess, Barry Dawson, Michael
Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Eliot Wright
Weather:
breezy, rain overnight
The forecasts for the
weekend looked abysmal right up to the start of the ride: storm force winds,
torrential rain, all continuing throughout the weekend. In fact the worst
weather we experienced was some light rain as we neared the hostel on
Saturday evening. We were not deterred from venturing out for our
traditional walk through the woodlands, despite the inky blackness of the
night and the promise of rain. Armed with a handful of battery lights we
bravely set out, but MJ and Tao were not amused when the rest ran on and
left them lightless on a rough path that had numerous pools of water along
its length and a fast flowing river close to the edge. There was nothing
much to be done except wait for the rest to return. Card games saw us
through the remainder of the evening.
The rest of the weekend was plagued with mechanical
problems, including Chris Platt's irreparable derailleur spring and numerous
punctures. Our Sunday ride was therefore doomed from the outset, so we
returned home after a less than satisfying ride, taking all day to ride from
the hostel to Buckfastleigh by the direct Moretonhampstead/North Bovey
route. We stopped for lunch at Mearsdon Manor, Moreton, as about half the
group had not brought a packed lunch.
Friday
4 October
Social:
Section AGM
1900-2200
21 Present:
Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Dayle Guy, Luke Hatherly, Martin Hills, Ben
Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Catherine Hopper, Richard Hopper,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Robinson, James Twydell,
Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker,
Robert Walker
This year's AGM
attracted a smaller attendance than in previous years, partly because the
Section seems to have settled on a good formula, leaving little need for
change. Lorraine Walker took on the treasurer's mantle, and Ken Twydell
took the position of Section Delegate from Richard Hopper. The position of
Publicity Representative was unfilled, although Sebastian Lessware was later
co-opted to the position. All other Committee positions remained
unchanged. Local publicity reps are as follows:
Newton
Abbot Alan Dawson
Torquay Dave Robinson
Paignton
Robert Walker
Totnes Seb Lessware
South
Brent Mark Hedges
Buckfastleigh
Neil Ault
Ashburton
Catherine Hopper
No major changes to Section policy
were introduced.
Sunday 6 October
Hardriders Day
Ride: Burgh Island
1
Present:
Weather:
sunny
Seb turned up at the
Avonwick pick-up but Richard had already abandoned the ride owing to a zero
turn-out at Buckfastleigh: he had forgotten about checking Avonwick. So Seb
made the best of a bad job by completing the ride on his own.
Sunday 6 October
Afternoon ride: Tally Ho
Bridge (19m)
23 Present: Neil Ault,
Robert Beckwith, Alan Dawson, Sam Everett, Christian Forbes, Luke Hatherly,
Thain Hatherly, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Michael Jones,
Alex Lessware, Darren Moore, David Robinson, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell,
Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: sunny
Seven from
Buckfastleigh met fifteen from Marldon at Tally Ho bridge and rode to
Fermoys via Ipplepen. The usual pleasant afternoon ride with no unfortunate
incidents.
Sunday 13 October
Day
Ride: Bozomzeal
13
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Stuart Furay, Daniel Hern (new, J),
Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Stephen Larkin, Paul Oakley, David Robinson,
Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Charlie Walker
Weather:
cloudy
We bumped into the
Torbay Section this morning at the Totnes pick-up, and attracted two
additional riders by virtue of our proposed track-based route. Ken, who had
recently purchase ten second-hand Moulton machines (a kind of Mechano
construction which bears a vague resemblance to a bicycle) and was riding
one today, was the laughing stock of the whole group.
From Tuckenhay we continued through Cornworthy to
the lunch stop at the top of the Bozomzeal track. Departure was then
significantly delayed while Dave finished his Thermos of piping hot coffee!
Both he and Michael then got the best laugh of the day as they watched Ken
picking his way down across the field on foot, pushing his Moulton beside
him.
The track was a bit stony and wet, but Ken got on
eventually and somehow didn't fall off. After a short café stop in
Dartmouth we took the ferry route back to Paignton, Dave H taking great
delight in seeing the Buckfastleigh contingent having to ride the extra
distance for once!.
Friday
18 October
Social:
Games evening
1900-2200
20 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Chris Giles,
Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper,
Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson,
Philip Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Our first social of the
new season proved as popular as ever - so much so that Michael had to return
home at 1945 to get more milk!
Sunday 20 October
Morning ride (BF): Chalk
Ford
10 Present: Sam
Everett, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Luke Hatherly, Thain Hatherly, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather: dry with an
autumn chill
Nobody walked the hill
to Cross Furzes so Dayle didn't have very long at the top to explain the
dubious virtues of the rectangular frame tubes on his new mountain bike.
