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 1992. 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 or linked with the ride reports
Problems with Michael's camera in 1992 meant that photographs were not always
of the best quality, and as a result fewer photographs were taken than in
previous years. If you have any photographs of any of our 1992 events,
please get in touch with us so that we can add them to the page. We can
also supply high quality prints of our photographs if required, including prints
of photos that we couldn't add to the web page.
If you took part in any of these events we'd love to hear from you - please
fill out the comments form at the end of this page, and we'll add them to our Comments 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.
Sunday 5 January
Afternoon ride (BF):
Didworthy
4 Present: Neil Ault,
Dayle Guy, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware
Weather: overcast
A short but
brisk ride took us to Didworthy and then back across the moor via the Avon
Dam and Cross Furzes. Michael wondered at the way the mountain bikers sped
across the wet grassy inclines, commenting that he always felt nervous about
his near-bald front wheel slipping out on the mud. As an experiment he
decided to ignore his inner warning bells and try a faster descent - with
inevitable results!
Sunday 5 January
Afternoon ride (PT):
Chercombe Bridge (25m)
6 Present: Harry Hall,
Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
Weather: about to rain
but never did
Ken brought
his Moulton again today, and reckons that Gary Taylor was surprised at its
performance. We had a good ride to Ogwell, returning via Broadhempston and
Red Post - where young Robert had to buy sweets!
Friday
10 January
Social:
Map Reading
1900-2200
10 Present:
Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker
A small
turnout, and those who came along already knew a fair amount about map
reading. Nevertheless we had some fun solving some cryptic map-reading
quizzes from previous years.
Sunday 12 January
Day
Ride: Doddiscombsleigh
14
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Martin Hills, Michael
Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Bob Taylor, Gary
Taylor, Ken Twydell, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
Cold but bright
We were
overtaken by a group of racing cyclists as we ambled up the Teign Valley.
Martin and Seb just couldn't resist the temptation to race after them,
hoping to prove that mountain bikes are every bit as fast on the road as
racing bikes. Unfortunately they forgot all about stopping, and were
nowhere to be seen when we were ready to turn off the road. We met them
later in Doddiscombsleigh and found a quiet rural spot just outside the
village for lunch.
Eliot was
very, very slow today, but eventually we got back to the craft centre cafè
at Bovey Tracey for refreshments.
Friday
17 January
Social:
Paignton Social
1900-2200
10 Present:
Lots of nice
food, Trivial Pursuit, cycling chat, parlour games and the Taylors'
inimitable hospitality made this another pleasant evening.
Sunday 19 January
Hardriders Day
Ride: Clifford Bridge (52m)
2
Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper
Weather:
cold & overcast
A morning cafè
stop was necessary to ward off the cold (well, Moretonhampstead has to exist
for some reason). Martin pretended he hadn't had breakfast, so justifying
his two helpings of cheese on toast, while Richard made do with an enormous
slice of cake. Thus fortified we headed towards Castle Drogo, where we
split up: Martin rode the Hunter's Path in the opposite direction to normal,
and Richard took the road, meeting up at Clifford Bridge. Later on at a
stop for a breather, Martin looked pensive. "You've gone very quiet,"
remarked Richard. "I'm just listening to your puncture," he replied, and he
was right. On the way back we searched in vain for a bridlepath the map
showed running from the Claycutters Arms to Heathfield, and got our bikes
very muddy in the process.
Sunday 19 January
Morning ride (BF):
Gatcombe Tracks
14 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Sam Everett, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley,
Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: cold
This was a
brisk ride, taking us through Broadhempston and Red Post, where Michael
remembered a track short-cut to Berry Pomeroy castle just in time to give
the ride an interesting new twist. Gatcombe Tracks turned out to be rather
muddy to put it mildly, but they are always good fun. We returned home via
Littlehempston and Staverton, stopping only for a puncture at the weir. The
ride would not have been so brisk if Eliot hadn't been riding a brand new
bike which helped him to ride 'like the wind'.
Sunday 19 January
Morning ride (PT):
Combe-in-Teignhead
5 Present: Alan
Dawson, Harry Hall, Dave Humphreys, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker
Weather: cold but dry
We had a bite
to eat at Combe Cellars after enjoying a pleasant ride along Haccombe track,
and then bumped into Mike & Jenny Bryant. Return home was by way of the
bird sanctuary and pond at Combe-in-Teignhead, and Coffinswell.
Friday 24 January
Social:
Bicycle Workshop
1900-2200
13 Present:
Neil Ault, Ben Hobday, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, David Robinson,
Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker,
Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
There were
more adult trainers than there were junior pupils at this South Dartmoor
School social which explored the techniques involved in the regreasing of
hub and bottom bracket bearings. Many thanks to all the adults for giving
up their evening.
Sunday 26 January
Day
Ride: Avon Railway
19
Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Andrew Guy, Harry Hall, Matthew Hamlyn-White,
Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Luke King, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware,
David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
sunny & fresh
The path to
the destination was a bit overgrown today, so much so that Michael was
trembling in his shoes as he stood in the riverside glade at the bottom,
waiting for Lorraine and Charlie to emerge from the undergrowth.
Fortunately they seemed to be prepared to overlook the matter on this
occasion!
Matthew
Hamlyn-White was awarded a mention in the newsletter for being the
first Section member to bring a Pot Noodle on a ride - made up with hot
water from his flask. When Tom had recovered from his painful injury
(sustained by accidentally falling across his top tube during the descent)
and we had enjoyed a lunch in what must be the best possible surroundings,
we set off along the old railway track in the general direction of Topsham
Bridge. This path turned out to be much more to everyone's liking, being
relatively dry and clear of brambles. The South Brent to Kingsbridge
railway must have been a very scenic route in its day.
We got back
to Totnes by 1530 - just in time to stop for refreshments at a cafè below
the Totnes arch.
Sunday 2 February
Afternoon ride: Rolster
Bridge
15 Present: Neil Ault,
Alan Dawson, Sam Everett, Thain Hatherly, Decima Jones (A, new), Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, David
Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Robert Walker
Weather: dry but
slightly grey
Disaster
struck today before the ride had really begun. Dave Robinson, approaching
the Totnes pick-up from Marldon, somehow lost control and fell off during
the descent of Bridgetown Hill. Regrettably he fractured his leg near the
hip joint, and is still recovering at home. It is very unusual to sustain
breakages of this kind through falling off a bike. We all wish Dave the
speediest of recoveries, and hope that he will soon be able to join in our
activities again.
For the rest
of us, unaware of the seriousness of the incident, the ride continued with a
vague air of normality: Neil had a puncture; Martin Luke had a puncture,
but didn't start fixing it until we were about to leave ... We didn't make
it to Rolster Bridge today, but derived some pleasure from a brief ride in
the Harberton direction before heading homewards.
Friday 7 February
Social:
Games Evening
1900-2200
8 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley
More fun and
games at the Southpark Centre, Buckfast.
Sunday 9 February
Day
Ride: Fingle Bridge
14
Present: Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Thain Hatherly, Martin Hills, Michael
Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
showers
A brisk ride
through Lustleigh (notable for the fact that we did not stop at the
Primrose cafè) and the Wrey valley brought us quickly to Moretonhampstead
and the lanes beyond. The sun was shining so we stopped for lunch beside
the grassy track near Cranbrook Castle - only to be rained upon rather
viciously within twenty minutes.
