South Dartmoor CTC

 

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Somerset 2007
Lakes 2007

 

 

 

We've written some brief descriptions of some of our recent rides.  If you haven't ridden with us before, it will give you an idea of what we get up to.  If you're a regular member it will remind you of just how much fun you had!

 

Sunday 30 December Car-assisted day ride: Plym Valley Cycleway 1015-1530
4 Present: Andrew Banks, Michael "Wolfie" Bulmer, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler Weather: Dry

Freddie Tyler & Andrew Banks on one of the viaducts

Andrew & Freddie on one of the viaducts

 

 

Andrew Banks at the entrance to the Plym Valley tunnel

With many of our members away for Christmas it seemed that only Andrew from Plymouth was up for today's ride.  Michael met him at the start of the Plym Valley cycleway at Plympton and they rode with good speed all the way to the end of the path at Clearbrook.

During the past year or so most of the path has been given the tarmac treatment so that it now resembles a country lane.  This "improvement" seems to have removed much of the character of the route, but it was nevertheless and enjoyable ride.  The newly opened section of the path near Bickleigh was definitely welcome, however, obviating the need to use roads at any point on the route.

From Clearbrook we road the short distance to Meavy in the hope of refreshments outside the village inn, but unfortunately it has changed hands since Michael last visited, offering only a very expensive luncheon menu on Sundays.

Andrew was keen to have a meal out, so we headed back to Clearbook with all speed.  Whilst retracing our route back to Plympton along the cycle path we met Freddie and his family heading the other way.  Freddie quickly jumped ships and joined our gang back to Plympton, from where we took the car to Pizza Hut at Plymouth for a very tasty pizza meal with Andrew's Mum.

The conclusion of the day's activities was a games social at Crofters, where Wolfie joined Freddie and Michael for some entertaining computer games.

 

Friday 28 December Social: Christmas social 1800-2200
7 Present: Michael Bulmer, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Sean Kiely (13, new), Callum Stuart, John Stuart, Freddie Tyler  
We were pleased to welcome John and Callum at our Christmas social, giving us a chance to catch up with the latest news from Cheltenham.  Various computer games, and of course free mince pies, kept everyone happy throughout the evening.

 

Sunday 23 December Morning Ride: Totnes 1015-1230
5 Present: Olly Acland, Michael "Wolfie" Bulmer, Michael Jones, Jordan Knight, Freddie Tyler Weather: Sunny but cold

The group near Hole Farm

Our pre-Christmas ride to Totnes didn't turn out exactly as planned despite some very pleasant weather.  First, Wolfie started to feel ill along Colston Road and needed a few rests to settle his stomach.  Then Jordan got a puncture in the club bike near Riverford Bridge, causing a further delay.  Since Wolfie was still feeling unwell we reluctantly decided to give Totnes a miss and headed back via Charlie's Cross - only to be hit by another puncture, this time in Michael's rear tyre.

The youngsters helped themselves to their Christmas chocolate treats from Michael's pannier (toblerones) while he fixed the puncture, then we headed by along the track past Hole Farm and on through Caddaford to Buckfastleigh.  Suddenly Wolfie was feeling much better, but it was too late for the cafes on this occasion.

 

Friday 21 December Social: Cinema trip 1900-2200
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones  
Two of us enjoyed a trip to Vue cinemas, Plymouth, to see one of the big Christmas movies, the Golden Compass.

 

Sunday 16 December Day ride: Christmas Lunch ride 1015-1700
8 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Andrew Banks, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Dry

Christmas Lunch at the Ilsington hotel

There was a reasonable attendance for our Christmas Lunch ride to the Ilsington hotel, although there were many other current and older members who would have been very welcome to attend.  Michael, Ashley, Andrew and Zac rode from Buckfastleigh, but the Aclands had to leave later and drove to meet us at Bickington.  Sam joined us for the final climb to the hotel, and by 12.25 we were all enjoying the pool and sauna facilities.

The meal was excellent as usual, and whilst Michael had not managed to work out the junior attendance winner he was able to award the Devon DA trophy to the section for attending the most youth hostels during the year.