From Lud Gate we descended at various rates to towards the destination.
Alex's progress was interrupted when he did a somersault into a wet bog
part-way down the hill.
At the un-named ford, Thaine and Luke were the only
ones who didn't pick their way around the edge. Thaine, who discovered just
how filthy the ford is when he accidentally stopped in the middle, re-named
it S**t Ford!
The scenery en route to Scorriton was as attractive
as ever. As we were a little early, we returned via Holne, narrowly missing
a herd of cows by taking a clever detour towards Gallant le Bower.
Sunday 20 October
Morning ride (PT):
Dartington Trail
6 Present: Alan
Dawson, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert
Walker
Weather: dry with an
autumn chill
This was a
poor turnout for the first morning ride of the winter. The pace was quite
fast until Alan's rear derailleur packed up and Charlie and Ken had to
completely dismantle it and bend it back into shape.
In view of
the previous wet weather we decided to give the nature trail a miss (perhaps
Ken was afraid that his 16" wheels could get stuck!), following the
Dartington estate road instead. Paul delighted in launching his mountain
bike on every speed hump, but did manage to lose his prized "Tandem Club"
water bottle in the process. He didn't discover this loss until the climb
out of Totnes ....!
We returned
via Berry Pomeroy and Westerland to conclude a very enjoyable morning. In
fact, Andy was so pleased with the ride that he took the trouble to say
thank-you to the leader.
Sunday 27 October
Day
Ride: Nutcrackers
14
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Thain Hatherly, Dave
Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Paul Oakley, David Robinson, Philip
Robinson, Ken Twydell, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger
Weather:
dry
Dave Robinson
was on the ride so we couldn't ride through Lustleigh without calling in at
the Primrose cafe. The Nutcracker stone is located amidst dense undergrowth
in the heart of Lustleigh Cleave. Unfortunately Zoe Hatherly took a tumble
during the descent of the steep track, but she was not too badly hurt.
After lunch
beside the secluded river Bovey we crossed the river by way of the provided
tree trunk and set about climbing through the steep track through the
woods. Ken wasn't particularly impressed with the upper reaches, but
everyone else seemed to enjoy the adventure. As we descended the unfamiliar
woodland tracks, Dave Humphreys made public his opinion that Michael had
probably selected a track that would emerge near the hinterland of
Buckfastleigh.
Nobody fell
off today, and nobody was airlifted to hospital (see report dated 25 March
1990 in newsletter 16). Martin and Alan went home from Manaton while the
rest returned to Cold East Cross via Hound Tor, delayed only by Dave's
puncture.
Friday
1 November
Social:
Slide Show
1900-2200
29 Present:
Neil Ault, Arthur Boylan, Evelyn Boylan, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson,
Julian Duquemin, Jeremy Ford, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, David Platt,
David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, Amy Rushworth, Dave
Rushworth, Diana Rushworth, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom
Widger
Michael showed
all his slides of CTC activities taken during the past twelve months,
including those of the Easter and Summer tours, together with a small
selection from earlier times. The event was so popular that a second show
has been scheduled for 21 February, drawing on Michael's CTC slides from the
last ten years.
Saturday 2 November
Weekend
Ride: Maypool YH
23
Present: Neil Ault, Jamie Davey, Alan Dawson, Luke Hatherly, Martin
Hills, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Paul Oakley, David
Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Peter
Rushworth, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, David Waldron, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
There was some
confusion over the start time at Longcombe today: Michael was under the
impression it was 1620 (as it was last year) and left promptly, since Alan
was early and all those who had booked were now accounted for. The
published time was actually 1630, however, and when Ken and Paul joined the
road near Waddeton at 1640 we had just gone past. They rode all the way
back to Longcombe for nothing!
Plymouth
Section joined us at the hostel for an enjoyable display of fireworks which
was not unduly affected by the strong winds. Afterwards the wardens served
up a range of snacks which included hot doughnuts. Luke Hatherly sauntered
in last and attempted to use his powers of persuasion to join Michael and
company who were near the front (surprise!). To his surprise he failed
miserably, and had to content himself with last place.
Plymouth
Section and four of our group went their separate ways on Sunday morning.
The rest of us rode into Dartmouth and were flabbergasted when the lower
vehicle ferry tried to charge us more than a pound each to cross the river
with a bike. They got quite stroppy when we informed them that they were
charging three times more than the other ferries, so we took the passenger
ferry instead and crossed at passenger rates.