As we began
the climb from Fingle to the upper reaches of the Hunter's Path, Martin
Hills announced that he felt miserable in the rain and wanted to go home by
a quicker route. Shortly after he left the rain stopped again and we
enjoyed a superb ride along the sunlit path to Chagford. The corner shop
was the only refreshment stop available, so Michael made the most of it by
purchasing and consuming a pint of milk.
Return was
via Hound Tor and Ashburton.
Sunday 16 February
Morning ride (BF):
Henroost Mines
13 Present: Daniel
Broadbent, Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, John Stuart, Ben
Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny but
cold and windy
Once again we
didn't make it to the elusive Henroost Mines: the youngsters were finding
the bitter headwind somewhat tiring by the time we reached Venford. John
Stuart would have been happy to continue, however: he thought the ride was
all day and had brought a packed lunch!
We decided to
take the interesting bridleway down the Holy Brook valley to Michelcombe,
but Alan didn't see us turn off to the left and disappear over the hill. A
few moments later Seb was chasing after him, shouting uselessly against a
headwind.
The descent
offered delightful views of the unspoilt valley: on this occasion there were
no injuries along the treacherous upper reaches of the track. We returned
to Buckfastleigh at 12.30 after an excellent ride. A number of members
opted for videos and computer games at Crofters before setting off for a
late lunch.
Sunday 16 February
Morning ride (PT): Rattery
No report
available
Friday 21 February
Social:
Slide Show 2
1900-2200
8 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy,
Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke
This
travelogue of the Section's 1989 Norwegian tour did not come close to
attracting the large audience won by the autumn show, but offered some
amusing images of present members in their childhood.
Sunday 23 February
Day
Ride: Gara Mill (35m)
12
Present: Neil Ault, Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Thain Hatherly,
Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Ben Widger,
Tom Widger, Sam Wilde (J, new)
Weather:
dry, occasional sunshine
We enjoyed a
brief chat with our neighbouring Torbay Section members at the Totnes
pick-up before we set off for an all-new route to Gara Mill. We started off
as we meant to go on with the delightful (but sometimes muddy) Sharpham
Drive. Ashprington was inevitably the next port of call, and then at
Tuckenhay the members demanded 'Corky' in reverse. As we reached a junction
part-way up the track, Dave Humphreys suggested the left fork instead of our
usual right. We were rewarded with snowdrop-lined hedgerows and excellent
views of Tuckenhay and the Dart - and I suppose the mud at the end was a
reward for some.
The track
brought us out in Cornworthy, a village we haven't visited for many a year.
We followed a lane from the village which brought us to the more familiar
territory of Higher Tideford, and had lunch in the sunny shelter of the big
dip just before Hemborough Post. Poor Alan had been making heavy weather of
the ride today, so he was very glad of the rest.
The
exploration of new routes didn't end with the consumption of lunch. We
continued to Bugford Farm and took more interesting new lanes to the
destination - a picturesque mill surrounded by woodland and situated by a
river in a steep-sided and very private valley. Some members were so intent
on getting up the far side that they rode straight past the mill, unaware
that it was the destination and oblivious of the scenic delights of the
area.
We returned
to Moreleigh from where some continued to the Copper Kettle at South Brent
for refreshments. Congratulations to young Sam, who performed admirably on
his first ride.
Sunday 1 March
Afternoon ride (BF):
Sigford
8 Present: Harry Hall,
Thain Hatherly, Zoe Hatherly, Martin Hills, Alex Lessware, Seb
Lessware, Paul Oakley, Sam Wilde
Weather: damp
Michael was down with a
cough this week, but the other keen members had a good ride to the
destination through some delightful lanes.
Sunday 1 March
Afternoon ride (PT):
Higher Brownstone
? Present:
Weather: damp
No report
available
Friday 6 March
Social:
Give us a Clue
1900-2200
8 Present:
Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin,
Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones
This evening is always a lot
of fun, and tonight's session was no exception. Highlight of the evening
was Julian's pathetic mime of a bat - mimicked later by Dayle when he had to
do 'Batman'.
Saturday 7 March
Weekend
Ride: Maypool YH
4
Present: Neil Ault, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright
Weather:
damp
This was a very poor turnout
by South Dartmoor standards. Michael was still afflicted with his cough and
wasn't too keen to make matters worse with a drenching on a bike. And so it
was that Michael, Neil, Eliot and Paul attended the hostel by car. We had
an enjoyable time, and returned next morning after a walk and cafè stop on
Paignton sea front.
Sunday 15 March
Morning ride (BF):
Huntingdon Warren
13 Present: Neil
Ault, Tao Burgess, Tom Current, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Luke
King, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Andrew Thorne, Ben Widger,
Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: dry but windy
The climb to Cross Furzes
was quite pleasantly sheltered from the wind, but it was a very different
story as we reached the open moor at Lud Gate. Our immediate task was to
climb to the top of Puper's Hill, but the youngsters were soon pushing and
not terribly enthusiastic about continuing.
Once we had crossed the top of the hill we were exploring
new territory - well, not new to Ben, who helpfully pointed out a track that
made the descent to Huntingdon a good deal easier. We viewed the deserted
settlements and the relics of the tin mining era and then began to work out
how to get home.
We were reasonably familiar with the moorland terrain
from Red Lake to Cross Furzes, so we decided to follow the stream down to
its junction with the Avon and then pick up the Abbot's Way behind the dam
for the journey homewards. The going proved a little boggy in places, and
more than one of the younger members got ankle-deep in mud, but the ride
rapidly turned into one of the most enjoyable of the winter season to date.
Sunday 15 March
Morning ride (BF):
Grattons
3 Present:
Weather: dry & windy
Mark, Robert and Andrew were
the only members in attendance at Paignton today.
Friday 20 March
Social:
Games evening
1900-2200
8 Present:
Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin,
Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones,
The low turnout gave us the
luxury of enjoying pool, table tennis and computer games without the
necessity of queuing - a fabulous evening to end the season.
Sunday 22 March
Day
Ride: Hayne Down
8
Present: Daniel Broadbent, Harry Hall, Richard Hopper, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell
Weather:
dry but very windy
Ken, whose bad cold was
making him unusually miserable today, persevered against the headwinds and
steep climbs for as long as he could, but by midday he was ready to go
home. He stayed with us for an enjoyable lunch, however, in the shelter of
Black Hill overlooking Trendlebeer Down. Several horses were being ridden
up an interesting-looking track which followed the edge of Yarner Wood
nature reserve - we decided that it might be fun to ride down on another
occasion.
Ken and Paul left us at Manaton while the rest of us
proceeded up the rough track to Hayne Down, doing our best to ignore Alex's
curses which floated up behind us. The wind was quite bearable until we
reached the tor: here it was difficult to stand upright, and one could lean
at several degrees to the vertical, supported only by the force of the wind.
There was a catering van at Hound Tor which seemed a
quicker solution to the refreshment problem than a detour to Widecombe.
Alex got Michael to buy him a drink, then Daniel shook him and discovered
that he had his own money! He then proceeded to complain about the drink
which Michael had ordered, saying he didn't really want it. Definitely a
problem child!
We returned to Crofters via Cold East Cross and the Ten
Commandments Stone (as windy as Hayne Down) and enjoyed some video and
computer entertainment until 5pm.