All except Charles and Heidi rode back to Buckfastleigh along the lane from Birchanger to Halsanger and on to Ashburton.  Making a good speed were were able to reach Buckfastleigh before dark.

 

Friday 14 December Social: Film night 1900-2200
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones  
A selection of games and videos kept he entertained on our pre-Christmas film night.

 

Sunday 9 December Day ride: Endsleigh Garden Centre 1015-1700
8 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Andrew Banks, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Heavy showers all day; windy
The weather was not at all pleasant this morning, so after a few phone calls and a general discussion at the start we agreed to run a morning social at Crofters and then make a car-assisted trip to Endsleigh at around lunchtime.
 
Well of course trying to arrange lunch at Endsleigh at this particular time of year was probably not the most sensible decision: the centre was packed with Christmas shoppers and the queue for the restaurant extended right out into the shop floor.  We quickly abandoned any idea of lunch and contented ourselves with a browse around the pet store and other areas before heading back for an afternoon games social at Crofters.

 

Friday 7 December Social: Badminton 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Freddie Tyler  
Torbay leisure centre was once again the only centre with free courts tonight, so we made the trip to Paignton and played numerous doubles games and a few short singles matches on a single court.  Michael's challenge to the youngsters of finding their way through the maize of interconnected changing rooms fell rather flat when some of the connecting doors turned out to be locked.

 

Sunday 2 December Afternoon Ride: Broadhempston 1415-1630
8 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Andrew Banks (12, new), Harry Blackman (10), Donald Comer-Calder (10), Michael Jones Weather: Breezy with sunner intervals & showers

The group at Broadhempston playpark

Andrew Banks, today's new rider at Broadhempston

We took the short route to Broadhempston in breezy but pleasant conditions, splashing through numerous large puddles and streams along the way.  We then spent a little time in the park playing frisbee and eating chocolate.

For the return route we diverted via Landscove, but we had just crossed a flooded section of road when a particularly heavy shower drenched everyone before the final climb to Green Lane.

Congratulations to Harry Blackman, out today for his first proper club ride.

 

Friday 30 November Social: Games evening 1900-2200
4 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones  
The usual range of computer games provided plenty of entertainment this evening.

 

Sunday 25 November Day ride: Grimspound & Hamel Down 1015-1700
  Weather: Dry
Despite very reasonable weather there were no takers for today's day ride to Hamel Down.

 

Friday 23 November Social: Ten-pin bowling 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Reuben Johnson, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
With the Plympton bowling centre now closed and Torquay fully booked we were obliged to go to Plymouth's Megabowl for this evening's social.  We seemed to get a few more fowls than we felt we deserved, but otherwise we had two very enjoyable games of bowling.

 

Sunday 18 November Morning Ride: Avon Dam 1015-1430
5 Present: Michael (Wolfie) Bulmer, Dennis Ham, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Freddie Tyler Weather: Dry with sunny spells

A delightful autumn scene at Gidley Bridge

Michael Bulmer, Dennis Ham, Zac McGrath & Freddie Tyler by the Avon near Shipley Bridge

Dennis & Zac riding up the path to the Avon Dam

Michael Bulmer - known as Wolfie to his friends!

The dam is seriously overflowing after overnight rain

Crossing the ford near Cross Furzes

According to the forecast there was a high probability of rain continuing throughout the morning, and since Zac needed a puncture fixing we arranged to start later at around 11am.  The rain actually stopped before 10am and conditions looked promising when we were ready to leave, so we set off through Dean Prior hoping that the promised rain would stay away.

When Zac eventually plucked up courage to ride past Nurston bungalow (scene of some unfortunate dog incidents on previous rides) we made good speed to the top of the hill and on through Gidley Bridge, which looked spectacular in its autumn decor.  Zac and Dennis were slightly annoying however: asked to continue on up the hill while Michael took some unhurried photos, they actually hid behind a hedge and sprang out on him when he set off!  Then everyone else had to wait while they climbed the hill at their slightly slower pace!