The Spinning
Wheel cafe provided us with welcome refreshments before we continued to
Blackpool Sands for lunch. Return was via Tuckenhay and Totnes, where we
called in briefly at the Widger estate.
Friday
8 November
Social:
Paignton Social
1900-2200
16 Present:
Sarah Bryant, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, John Horsler,
Dave Humphreys, Matthew Jago, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell,
Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker,
Robert Walker
The first
Paignton social, held at 12 Clifton Close, was a great success. The
children played children's games, the "grown-ups" played parlour games and
everyone enjoyed the brilliant refreshments supplied by the lovely Lorraine.
Sunday 10 November
Day
Ride: Hamel Down
24
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Sam Everett, Dayle
Guy, Luke Hatherly, Thain Hatherly, Daniel Hern, Dave Humphreys, Michael
Jones, Stephen Larkin, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, David
Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
cloudy, breezy, cold & showers
From the
Bickington pick-up we made good speed to Jay's Grave. Some made even better
speed than others - like Luke Hatherly (yes, he's got a mention in the
report again!) who shot right past Jay's Grave and didn't stop until he had
led about six youngsters (and Seb) to the bottom of the hill. The rest of
us enjoyed a brief lunch break in the shelter of the path - lined on both
sides with tall banks - while waiting for a passing cyclist to take the
message to Luke.
There was a
lot of mud on the rest of the track down to Hamel Down gate. We were in
good time, however, so we decided to "ride the Down" on this occasion.
There was a spell of rather unpleasant rain as we neared the top which made
a few people think twice about going on. The precipitation was short-lived,
however, and we were soon enjoying the track in much brighter conditions.
As we neared the final descent to Widecombe, Luke made the same mistake
AGAIN, missing the left turn and leading Seb on a wild goose chase across
the moor. His father thought it best to leave him to it, so we proceeded to
the cafe.
They met up
with us again at the cafe, only to repeat the escapade for a third time as
we left the village by taking the turn to Natsworthy by mistake. They
caught us again near Leusdon, but Michael had to ask Seb if he had finally
learned not to follow Luke!
Michael's day
was made when he found that his favourite ducks were swimming happily on
their pond as we descended the hill to Spitchwick.
Friday
15 November
Social:
Road Safety evening
1900-2200
16 Present:
Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin,
Martin Hills, Catherine Hopper, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, David Robinson,
Dominic Robinson, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker
This was the
usual workshop, covering all aspects of road safety.
Sunday 17 November
Morning ride (PT):
Scabbacombe
10 Present: Alan
Dawson, Daniel Hern, Ben Hobday, Dave Humphreys, Philip Humphreys, Stephen
Larkin, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker
Weather: wet
Forceful (?)
leading from Philip Humphreys took us to Brixham via the tracks. Paul
became hysterical near the beginning of the ride (he said he couldn't
breath) so Ken took him home early.
Sunday 17 November
Morning ride (BF):
Skerraton Down
4 Present: Neil Ault,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Eliot Wright
Weather: wet
The assembled
throng weren't too keen on cycling in the rain, so they retired to Crofters
and watched a videotape recording.
Friday
22 November
Social:
Paignton Social
1900-2200
18 Present:
Alan Dawson, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Dave Humphreys,
Philip Humphreys, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip Robinson, Debbie
Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker
Dave Humphreys
came up with an interesting new game concerning parts of a bike. Later, the
younger members wreaked havoc upstairs while the mature folk enjoyed a game
of Trivial Pursuit.
Sunday 24 November
Day
Ride: Harford
17
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Daniel Hern, Ben Hobday,
Michael Jones, Stephen Larkin, Sebastian Lessware, Paul Oakley, David
Robinson, Mark Sloman, John Stuart, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather:
dry
Today marked
the long-awaited return of Mark Sloman to club cycling. Ken, Paul and Dave
left soon after Avonwick and returned via South Brent. Paul crashed at
Staverton Bridge, as usual just three seconds after Dad had said "Careful
now!"
The rest of
us made good speed to Ivybridge and then proceeded through piles of autumn
leaves to Harford church for lunch. The cross-country route back to South
Brent proved irresistible once again, but this time we avoided the bog (much
to Robert's disappointment!). The Copper Kettle cafe proved most hospitable
before we made an early return home.
Friday
29 November
Social:
Video evening
1900-2200
13 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin,
Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David
Platt, Martin Rushworth, Peter Rushworth
Last season's
science fiction film gave way to fantasy this year with The Never Ending
Story 2. Some members had seen this in the cinema last Christmas on a
club social, but many returned to watch it again.