Sunday 29 March
Day
Ride: Ringmore
13
Present: Neil Ault, Tom Current, Harry Hall, Thain Hatherly, Decima
Jones, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Mark Moxham,
Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger
Weather:
showers
There was a considerable
delay at the Avonwick pick-up, which had something to do with Mark Moxham
deciding to make a telephone call from Totnes fifteen minutes after the
listed departure time. When he finally arrived at Avonwick he announced
that he was going home, so everyone felt it had been well worth the wait!
The forecast was unpromising but we decided to continue
as planned while the brighter spells held out. We took the primrose-lined
lane from California Cross to Harraton, which was mainly downhill and
offered good views across the rolling countryside to Ermington and beyond.
After lunch on one of the B3392's grassy verges the
ominous clouds prompted most of the group to make for the Avon Mill cafè at
Loddiswell, which made Thaine and Harry even more determined to reach the
destination. The main group arrived a few minutes after the downpour began,
and the other two walked in about half an hour later, thoroughly drenched.
The rain stopped after an hour, so we headed back through
Woodleigh and Moreleigh in brighter conditions.
Friday 3 April
Evening Ride (BF): Staverton
4 Present: Andrew Guy,
Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones
Weather: dry
Matthew and Andrew had to be home
before dark, so we just took a short ride along Colston Road (where Michael
made a delivery to his Aunt) and home from Staverton via Caddaford.
Sunday 5 April
Afternoon ride: Fishacre
Barton
16 Present: Tao
Burgess, Matthew Jago, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul
Oakley, Glen Powling, Gary Taylor, Andrew Thorne, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Alan
Widger (A, new), Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny
Glen Powling turned up again today out
of the blue, after an absence of several years. Buckfastleigh and Paignton
starters enjoyed a short ride together past Newhouse Barton and then
separated at Ipplepen.
Friday 10 April
Evening Ride (BF): Spitchwick
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Chris Platt,
Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny but
cold
We didn't get thunder today (as we did
for our last evening ride to Spitchwick). Another pleasant ride, although
it was a little cold on the return.
Sunday 12 April
Day
Ride: Haydon Common
13
Present: Tao Burgess, Harry Hall, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, Glen
Powling, Philip Robinson, Glen A, Glen B, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger
Weather:
sunny but very windy
The old Waddon Brakes section of the
A380 was amazingly quiet and safe today following the recent opening of a
replacement road section. The location selected for lunch was near the top
of the wood at Haydon Common, where the strong wind was very noticeable.
After lunch we explored a nearby track which was warm, green and sunny by
comparison - so pleasant in fact that several of us took a detour up and
down the section to Chiverstone Farm.
The return to Kingsteignton was via
Pitt Farm. Here, Michael decided to fix his slow puncture, and was most
frustrated to find that the end of his Presta valve was not firmly attached:
it dropped into the long grass twice. The first time it was found after an
intensive search, but the second time he just gave up and borrowed Charlie's
spare.
The length of the ride was taking its
toll on Lorraine, but Tao was feeling so fit that he did the big climb past
Ashcombe Tower twice. The Walker family went on at their own pace while the
rest of us took the track to Humber and returned via Kingsteignton against a
tough headwind - funny how the wind seems to change direction so that it is
always against us, isn't it?
Friday 17 April
Evening Ride (BF): Staverton
8 Present: Neil Ault,
Jane Ford (A, new), Jeremy Ford, Stan Ford, Michael Jones, David Platt, John
Stuart, Sam Wilde
Weather:
This was another relatively short ride,
because some members didn't have lights. Michael had just carried out a
pre-tour service on his Mercian, but when he got to the start he discovered
that he had installed his chain incorrectly around the derailleur. The only
solution was to dismantle the derailleur.
The outward route was via Colston Road
and Staverton Bridge. After taking the riverside track to Staverton we
returned through Abham, pausing to inspect the pheasant farm near High Beara
and arriving home by 9pm. John was resplendent on his gleaming new Raleigh
Royal today, having decided to keep both a touring bike and a mountain bike
in his shed from now on.
Sunday 19 April
Afternoon ride: Easter
Special
13 Present: Neil Ault,
Harry Hall, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, David Humphreys, Michael Jones, Seb
Lessware, John Stuart, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Sam Wilde,
Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny and
warm
High pressure dominated the weather and
gave us summer-like conditions this afternoon. A number of members made a
special effort to join us, including John Stuart, Dave Humphreys, and Sam
Wilde. Sam came out from Totnes just to get his Easter Egg (courtesy of
Michael) and Easter Chocolate (courtesy of Julie).
We enjoyed a natter in the park at
Broadhempston, then a meander through the lanes - nobody minded that this
was our usual route, because spring was in the air and the hedgerows were
alive with the bright colours of primroses and dandelions. Fermoys did the
catering for our cafè stop, leaving a large space in Ken's wallet (he had
nearly all his family out today). Michael and Seb didn't fancy any tracks
on the return route as their bikes had just been cleaned for the tour.
Monday 20 April
Junior Tour: Somerset & North Devon Coast
18
Present: Neil Ault (15, Buckfastleigh), Jonathan
Burgess (13, Winchester), Sam Cannon (11, London), Arthur
Caulfield (13, London), Jonathan Crabtree (13, Bristol), Ian
Gibbs (15, Rochdale), Michael Jones, Rufus Kähler (12, London), Sebastian Lessware (17, Totnes),
Anthony Lowne (10, Stockport), Nicholas Lowne (12, Stockport),
David Platt (15, Buckfastleigh), William Raffety (12, Bristol), Zachary Slatter
(13, London), Bruno
Taylor (13, Winchester), Roger Whalley (13, Winchester),
Dan Whittle (13, Cheddar), Tom Widger (13, Totnes)
Weather:
variable
1992 Easter Tour, Somerset & North Devon
Click on the
link below to read the full report on this 5-day junior tour to Somerset
and the North Devon coast. The report includes many full-colour photographs.
Seb went to Staverton to meet up with
Richard, but Richard didn't go because there was nobody else at the
Buckfastleigh start. So Seb enjoyed a short solo ride.
Sunday 26 April
Day
Ride: Bowden
8
Present: Daniel Broadbent, Harry Hall, Richard Hopper, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
showery start, sunny later
Confusion reigned supreme this morning
when Michael was late at the Buckfastleigh start (yes, later than usual Seb).
Richard Hopper was a little late as well, thought Michael had gone and went
on to Totnes. Michael and Neil found the start deserted and decided to
travel to Totnes by car. When they arrived they found Richard trying to
ring Michael to see where he was. Michael promised not to be late again.
We took the easy route to Slapton
Sands, making excellent speed. A shower caught us as we got to Torcross, so
we treated ourselves to pizza and chips in the Sea Breeze restaurant, a very
comfortable establishment. Dan had the nerve to ask if he could eat his
sandwiches inside, and seemed surprised when he received a firm refusal from
the proprietor.
We completed lunch on the now-sunny
beach, throwing in more than a pinch of tomfoolery to round of the meal.
Michael, remembering a treacle tart he had purchased from the Inn a year or
two ago, decided to try another today and found it far less appetising than
he had expected. Just before we left some of the youngsters decided to
inspect the tank (a relic from the second world war now permanently on
display near the beach) and left Michael to do battle with the officious
bloke who told them to get off.
The steeply-sloping fields above the
track from Slapton to Strete were swarming with wild rabbits this
afternoon. At first glance they were invisible, but if you watched closely
for a while you noticed little white bobtails almost everywhere. We
returned via Forces Cross - where the cafe appeared totally deserted - and
Corkscrew Hill.