There were only a few people around Shipley Bridge.  The driveway to the dam was made more interesting than usual by the huge volume of water surging down the Avon.  South West Water contractors had left the path in rather a mess, however, during recent replacement of the water pipe: a very impressive trench digger (Wolfie wanted one of his own) had been used to dig up the tarmac, but it hadn't cut clean edges and the hole and been filled with loose rubble!  We hope they don't intend to leave it like this.

The dam itself was overflowing more than we could remember seeing for some time.  When we had taken a good look at all there was to see we headed back across our usual moorland route to the Abbots Way bridleway, which whilst wet, wasn't as muddy as we had perhaps expected.  This was the first time on the Abbots Way for both Freddie and Wolfie, and needless to say they thoroughly enjoyed the fast descent to Cross Furzes and home.

 

 

Friday 16 November Social: Games evening 1800-2200
3 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones  
The planned music quiz was replaced with a games evening in view of the small attendance this evening.

 

Sunday 11 November Day ride: Haldon Forest Tracks 1015-1700
4 Present: Charles Acland, Olly Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Dry morning

Ashley & Olly relax in one of the play areas near the Play Trail

Ashley demonstrates his musical skills on the Play Trail

The autumnal lane across Haldon to Mamhead Obelisk

Charles, Olly and Ashley at Mamhead Obelisk

Ashley & Olly at Mamhead Obelisk, with views to the Exe estuary

Mamhead Obelisk

Weather was somewhat overcast for our car-assisted ride to Haldon, but we were still a bit surprised at the relatively low turnout for a ride that is always great fun.

Having parked in the gateway car park near Bullers Hill we first rode the Play Trail as a warm-up, offering interesting and mainly level paths around the nearby forest.  There were interesting play activities around almost every corner of the route, which of course Ashley and Olly just had to try out.  Next was the Family cycle trail, which was a little longer and slightly more hilly.  We then rode the few miles across Haldon's autumnal lanes to Mamhead Obelisk, which offered magnificent views to the Exe Estuary and beyond while we ate lunch on the comfortable seats.  This was a new location for all except Michael, and they were so impressed that they will undoubtedly return again.

A few spots of drizzle began to fall as Olly and Michael chased each other around the nearby undergrowth, so we headed back along the tracks near the Obelisk and arrived back at the Forest Park just as the rain seemed to become more settled.  We had seen a van selling hot pancakes earlier, so now was the time to sample them whilst giving the weather a chance to decide what it was going to do.

Freddie, who was also cycling around the park with his family, met us briefly, but the rain was definitely in for the afternoon and neither Charles nor the youngsters could be persuaded to do any more riding today.  We headed back to Buckfastleigh for some computer games, looking forward to returning to the park at a future date.

 

 

 

Friday 9 November Social: Badminton 1800-2200
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler  
The only courts available for badminton this evening were late courts (9pm) at Paignton.  Computer games at Crofters were followed by a good session of badminton on two courts, during which Freddie demonstrated his worthiness of being in the Devon team.  Charles missed the chance of helping Michael give him a run for his money, but hopes to be there for the next badminton evening. 

 

Sunday 4 November Afternoon Ride: Broadhempston 1415-1700
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler, Michael (Wolfie) Bulmer Weather: Sunny and calm

Freddie, Wolfie and Ashley at Broadhempston

The first of our new afternoon invitation rides didn't get quite the anticipated response, with one or two supposed new riders cancelling at the last minute.  However, Freddie brought Wolfie out again for his second ride with us and we enjoyed an excellent afternoon romp through the lanes.  The autumnal leaves were delightful on the Staverton track, but we weren't quite so impressed with the new steps and gate that had been added to the railway crossing.

At Broadhempston we spent an enjoyable half an hour in the park, eating refreshments and playing "rugby" with a local youngster who happens to go to the same school as Freddie and Wolfie.  We then accompanied Freddie and Wolfie back towards Woodland before continuing homewards via Baddaford.  Ashley was particularly interested in the steep and rough track descent from Five Lanes to Dart Bridge which offered new views of Buckfast and the surrounding area.