Sunday 1 December
Afternoon ride: Torbryan
19 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Alan Dawson, Sam Everett, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson,
Peter Rushworth, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert
Walker, Joseph Watkins, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather: cloudy
The usual
exploration of the lanes near Denbury, culminating with a visit to the
Fermoys cafe.
Friday
6 December
Social:
Paignton Social
1900-2200
9 Present:
Alan Dawson, Ben Hobday, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Philip
Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Cycle videos
formed the centrepin of this evening's social, hosted by Dave Robinson.
There was some relief that Ken didn't bring his Moulton video.
Sunday 8 December
Day
Ride: Mamhead Obelisk
16
Present: Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Thain Hatherly,
Ben Hobday, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke,
Paul Oakley, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Robert Walker, Ben Widger
Weather:
grey & cold
Ben & Paul did
very well today: we were at Mamhead by 1215, enjoying the excellent views
but not wishing to hang around too long. A couple of teenagers on mountain
bikes hung around for a while but didn't manage to pluck up enough courage
to talk to ask about the club.
A new track
led us away from the Obelisk. We crossed Haldon, enjoying the delightful
autumn colours, and then took the descent to the Teign Valley via
Doddiscombsleigh. Always on the look-out for new routes we concluded the
ride with the steep climb from the Teign Valley to Hennock and another new
lane to Bovey Tracey. When Ken had fixed Paul Oakley's puncture we
investigated a new cafe in Bovey Tracey, and gave it a provisional seal of
approval. Return to Buckfastleigh was at 5pm.
Friday
13 December
Social:
Bicycle Workshop
1900-2200
10 Present:
Neil Ault, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Peter Rushworth, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Most people
seemed confident about basic cycle repairs, so when we had done a little
wheel truing and puncture repairing we set about enjoying some games.
Sunday 15 December
Day
Ride: Christmas Lunch Ride
41
Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Jamie
Davey, Alan Dawson, Sam Everett, Harry Hall, Luke Hatherly, Thain Hatherly,
Martin Hills, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Margaret Hopper,
Richard Hopper, Simon Hopper, Toby Hopper, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones,
Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Hills, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt,
David Platt, Andrew Simmons, Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell,
Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, David Waldron, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Jeremy Weston, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
dry start, wet after meal
This ride is
always the highlight of our year. All meals were provided as ordered, and
all offered excellent value for money. We didn't mind the rain which
descended as we left, although Dave Humphreys may have regretted leaving his
oilskin coat at Leusdon!
Friday
20 December
Social:
Paignton Social
1900-2200
16 Present:
Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Dave
Humphreys, Michael Jones, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson, Debbie Twydell,
James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew Walker,
Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Julie's
home-made vegetarian mince pies and fruit punch made this a festive
occasion.
Sunday 22 December
Morning ride (PT): Lapland
8 Present: Thain
Hatherly, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, David Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: grey
Attempts to
find the published grid reference of ZZ000000 proved fruitless, but Charlie
seemed to know what he was about and led us with customary decisiveness.
Ken had dressed as Father Christmas, with Ben and Karina dressed as gnomes
on the back of the tandem/Rann trailer combination.
When we
arrived at Lapland (which bore a remarkable resemblance to Stoke Gabriel) we
were met by Julie (dressed as Mother Christmas) and Lorraine (dressed as
Lorraine) who both served us with hot soup and drinks, along with rolls and
Parkin cake. We then made our way home accompanied by the odd hoot and wave
from festive minded motorists.
Sunday 22 December
Morning ride (BF): Haytor
4 Present: Neil Ault,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley
Weather: grey
The four of us
started towards Venford, but Neil, Martin Luke and Paul were unenthusiastic
so the ride was abandoned.
Friday
27 December
Social:
Christmas Social
16 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Jeremy Ford,
Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Catherine Hopper, Simon Hopper,
Toby Hopper, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Chris Platt, David Platt, John
Stuart,
The
ever-popular Christmas gathering at Crofters offered members a selection of
computer games, videos and board games - along with the customary vegetarian
mince pies and ice cream.
Sunday 29 December
Day
Ride: Dittisham
13
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Thain
Hatherly, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware,
Martin Luke, Bob Taylor, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
dry
The final run
of the year was short but very hilly. After lunch by the water and the
steep climb out of the village, Dave Humphreys suggested a track! The
contingent that followed him had a wonderful time, and those who didn't had
a lengthy wait.
South Dartmoor CTC 