Friday 1 May
Evening Ride (BF): Hembury
Tracks
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Julian Duquemin, Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin
Hills, Michael Jones,
Weather: sunny
We wanted to get back reasonably early
tonight, so we rode up through Hembury Woods (passing several squirrels
along the way) and down the track from below Galant le Bower to the Country
Park. From here, Martin and Clive chose to take the track back through
Hembury whilst the rest of us returned to Crofters for refreshments via
Ashburton.
Sunday 3 May
Afternoon ride (BF):
Stert Barton
9 Present: Thain
Hatherly, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb
Lessware, Paul Oakley, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny & calm
Richard and Toby were out on their
Tandem today to make the most of this perfect afternoon. Our route took us
up Dean hill, into South Brent, through Avonwick and Diptford to Stert
Barton. Here the hilly lanes were lined with hedgerows alive with a huge
variety of flowers and other vegetation. There were several ups and downs
to tackle, but the whole ride was a delight.
Returning to the main road we
continued homewards via Tigley and the Cobberton road. Buckfastleigh
starters concluded the ride with live computer entertainment at Crofters.
Sunday 3 May
Afternoon ride (PT):
Littlejoy
? Present:
Weather: sunny
No report
available
Friday 8 May
Evening Ride (BF): Skerraton
Down
? Present:
Weather:
No report available
Sunday 10 May
Day
Ride: Grimspound
17
Present: Richard Adams (17, new), Matthew Bentley, Richard Goss (13, new),
Dayle Guy, Thain Hatherly, Martin Hills, Richard Hopper, David Humphreys,
Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Mark Moxham, Paul Oakley, Philip
Robinson, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
mainly dry
We took the B-road from Bovey to
Manaton and enjoyed lunch in the sun at the junction above Heatree Cross.
Just for a change we decided to try the steep track to Heathercombe. After
a lot of climbing, which took us past a secluded adventure centre, we
reached the top and sat down for a well-earned rest. As the conversation
died down, the sound of running water could be heard emanating from Richard
Hopper's selected seat! Richard was quick to point out that it was nothing
to do with him: he just happened to be sitting on a disguised drain cover!
We left the tarmac here and set off
across a stretch of open moorland that was completely new to all of us. It
was difficult to follow the 1:50 000 map across the barren terrain. At one
point Michael sent the main group off in one direction, then changed his
mind and took the remainder in another, more boggy direction which in fact
proved to be the correct route. The main group either didn't look back or
simply chose to continue regardless, and didn't even have the sense to come
back or wait when they reached a cross-paths. Instead they selected a route
at random to see where it would lead and hurtled off across the moor.
The path took them all the way to
Canna Park while Michael and the others spent over an hour scouring the moor
in search of the missing cyclists. They finally arrived by road with Dave
Humphreys: he had just happened to be lost as well, having set off from
Paignton more than an hour late, and had bumped into the youngsters around
the first corner. Dave was quickly given the blame for the whole situation,
but we were pleased to see him so it didn't really matter.
We returned home via Widecombe and
Leusdon, feeling grateful that the forecast rain hadn't materialised.
Friday 15 May
Evening Ride (BF): Buckland
Beacon
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley,
Eliot Wright
Weather: dry but cold
Matthew HW wanted to go to Buckland
Beacon, so that's where we went. We were rewarded with excellent views of a
hot air balloon, and very cold extremities. A quick vote directed us to
return by a similar route with all possible speed, to play games by the fire
at Crofters.
Sunday 17 May
Day
Ride: Bantham Sands
17
Present: Richard Adams, Richard Goss, Dayle Guy, Luke Hatherly, Thain
Hatherly, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul
Oakley, Bob Taylor, Mrs Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine
Walker, Robert Walker, Eliot Wright
Weather:
sunny & windy
This ride broke all recent records by
attracting two women - the Ladies Taylor and Walker to be precise. The sand
at Bantham is exceedingly fine, and managed to get absolutely everywhere
with the assistance of a persistent wind. Eating lunch in a semi-permanent
sandstorm meant that there was rather more sand in our sandwiches than we
would have liked! We were thoroughly entertained for the entire half hour
by a gentleman who was flying an enormous kite further down the beach: every
so often the wind would take a firm grip on the kite and lift the owner more
than a metre into the air.
On the return we stopped at the Sorley
Tunnel Centre, a farm owned by one of Michael's relations, where the
excellent, modern cafe offered a good range of food at bargain prices.
Buckfastleigh starters managed to scrape home before 6pm.
Friday 22 May
Evening Ride (BF): Landscove
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot
Wright
Weather: sunny
This was a re-run of one of our
favourite evening rides, taking us along Colston Road to the riverside track
at Staverton. We noticed that the meadow at the Staverton end of the track
had been fenced off since our last visit, presumably to deter people from
taking the short cut across the centre. We returned via Landscove, arriving
home at 9pm.
Sunday 24 May
Day
Ride: Holcombe Burnell
20
Present: Richard Adams, Daniel Broadbent, Tom Current, Julian Duquemin,
Richard Goss, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills,
Richard Hopper, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware,
Philip Robinson, Bob Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker,
Ben Widger
Weather:
sunny
James Allason, a new member from
Paignton, met us at Chudleigh Bridge today to suss us out: he was suitably
impressed and vowed to bring his bike next week.
This really was an excellent turnout.
After riding up the Teign Valley, Richard Hopper turned off to lead the
senior ride to Laurence Castle, but he had no followers today - which
virtually sealed the fate of senior rides! We continued along the B-road,
climbed to Longdown and were just about to turn left for the destination
when Julian and Martin decided to go to Exeter instead: apparently Julian
had never ridden all the way to Exeter before, and now that he was this
close he wasn't going to miss the opportunity!
We followed the road past the church,
then took the farm track down to the woods. Here we enjoyed a peaceful
lunch time in the dappled sunlight, pursuing various discussions about the
relative merits of Red Dwarf (which Michael hated) and Fawlty Towers (which
Michael liked).
The way out was hampered by several
stiles and some overgrown undergrowth - we so wished that Ken had been out
on his tandem to enjoy these obstacles. Scratched and stung we finally
found the main road. Bob and the rest of the Paignton contingent thought
rain was in the air and headed home, but the rest of us took the climb to
Bridford and the reservoirs. Trenchford was surprisingly low for the time
of year.
We were aiming for Bovey, but a cafe
sign at the entrance to Beadon Farm caught our attention. The onset of a
heavy shower settled the matter, so we quickly moved in to occupy all four
tables. Other customers were turned away before we realised that several of
the members didn't want to buy anything! Michael sent them outside in
disgrace while he awaited his glass of fresh farmhouse milk with eager
anticipation. What eventually arrived was a glass of double cream, which he
forced down with as much dignity as he could muster.
Catastrophe struck as we descended the
steep hill to Bovey: Daniel hit a wet patch in the road, lost control and
grazed his arm rather severely. The hospital was conveniently close (sited
at the bottom of the hill for just such eventualities no doubt) so no time
was wasted in dressing the affected area. He managed to cycle home without
too much difficulty after stopping off at Buckfastleigh for a drink and a
rest.
Friday 29 May
Evening Ride (BF):
3 Present: Neil Ault,
Martin Hills, Michael Jones
Weather: damp
Michael, Martin H and Neil decided that
a Crofters social was better than a damp ride.