 

Friday 2 November Social: Fireworks / Computer Games 1800-2200
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler  
We met at Crofters at 6pm and set off to the popular bonfire night celebrations at King Edward VI School at Totnes.  There were huge queues for the good, and when Michael finally got served he was told they had sold out of veggie burgers!  The firework display was excellent and well worth the £2 entry fee, although when everything stopped after the first 6 minutes we had begun to wonder whether that was it.  We eventually discovered that the display had been halted while a missing youngster was located amongst the huge crowds of spectators.

Returning to Crofters we spent the remainder of the evening on computer games.

 

Sunday 28 October Day ride: Stoke Gabriel Weir 1015-1700
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler Weather: Very wet

A final respite from the rain at Peartree Cross, Ashburton

The day started with torrential rain which continued right through lunch.  We played computer games at Crofters while we waited for conditions to improve, but it was 4pm before the rain finally stopped.

 
We did a short ride to Ashburton where Freddie split off for Woodland and home, then took the track from River Dart Adventures back to Hembury Woods.  This was a new experience for several in the group: the path is littered with fallen trees that make the whole route more like an obstacle course than a cycle route.  Having manoeuvered around some large trunks and scrambled up a steep bank we managed to return to the path and enjoyed the very autumnal colours on the woodland leaves right back through Hembury.

 

Friday 26 October Social: Cinema trip 1900-2300
4 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones  
Our trip to the Apollo cinema at Paignton to see The Dark is Rising was a great success: the film was shown in the exclusive Director's Screen - small but very comfortable.  Everyone enjoyed the film, although Sam felt the ending was rather predictable.

 

Sunday 21 October Morning Ride: Fermoys 1015-1300
2 Present: Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler Weather: Sunny

Freddie Tyler at Fermoys

Freddie met Michael at Staverton making a total of two for our morning ride to Fermoys - everyone else had a good excuse of course, but missed out on some perfect cycling weather.

Freddie was keen to keep up a good pace so we got to Ipplepen in double quick time and spent an enjoyable half hour eating tasty refreshments and looking around the pet store.  Freddie was keen to have the Fermoys sign in the photo, but the sun just wasn't in the right place for that!

Our return route, through Denbury and Broadhempston, was completed at a similar speed, bringing us back to Buckfastleigh by 1pm for an afternoon of computer games.

 

Friday 19 October Social: Film Night 1900-2230
7 Present: Charles Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Freddie Tyler  
Our film tonight was The Ant Bully, which seemed to go down well with everyone.  There was time for games and an episode of Robin Hood before the end of the evening.

 

Sunday 14 October Day ride: Ten Commandments Stone / Letterboxing 1015-1700
7 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler Weather: Sunny

The path towards Ten Commandments Stone

Ten Commandments Stone

The Acland family were a little late starting and so opted to take the car to the top of Auswell hill.  They passed us near the bottom of the hill, but no amount of persuasion could even get Charles to ride it with us, much to Ashley's frustration!

An unmarked path across the moor led us to Buckland Beacon and the Ten Commandments Stone.  It was here in 1928 that a stonemason from Exeter was engaged to engrave the ten commandments into granite slabs by the Lord of Buckland Manor.  The work took six months, during which time the stonemason lived in a cow shed on the site and was supplied with a loaf of bread each day for his efforts!  Nobody except Michael had been here before so there was a race to find the stone first.  Sam won, but only by asking another visitor where it was!

When we had found the only letterbox on the tor we headed along a different moorland track to Cold East Cross, passing some rather lazy-looking black cows along the way.  It was getting rather close to lunchtime and nobody really fancied Michael's idea of climbing Rippon Tor (not even Michael himself), even if there were several letterboxes there.  We headed instead for Bonehill rocks which offered shelter for lunch and an abundance of letterboxes.  Ashley, whilst looking around for boxes, discovered a young australian man and his friend with full mountaineering gear trying to climb a big boulder that was only twice their height!

A steep downhill brought us quickly to Widecombe, where the Green cafe provided useful refreshments for those who had neglected to bring a packed lunch.  Freddie, always cautious here after the time he put handwash into Michael's water bottle, returned to the table to discover everyone looking at his own bottle that he had left there unattended.  Their looks alone were sufficient to convince him his bottle had been doctored, even though it hadn't been touched!