Sunday 31 May
Day
Ride: Slapton Sands
17
Present: Richard Adams, Chris (friend of Alex), James Allason, Tao
Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Sam Everett, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Bob Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Tom Widger
Weather:
sunny
Much fun was had by all on the enormous
beach at Slapton, with pebbles large and small being deposited inside the
neck of Alex's shirt in particular.
Friday 5 June
Evening Ride (BF):
2 Present: Neil Ault,
Michael Jones
Weather: damp
Another damp evening ride that didn't
materialise.
Sunday 7 June
Afternoon ride:
Broadhempston
25 Present: Richard
Adams, James Allason, Sam Everett, Paul Flaxman (J, new), Chris Giles,
Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Karina Hobday, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Seb Lessware, Robert Minskip, Marcus (from Plymouth), Kevin
Presland, Andrew Tritschlder (J, new), Frank
Tritschler (A, new), Debbie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather: sunny
This was the usual invitation ride
jaunt around the Broadhempston lanes, ending up at Fermoy's Garden Centre
for refreshments as usual.
Friday 12 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Venford Reservoir
5 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Julian Duquemin, Michael Jones, Chris Platt
Weather: sunny
At last, a sunny evening ride! We rode
through Holne, spent a while sitting by the side of the nearly-full
reservoir and then returned across the moor to the Michelcombe track.
Sunday 14 June
Day
Ride: Treasure Hunt
25
Present: Daniel Broadbent, Paul Flaxman, Chris Giles, Richard Goss,
Harry Hall, Ben Hobday, Richard Hopper, John Horsler, Miss Horsler, Mrs
Horsler, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Chris
Platt, Frank Tritschler, Mark Tritschler, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Andrew
Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom
Widger
Weather:
hot
This was to be Richard Hopper's last
spell as organiser of this popular event, so he made it one to remember.
The start and finish was The Green near Denbury, and as usual the route was
divided into two legs with lunch in the middle.
The refreshments, which were really
intended for afternoon tea, were all consumed by the greedy participants
after the first leg, so when we returned from the second leg, hot and dying
of thirst, we had to beg at local houses for water! Nevertheless we were
all very grateful to Lorraine for her generous and welcome contribution to
the day. Julie's team won the three-cornered competition by a whisker, the
deciding point being won by asking at a house to look at an Atlas for the
capital of some obscure country - but it's all part of the game!
Friday 19 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Staverton
3 Present: Neil Ault,
Michael Jones, Chris Platt
Weather:
Neil had a new bike today, and
everybody knew about it. We rode to Staverton via Colston Farm (where Chris
fell in love with a kitten) and returned via Caddaford.
Sunday 21 June
Day
Ride: Plym Valley Cycleway
23
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Thain
Hatherly, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Ken
Oakley, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Peter Rushworth, Bob Taylor, Gary Taylor,
Frank Tritschler, Mark Tritschler, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
very hot
As usual, this was an excellent ride.
We rode all the way to Plympton, all the way up the cycle path and back
across the moor via Princetown.
Friday 26 June
Evening Ride (BF):
Pridhamsleigh
3 Present: Neil Ault,
Michael Jones, Chris Platt
Weather: sunny
We took the Pridhamsleigh track, rode
to Landscove and then on to the play park. If we were expecting peace and
quiet in this rural village we were disappointed: a local band was
practising in the village hall, producing enough noise to wake the dead.
The homeward route was via Abham.
Saturday 27 June
Weekend
Ride: Bellever YH
12
Present: Neil Ault, Jeremy Ford, John's friend, Richard Goss, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Chris Platt, John Stuart, Ben Widger,
Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
glorious
Seb rode with us to the hostel with the
intention of returning home to do some work. Indecision set in on arrival,
however, as the weather was excellent, and the fun factor very high. He
joined in with the Frisbee contest and the swim by the river, by which time
it was hardly worth trying to get home.
The hostel has recently been
'improved', and whilst the new wardens were only average the rooms were
certainly very comfortable. There was no dorm large enough for all of us,
but we managed to fit into two adjacent rooms and slept remarkably well.
Seb, of course, had nothing with him for an overnight stay, so he had to
make the best of sleeping in his cycling shorts.
Next morning we decided to take
advantage of the good weather and visit Wistman's Wood. There was even time
for a swim in the river, a loop back to the Foxtor Cafe at Princetown
(again) and another swim at Huccaby Bridge to conclude this memorable
weekend.
Friday 3 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Hembury Woods
4 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Chris Platt
Weather: drizzle
The rain was still spoiling the evening
after we had ridden around the Hembury Woods tracks, so we returned to
Crofters for a social gathering.
Sunday 5 July
Afternoon ride (BF):
Shipley Bridge
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Chris
Platt
Weather: dry but
cloudy
As we neared Shipley, Michael managed
to persuade Tao that his new quick-release barbag holder was actually a
device which prevented the bike from being ridden into a hedge. Tao
actually went to the trouble of testing it out on a real hedge before he
realised he had been conned. He's a good sport though, and took it all very
well.
Sunday 5 July
Afternoon ride (PT):
? Present:
Weather: dry
No report
available
Friday 10 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Staverton (10m)
5 Present: Neil Ault, James Gant
(J, new), Michael Jones, Andrew Watson (J, new) ..
Weather: sunny & clear
The rain cleared up just in time for
our ride tonight. James and Andrew performed admirably on their first ride.
Sunday 12 July
Day
Ride: Ten Tors (26m)
14
Present: James Allason, Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Richard Goss,
Harry Hall, Steve Haran, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul
Oakley, Chris Platt, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright ..
Weather:
Harry was so late arriving at
Bickington that Michael rang Ken (who's not the man he used to be) to find
out what had happened. Harry turned up eventually: apparently he had
thought the pick-up was at Avonwick until he reached Berry Pomeroy. As he
hadn't brought a map he couldn't work out a direct route back to Bickington
so he had to ride via Newton Abbot!
The ride was very tiring, partly
because so much walking was required to reach all the tors. The following
participants completed all ten tors and will receive certificates at the
Christmas Lunch: James Allason, Alex Lessware, Neil
Ault, Seb Lessware, Richard
Goss, Paul Oakley, Harry
Hall, Chris Platt, Steve
Haran, Tom Widger, Michael
Jones, Eliot Wright.
Friday 17 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Spitchwick
8 Present: Neil Ault, Tom Fox
(11, new), James Gant, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, Andrew
Watson, Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny
With Andrew, James and Tom representing
the primary school this evening we were surprised at the good progress we
made through Scoriton, Michelcombe and Holne. This proved to be the wrong
evening to go to Spitchwick: the Telethon event had set up shop there, and
the whole area was swarming with families preparing to camp there for the
night. There was non-stop recorded noise coming from the record player,
shattering the tranquillity of the whole valley. Riding along the track
route to New Bridge felt more like riding in the centre of a seaside resort
than on Dartmoor!
We departed with due haste and
returned to Buckfastleigh via the relative peace of Hembury Woods.
Sunday 19 July
Day
Ride: Elender Cove (24m)
6
Present: James Allason, Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Harry Hall,
Michael Jones, Paul Oakley?, Bob Taylor
Weather:
wet start, dry later
The weather didn't look too promising
for a beach run, so we settled into the cafe near the old Totnes Bus Station
just to see whether the rain was going to stop. Four of us ordered
tea-cakes, but Paul and James said they could only afford drinks. A little
later, when the teacakes were half-eaten, the proprietor arrived with two
more for Paul and James - with the compliments of the house! It later
transpired that a woman sitting at a nearby table had overheard the boys
saying they couldn't afford teacakes and had ordered them at her own expense
- anonymously! Now you don't often see that kind of generosity these days.
As if this wasn't enough, the proprietor gave us a bag of fresh plums as we
left.
A short ride to South Brent and Aish
was agreed upon, although we began to question the decision along the
Avonwick road as the mist thickened and the drizzle quickened. We enjoyed
lunch of sandwiches and plums by the Avon at Shipley, surrounded by
dampness, and then returned to Buckfastleigh across the moor. Bob and
James, both on touring bikes, weren't too sure what to say about the rough
sections of the route, so they tried to sound averagely enthusiastic. The
ride just happened to finish at Crofters (how Michael wished that Dave H had
been out) so nobody declined the offer of hot tea.
Friday 24 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Diptford
12 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Richard Burge, James Gant, Richard Goss, Mark Hedges,
Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Andrew
Steward, Eliot Wright
Weather:
We rode together as far as Avonwick and
then separated into two groups: six of us continued to Plymouth for the
weekend trip to Plymouth and Golant (see below) while Budgie led the
remainder homewards through Diptford.
Saturday 25 July
Weekend
Ride: Plymouth / Golant YH
6
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris
Platt, Eliot Wright
Weather:
sunny Saturday, damp on Sunday
Things went wrong for Eliot this
weekend. Just after leaving Avonwick he was stung on the tongue by a bee
(Michael said he shouldn't talk so much). At Plymouth he burnt his first
piece of toast and dropped the second piece on the floor. And then, while
descending the rough track near the Monkey Sanctuary at Looe, he fell off
just when he was trying to show off his mountain bike skills. Poor Eliot!
Looe was the venue for our afternoon
tea stop, where we indulged in huge and extravagant ice-creams. Some of the
lads were slow in getting ready to leave, so Michael took Richard around the
corner to start him up the long, steep hill out of the town. In those sixty
seconds the rest of the gang became ready to leave, couldn't see Michael
anywhere and foolishly took a best guess at the route. It was a dead end,
and involved them in quite a bit of back-tracking to rejoin Michael.
Meanwhile, Richard had come back down the hill to see where Michael was...!
Golant was friendly and welcoming as
always. We divided the evening between playing Frisbee on the lawn with
another family and practising one of Michael's card leagues in the
comfortable top-floor dormitory.
Sunday's ride was more of an achievement than a pleasure. We wanted to
avoid an expensive train fare from Plymouth to Totnes if we could, so we set
our heads into the wind and drizzle and rode for all we were worth along the
main roads. Somehow we all covered the 55 miles to Buckfastleigh by 6pm -
quite an achievement for Eliot, Paul, Chris and Richard.
Friday 31 July
Evening Ride (BF):
Totnes cycleway
5 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Burge, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt
Weather: sunny
This was our first chance to try out
the almost-completed cycleway from Dartington to Totnes before its official
opening next weekend. We were very impressed, and looked forward to the day
when it would run all the way to Buckfastleigh.
Sunday 2 August
Afternoon ride: Tally Ho
6 Present: James
Allason, Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Eliot Wright
Weather: sunny
This was another quiet meander around
the Staverton-Broadhempston lanes.
Friday 7 August
Evening Ride (BF):
3 Present: Michael
Jones, Chris Platt, Eliot Wright
Weather:
No report available.
Sunday 9 August
Day
Ride: Underdown
6
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, Bob
Taylor, Eliot Wright
Weather:
damp
In view of the inclement weather we
diverted to Bovey Tracey and the warmth of the Brookside Tearooms.
Friday 14 August
Evening Ride (BF): Chalk
Ford
9 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Chris (Clive's friend), Richard Goss, Martin Hills, Toby
Hopper, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt,
Weather: dry
Toby had turned out on his touring bike
hoping for a good road ride, so where did Michael lead us? Up the long,
rough track to Lud Gate, down a steep stretch of open moorland to Chalk
Ford, through the mud and along a very stony track to Scoriton. Michael had
a touring bike and he liked tracks, so I guess he didn't expect Toby to
think differently!
Sunday 16 August
Day
Ride: Mansands
19
Present: James Allason, Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Steve
Haran, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt,
Kevin Presland, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker,
Alan Widger, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
dry
This was an excellent ride. From
Marldon we took the Westerland Valley route to Collaton St Mary, then the
Stoke Gabriel road and back lanes to Northern Telecom and Churston, where
Kevin and his friend from Plymouth just happened to meet up with us. There
were more back lanes to explore before we stopped for lunch in a grassy park
overlooking Brixham harbour and the sea.
Brixham itself was bustling with
tourists, so we hastened through the crowded market place and ascended a
road which Michael hoped would eventually lead to Mansands. Remarkably, he
got it right first time, although a few people (notably Ken) complained a
little about the rough nature of the tracks.
We enjoyed a short rest on the beach
before setting off for the long journey homewards.
Wednesday 19 August
Junior Tour: Yorkshire Dales
18
Present: Neil Ault (16, Buckfastleigh), Ben Collins
(14, Wigan), Matthew Crabtree (16, Bridgnorth), Thomas
Crabtree (16, Bridgnorth), Mark Evans (14, Chesterfield), Paul Evans
(12, Chesterfield), Richard Goss (13, Buckfastleigh), Nicholas Guard (16,
Solihull), Timothy Guard (13, Solihull), Michael Jones (32, Buckfastleigh),
Matthew Muir (12, Lancaster), Matthew Pryer (14, Wigan), Paul Smith (17,
Basingstoke), Richard Sudworth (14, Wigan), Andrew Walker (11, Paignton),
Robert Walker (12, Paignton), Lukas Wooller (14, Liversedge),Tristan Wooller (12, Liversedge)
Weather:
variable
1992 Summer Tour, Yorkshire Dales
Click on the
link below to read the full report on this 8-day junior tour to the
Yorkshire Dales. The report includes many full-colour photographs.
8
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Seb Lessware, Paul
Oakley, Chris Platt, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
damp
The weather conditions were not very
inspiring as we met at Totnes, so we designed a short morning ride which got
us home for lunch.
Friday 4 September
Evening Ride (BF):
Lambsdown
10 Present: Neil Ault,
James Gant, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Keir Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris
Platt, Andrew Steward, Andrew Watson, Eliot Wright
Weather: dry
This was a perfect evening for a ride
across the open moor. Andrew Steward fell into the nettles on the rough
track that leads to the moor, but otherwise there were no incidents to
report.
Sunday 6 September
Afternoon ride (BF):
Whiddon Tracks
10 Present: Neil Ault,
Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, Keir
Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Eliot Wright
Weather: damp
Keir didn't get a blowout today, but
somebody else got a puncture at the bottom of the track.
Sunday 6 September
Afternoon ride (PT):
Duncannon
? Present:
Weather: damp
No report
available
Friday 11 September
Evening Ride (BF): Chuley
Cross
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Aaron Collett, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Adrian Teague,
Eliot Wright
Weather: dry
Adrian Teague had borrowed his sister's
bike to come on this evening's ride. He was somewhat upset, therefore, when
the derailleur wrapped itself in his wheel part-way through the ride. He
set off for home, trying to think how to explain the incident, while the
rest of us continued on to Chuley and homewards through the lanes.
Sunday 13 September
Day
Ride: Fernworthy Reservoir
10
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Seb Lessware, Keir Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Eliot Wright
Weather:
damp
This was another of those rides when
rain stopped play. We enjoyed a short ride across the moor which brought us
home for lunch.