We headed back to Leusdon for the downhill to Spitchwick which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.  Charles and Heidi then took the left for Buckland and the car while the rest continued through Spitchwick Common itself which was pleasantly deserted today.  Hembury tracks provided a grand finale to the day's activities, with the usual computer games to follow.

 

Friday 12 October Social: Badminton 1900-2200
7 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
We managed to get 2 badminton courts at the Ashmoor centre this evening, but not until 8.30, so the youngsters had to find something to do at Crofter for the first hour.  Needless to say, that wasn't very difficult.  Zac did well on his second ever badminton games and Charles, who tried to give the impression of not being very good, surprised Michael by putting up a very good game.

 

Sunday 7 October Afternoon Ride: Parkfield Track 1415-1730
  Weather: Dry but cloudy

Only Michael turned up to the start today so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 5 October Social: Games evening 1900-2230
6 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Frankie  
Our first social of the new season kept everyone entertained with the latest console and PC games.

We'd like to remind members that they are only eligible to take part in social events if they have attended at least one scheduled cycle ride within the previous 3 weeks.

 

Sunday 30 September Car-assisted Day ride: Exeter Ship Canal (24m) 1000-1830
9 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland (12), Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Reuben Johnson (12), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (11), Freddie Tyler (13) Weather: Dry with sunny periods

Unloading the bikes near Black Forest Lodge

The start of the canal at Turf Lock

The canal path

A heron provides a rare photo opportunity

Fred, Reuben and Zac enjoy Ice Cream Factories at Pizza Hut

Fred and the other youngsters enjoying the trampoline in Exeter park

 

 

Ashley and Zac wait by the canal while youngsters from Millfield School begin to ride in our direction

There was a good turnout today for one of our most popular rides, including Reuben who hadn't been out with us for two years.  We parked the cars near Black Forest Lodge, unloaded the bikes (and youngsters) and set off for Starcross and Powderham.

The Powderham road was closed to motor vehicles to protect runners who were taking part in a charity event.  When we passed the Powderham estate we were rewarded with the sight of hundreds of deer racing across the grounds.  Perhaps they had been frightened by the runners or perhaps they just felt frisky in the morning sunshine, but they provided Olly with an ideal opportunity to use his camcorder.

Fred, being Fred, led two others straight past the track turnoff.  When they eventually returned we crossed the railway line and headed with good speed along the narrow path that runs along the edge of the Exe estuary.  Everyone loved the track, and there were plenty more after we reached the beginning of the canal at Turf Lock.  The canal seemed to be full of wildlife, including swans and even a heron that blocked our path at close range.

Hunger was beginning to bite, but the youngsters still found time to watch some mini motorbike riders on a piece of rough ground near the centre of Exeter before we covered the last mile or so to Pizza Hut.

Our last two visits to Pizza Hut have been excellent, but today things were very different.  When we arrived at 1pm we asked for a table for 9.  The waitress looked at the sea of empty tables near the window and announced that they wouldn't have a table for our size of group for around 15 minutes.  Apparently the empty tables were closed off because they were short-staffed!  We thought about suggesting that we had one of those large tables and that they closed off two smaller tables in the used area to keep the total number of tables the same, but we decided this would be too complicated for them and contented ourselves with asking whether they could moved two tables together for us.  She looked around vaguely and said she would see what she could do.  Meanwhile we asked if we could order in advance of sitting down.  The answer once again was no, because they were short staffed!

Thirty minutes later we had checked out the menus and decided what to order but were still waiting by the door.  Several twos and fours had been allocated to tables, and some of those had left again 15 minutes later because nobody had taken their order!  We asked again about placing our orders before sitting down, but were again told no.

It was nearly 2pm when we finally got a table.  We had been determined to get the waitress who took us to our table to take our order before she left us, but again we were foiled: she was not a waitress, she was just clearing tables!   At 2.12 we had our order taken, and the food finally arrived at 2.35.  Unfortunately one of the orders was wrong, but we had enough food to be going along with.  We asked whether we could speak to the manager and were told that the chef was off too so the manager was cooking the pizzas!