Friday 18 September
Evening Ride (BF):
Buckland
13 Present: Neil Ault,
Aaron Collett, Jeremy Ford, Richard Goss, Phillip Harler, Mark Hedges,
Michael Jones, Mark Knowling, Keir Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Shane
Teague, Eliot Wright
Weather: dry
Spitchwick was peaceful this evening.
We continued past the Witch's House and up through the Haunted Wood to
Buckland, from where we returned via Ashburton. Shane and Philip made a
snap decision at the end of the ride to join the Salcombe weekend.
Saturday 19 September
Weekend Ride: Salcombe YH
9
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Jeremy Ford, Richard Goss, Phillip
Harler, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, Shane Teague, Eliot Wright
Weather:
dry
The group by the bike sheds at Salcombe YH
When we last visited Salcombe
about eighteen months ago, the youthful warden kept us entertained with his
impressive collection of enormous snakes. We were somewhat disappointed,
therefore, to discover that he has now been replaced: apparently his many
unusual pets had been causing a number of problems for YHA members!
We were stuffed into a poky,
dismal dormitory at the back of the hostel while another female hosteller
was given sole rights to the enormous Royal Suite overlooking the sea -
usually reserved for us! This didn't put the new warden high on our list of
favourite people.
After enjoying what we had to
admit were quite reasonable meals we set off for our traditional walk along
the coastal path. As we approached the inky darkness of Starehole bay we
saw a flashlight in the distance. From the coast path on the near side we
could see that there were two flashlights, moving unsteadily through the
undergrowth on the far side of the bay and heading towards the water. They
(whoever THEY were) knew we were there, but their lights couldn't quite
reach us across the water. Some of the lads were all for going over to
investigate, suspecting a smuggling operation, but Michael overruled and we
returned to the hostel.
Sunday's ride included
the usual ferry journey to East Portlemouth, the outdoor cafe stop on the
far side overlooking the estuary, the ride to Torcross and the homeward
route through Tuckenhay.
Friday 25 September
Evening Ride (BF):
6 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Goss, Phillip Harler, Michael Jones, Shane Teague, Eliot Wright
Weather:
No report
available.
Sunday 27 September
Day
Ride: Higher Ashton
12
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Seb
Lessware, Mark Moxham, Paul Oakley, Bob Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Eliot Wright
Weather:
We reached the
destination today and returned home via the reservoirs.
Friday 2 October
Social:
Annual General Meeting
1900-2200
16 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Jeremy Ford, Richard Goss,
Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, David Robinson, Matthew
Thomas, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Eliot
Wright
This year's AGM, held at
Crofters, was reasonably lively, although there were few volunteers for the
vacant positions on the Section Committee. Michael was re-elected Section
Secretary and North Area Co-ordinator, Bob Taylor was elected South Area
Co-ordinator, Neil Ault became Publicity Officer and Lorraine Walker was
re-elected Treasurer. The position of Section Delegate was not filled.
The following local publicity
representatives were elected:
TOTNES: Sebastian
Lessware
PAIGNTON: Andrew Walker
TORQUAY: Dave Robinson
NEWTON ABBOT: Tao Burgess
ASHBURTON: Chris Platt
BUCKFASTLEIGH: Eliot
Wright
SOUTH BRENT: Mark Hedges
The following motions
were passed:
That member-organised tours
for senior riders should be encouraged and supported by the Section.
That the Secretary should
explore a variety of country hotels, guest houses and restaurants with a
view to finding a suitable venue for the Christmas Lunch ride, offering good
food at prices ranging from £4 to £8, but that if he fails, Lorraine Walker
should be asked to organise the meal at a venue with good kitchen
facilities.
The amended motion was
carried. Michael agreed to start with the Ilsington hotel, Holne Chase
hotel, Dartmoor Hotel, Forest Inn and The Mill at Avonwick. Dave Robinson
suggested The Green restaurant at Widecombe, but he was not taken too
seriously.
That special Youth Hostel
weekends should be organised up to six times every year, according to
demand.
That North Area socials
should be held at either the Southpark Centre, Buckfast, or members' houses
at the discretion of the Secretary.
Dave Robinson suggested that
the Secretary should carry a survival blanket for use in emergencies.
Michael did not think this was necessary, but said that if the cost and
weight were small there was no reason why it should not be carried. Michael
commented that the first aid already carried was costing a lot of money, and
gave the example of a box of 25 tubes of antiseptic liquid of the type used
in hospital casualty departments which cost nearly £12. The following
motion was agreed:
That the provision and
carrying of comprehensive first aid equipment is of great importance, and
that the Secretary be authorised to purchase whatever equipment is required,
including a good quality survival blanket, using club funds, up to a maximum
of £30.
Dave kindly contributed £2 cash
towards the cost of the blanket.
Dayle suggested that the club
should organise more special social activities throughout the year, such as
trips to London, cinema trips, ten-pin bowling, or any other activity which
interests members, even if it is not related to cycling. He felt this would
assist new members to join the club. Everyone agreed that this was an
excellent idea. The Secretary asked that any members with ideas for such
activities should inform him in time to publish the arrangements in the
newsletter if at all possible.
Charlie Walker suggested that
the club should do more to encourage members to wear cycle helmets. Michael
explained that the club's current policy, agreed in committee, was that
inexperienced cyclists (usually but not always those under 16) who enquired
are advised that it is sensible to wear a helmet. A motion was proposed as
follows:
That the Section will extend
its current policy to encourage inexperienced members to wear a helmet.
Dave Robinson suggested that
all members should be encouraged to wear a helmet, and Charlie agreed. An
amendment was proposed to the motion, so that it read as follows:
That the Section will extend
its current policy to encourage all members to wear a helmet.
Before voting on the amendment,
Martin Hills wanted clarification that voting for the motion would not mean
that attempts would be made to persuade members to wear a helmet during the
course of cycle rides. It was agreed that encouragement would mainly mean
writing the advice in the next issue of the Section Guide. Michael wanted
clarification that senior members of the club would not be expected to set
an example in this respect, as he had no intention of wearing a helmet for
the foreseeable future. It was agreed that this would not be the case.
The amendment and the amended
motion were both carried by a majority vote.
There being no further
business to discuss, the meeting closed at 2148. The position of Section
Delegate is still vacant: see the advertisement in Noticeboard if you think
you may be interested.
Sunday 4 October
Afternoon ride: Uphempston
23 Present: James
Allason, Neil Ault, Lukas Bucannan, Nick Bucannan, Tao Burgess, Richard
Goss, Thain Hatherly, Mark Hedges, Toby Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware,
Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, David Robinson, Mr Simmonds, Bob
Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben
Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: dry
It's amazing how a large turn-out can make people forget
the most basic club rules. Whilst half the group were deciding whether to
risk the muddy track or take the road alternative, the leading bunch
proceeded along the track. There was nothing wrong with that, but when
Michael and a few others followed a few minutes later and reached the
cross-tracks there was nobody to be seen and no indication of which way they
had gone! Ten minutes were spent investigating each of the three
alternatives, but no evidence was found to help us. We waited a little
longer in case they came back to find us, but in the end we just took the
planned route, which happened to be left, and hoped that they'd sort
themselves out.
This turned out to be extremely muddy, much to Dave
Robinson's delight. As we struggled through the mud we were greeted with
the happy voices of the missing cyclists: apparently they had selected the
right turn and just happened to meet up with the roadies on their road
alternative route!