Then we got to the part the youngsters had been waiting for: desserts.  They all wanted ice cream factories, but once again it took a while to get a waitress.  She eventually came and took our order, but didn't make any attempt to clear our table.  And after the first two servings the ice cream machine turned out liquid ice-cream - apparently it needs a rest after every serving!

It was 3.45 when we finally got away from Pizza Hut.  We negotiated free drinks on our order which provided some compensation for our troubles, but now we had precious little time to complete the ride as we had planned.   Our excursion of the park started with the trampoline which provided endless entertainment for the youngsters.  Maybe they should get one put in at Buckfastleigh?!   We checked out the bridges and then paused briefly to admire the young skateboarders showing off their undoubted skills in the skate park.

As we headed back along the canal for home a huge group of youngsters merged with our group, all riding Giant Rock bikes.  We found out that they were a group from Millfield School at Taunton, out for a ride on hire bikes, but Zac happened to have exactly the same bike and he was mistaken for a member of the school group on two occasions!  We rode with them past the busy quayside shops and came across a few Exeter youngsters on bikes who seemed to want nothing more than to demonstrate that they were better cyclists than Millfield!  Because Zac was with us we had to deny that we were part of the Millfield group!

Our rather belated return to the cars at Black Forest Lodge was punctuated by a toilet stop at Turf Lock and some repairs to Freddie's saddle at Starcross.  We didn't get back to Buckfastleigh until nearly 7pm but the youngsters insisted on at least half an hour of computer games to round off what had been an adventurous and enjoyable ride.

 

Friday 28 September Evening Ride: 1900-2045
  Weather: Dry but cloudy
For various reasons there were no riders out for our final evening ride of the season.

 

Saturday 22 September Weekend ride: Salcombe YH 1015-1700
  Weather: Warm & dry
An unfortunate clash of dates and a poor weather forecast meant there were no bookings for our Salcombe weekend this year.

 

Friday 21 September Evening Ride: Hembury 1900-2045
5 Present: Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler, Michael (Wolfie) Bulmer Weather: Dry but cloudy
The afternoon rain stopped just before the ride, so we tested our lights with an excursion through the Hembury tracks.  New rider Wolfie proved himself a very able cyclist and very much enjoyed the off-road flavour of the evening even though his front light stopped working in the heart of the woods!  Sam's puncture delayed us somewhat on the return, but there was still enough time for playing Marvel: Ultimate Alliance after the ride.

 

Sunday 16 September Morning Ride: Dartington 1015-1330
5 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones Weather: Mainly dry with occasional misty drizzle

 

 

Sam demonstrates the mysterious solar-heated decontamination chamber

Dartington Hall estate

 

 

Construction of a 'mud hut' in Dartington village

Riding along Colston road the youngsters noticed what they thought looked like a spaceship.  Closer inspection revealed coiled pipes around the top and a walk-in area, so the general concensus was that it was a solar-heated shower.  When Michael pointed out that there was no door or curtain rail however, we decided users would have to be clothed, so the final label given was a solar-heated decontamination chamber!

Our route took us through the Dartington Hall estate from Dartington Church, and then through the little-known village route that nobody except Michael had ever seen.  As we turned the last corner we came across a partly-built egg-shaped house with mud walls, and Charles, being fascinated by all things construction, engaged the owners in a prolonged conversation that covered every detail of the design!

Highlight of the morning was definitely the visit to Cranks restaurant, where everyone bought an excellent lunch at the usual high prices.  We returned via Colston Road again, which looked and felt quite different in reverse!

 

Friday 14 September Evening Ride: Hole Farm 1900-2045
3 Present: Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Tom Pearson Weather: Dry but cloudy
With threatening weather in the air we decided on a relatively short ride, along Colston road, over Riverford Bridge and home via the track to Hole Farm.

 

Sunday 9 September Day ride 1015-1700
  Weather: Warm & dry
There were no riders out for today's ride to the Avon Railway.