Sunday 11 October
Day
Ride: Sparkwell Wildlife Park
12
Present: Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Dave Humphreys, Alex
Lessware, Seb Lessware, Keir Manning, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert
Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
Michael was ill today but the rest of the gang enjoyed a
brisk ride to the destination, returning early in the afternoon.
Friday 16 October
Social:
Indoor Games
1900-2200
5 Present:
Richard Burge, Richard Goss, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones
Star Trek: The Next Generation videos formed the main
attraction at our first social of the season.
Sunday 18 October
Day
Ride: Rough Stuff
16
Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Richard Goss, Harry Hall, Martin Hills,
Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Keir Manning, Paul Oakley, Chris
Platt, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Eliot
Wright
Weather:
dry start, rain later
The afternoon turned out to be wet and miserable, but we
enjoyed meeting up with our friends from Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth
sections, and Arthur's route was interesting and well-planned as always.
Somehow the rain didn't bother us so much as the hot tea and home-made buns
were served from the van at the end of the ride.
Sunday 25 October
Day
Ride: Buckland Tout Saints
9
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Alex
Lessware, Seb Lessware, Mark Moxham, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
wet
In view of the bad weather, Alex and Ben suggested a
visit to Crowdy Mill near Harbertonford. We were treated to hot soup and
freshly-made bread and vowed to return again. The staff allowed a batch of
bread to burn while they were attending to our various needs, so we made
ourselves scarce, returning home via Dartington and Rattery.
Friday 30 October
Social:
Bicycle Workshop
1900-2200
5 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Julian Duquemin, Richard Goss, Michael Jones
Those who turned up preferred a slide show, so a slide
show is what they got. (Actually Michael got the dates wrong and put on the
slide show a fortnight too early, but nobody else seemed to notice the
mistake.)
Sunday 1 November
Afternoon ride (BF):
Venford Reservoir
6 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, Chris Platt
Weather: dry
This moorland excursion is always a pleasure,
particularly when we return from the reservoir using the steep track descent
to Michelcombe.
Sunday 1 November
Afternoon ride (PT):
Haccombe
? Present:
Weather: dry
No report
available
Saturday 7 November
Weekend Ride: Maypool YH
9
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills,
Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, Roxanne Hobday, Michael Jones, Paul
Oakley, Chris Platt, David Robinson, Dominic Robinson,
Debbie Twydell, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell,
Paul Twydell, Eliot Wright
Weather:
dry
Kevin and Dawn Presland at Maypool YH
The Twydell family at Maypool YH
Chris Platt, Paul Oakley and Eliot Wright
at Maypool YH
Paul Twydell & Ben Hobday at Old Mill Creek
Lunch at Old Mill Creek
Chris Platt, Neil Ault, Eliot Wright, Paul
Oakley and Richard Goss, plastered in mud!
After the traditional firework display on Saturday night
we met up with Ken next morning and enjoyed a ride to Dartmouth via the
Kingswear ferry, where the Spinning Wheel cafe provided the refreshments.
There was considerable delay while Ken sorted some
mechanical problems, but eventually we set off for Old Mill Creek where
Eliot, Chris, Paul and Richard entertained us with leaps across a narrow
stream, the last of which was a little short of the mark!
Friday 13 November
Social:
Slide Show
1900-2200
9 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Michael Jones, Matthew Thomas, Andrew Walker,
Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Eliot Wright
Michael hadn't been particularly active with his camera
recently, but there were enough slides of the two 1992 junior tours to keep
people happy this evening - at least, those who hadn't seen the slide show
at the previous social!
Sunday 15 November
Morning ride (BF):
Diptford
8 Present: Neil Ault,
Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Ben
Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather: damp
A brisk morning-only ride took us to Diptford via Rattery
and home via Avonwick and Marley Head.
Sunday 15 November
Morning ride (PT): Fleet
Mill
? Present:
Weather: damp
No report
available
Sunday 22 November
Day Ride: Whooping Rock
11
Present: Neil Ault, Harry Hall, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, David
Robinson, John Stuart, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker,
Loraine Walker, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
wet and windy
The forecast assured us that conditions would improve by
afternoon, so ten of us braved the weather and rode to Lustleigh to say
good-bye to the proprietor. We then chose to return via Haytor, and found
an interesting new bridleway which turned out to be rather steep and muddy
in places - good fun the other way I should imagine.
By the time we reached the top the headwind was
devastating and Seb had delayed us with a puncture, so we diverted to the
lower lane route from Birchanger to Halshanger and home through Ashburton.
This really was a miserable end to the ride, but we were at least pleased to
have got some exercise in spite of the weather.
Friday 27 November
Social:
Chinese Whist League
1900-2200
3 Present:
Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Michael Jones
Absolutely nobody turned up except Michael, Neil and
Richard - which means there'll be no more Southpark socials this season! We
managed to avoid a bill for the hire of the hall, however.
Sunday 29 November
Day Ride: Harford
14
Present: James Allason, Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Alex Lessware, Seb
Lessware, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Bob Taylor, Ken Twydell,
Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
wet
A damp start meant that everyone (except Michael, who was
home with a bad cold) was ready to go home after a short excursion around
South Brent: this spell of bad weather is really getting to be a problem!
The Totnes brigade elected to spend the afternoon at Crofters watching Star
Trek videos.
Sunday 6 December
Afternoon ride: West
Ogwell
4 Present:
Weather: very wet
More torrential rain
all morning, with no sign of a let-up in the afternoon, meant that yet
another ride was cancelled.
Sunday 13 December
Day Ride: Dittisham
11
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Goss, Michael Jons, Alex Lessware, Seb
Lessware, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Bob Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie
Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright
Weather:
Having enjoyed the delightful but hilly riverside lanes
from Totnes to Dittisham we settled down on the beach at Dittisham for a
well-earned lunch. Seb should have been more careful where he sat: his
embarrassment was obvious as he washed his coat in the river!
Sunday 20 December
Day Ride: Christmas Lunch
14
Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Richard Goss, Thain Hatherly, Michael
Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Chris Platt, Andrew Walker,
Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger
Weather:
dry
Ever since we had our first Christmas Lunch ride when the
section first began, we have enjoyed the hospitality of Leusdon Lodge guest
house, near Spitchwick, delightfully set in the heart of our favourite
moorland scenery. In November, the previous owners sold the establishment
and we were unable to make arrangements with the new owners in time for this
year's event. What we came up with was the Moorland Hotel near Haytor.
The meals weren't as cheap as Leusdon, but portions were
larger and quality was apparently better according to the meat eaters. If
our group had been larger we'd have been given the main function room, but
the dining area we were eventually allocated was lighter and offered far
better views over the extensive gardens. Charlie and Thaine were certainly
impressed and hoped for a repeat performance next year.
Perhaps next year the two teenage cousins from Totnes
will be able to exert better control over their table manners!
Sunday 27 December
Afternoon ride (BF): Avon
Dam
7 Present: Neil Ault,
Clive Buckland, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Andrew Simmons, Andrew's friend
...
Weather: cold
Andrew Simmons and his friend joined us for this special
Christmas romp across the open moor.
Monday 28 December
Social:
Christmas Social
1900-2200
9 Present:
This year's Christmas Social was a quiet affair by our
usual standards. Computer games, Pictionary, hot vegetarian mince pies and
interesting conversation formed the foundation to a highly enjoyable
evening.
South Dartmoor CTC 