 

Friday 7 September Evening Ride: Holne 1900-2045
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Oliver Lindley, Tom Pearson Weather: Warm and dry
Oliver turned up unexpectedly today after an absence of well over a year, joining us for a quick spin through Scoriton and Michelcombe to Holne playpark.  Frisbee catching became increasingly difficult in the deepening gloom: once or twice it proved impossible to see the ring aerobie until it materialised centimetres in front of the catcher, which sometimes proved rather a shock!
 
We headed back to Buckfastleigh via Hembury hill.

 

Sunday 2 September Afternoon Ride: Spitchwick 1415-1730
5 Present: Charles Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler Weather: Warm and sunny

Sam watches while Freddie jumps into the Dart

The group at Spitchwick

On a perfect sunny afternoon we headed through Hembury Woods and found Spitchwick packed with people of all ages.  We settled down at the Buckland end and amused ourselves for well over half an hour;  Sam and Freddie went swimming in the deep waters and then at Olly's request we played a game with the frisbees in the trees.

The hill to Buckland was challenging as always, but everyone was fast today so we were soon heading down the hill to Ashburton and home.

 

Friday 31 August Evening Ride: Marley Head 1900-2045
2 Present: Julian Duquemin, Michael Jones Weather: Warm and dry

Julian with his very expensive bike at Rattery

Julian, back in Devon for a week's holiday, joined Michael for a speedy ride to Marley Head, returning via Rattery to ensure we got back before dark as Julian didn't have lights.

 

 

Sunday 26 August Morning Ride: Belford Mill 1015-1230
4 Present: Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones Weather: Hot and sunny

Olly, Sam and Heidi at Ashburton

Sam and Olly were keen to introduce Heidi to the delights of the Belford Mill track, and Heidi was not at all disappointed.  When we came to the Terrace Walk however there were a few problems when Michael's pannier caught on a piece of wire fence carelessly left sticking out of the ground: his pannier was ripped from the bike, breaking both clips and the elastic strap in the process!   Temporary repairs proved ineffective but fortunately Michael was carrying spare clips and strap, so he was able to effect full repairs once we reached the road. 

 

Friday 24 August Evening Ride: Abham 1900-2045
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny
Ashley was in fine form for this evening's ride.  We rode out along Colston road, stopping for a full 15 minutes to chat with Michael's relatives at Colston who were riding the most enormous Shire horses.  We made good speed to Riverford and then took the track leading back to Hole Farm that we rarely get to ride.  With no lights we had to make good speed to return before dark, but Ashley managed it with no difficulty whatsoever.

 

Sunday 19 August Morning Ride: Hembury Woods 1015-1300
Today's ride did not take place as everyone was away.

 

Friday 17 August Evening Ride: Birchetts Wood 1900-2045
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Tom Pearson Weather: Sunny

Sam, Olly, Tom and Ashley by the river at the end of Birchetts Wood

Everyone seemed to want to go to Birchetts Wood again once Ashley had told them all about it.  Michael's warnings of muddy conditions proved well founded, a result of the heavy rain earlier in the week, but everyone seemed to love the track anyway.  Olly used the mud as an excellent excuse to walk through the river at the end of the track, but everyone else just cleaned their wheels from the bank!

The steep climb towards Holne was followed by the descent past Shuttaford farm and then the lower Hembury track - much more enjoyable today in the downhill direction.

By the time we reached Buckfastleigh everyone was filthy, but that didn't stop them returning to Crofters for a few computer games before heading homewards.

We'd like to remind everyone that working lights must be brought on all further evening rides this season.

 

Sunday 12 August Morning Ride: Hembury Woods 1015-1230
2 Present: Harry Blackman (9, new), Michael Jones Weather: Warm and sunny

New rider Harry Blackman by the river Dart in Hembury Woods

Nine year old Harry Blackman was fortunate enough to get one to one attention for his first club ride - and since Ashley wasn't out he also got to borrow the club mountain bike and helmet!  He couldn't get over how easy the bike was to ride up hills, and he found the Hembury tracks so enjoyable that he just didn't want the ride to finish!

Ashley joined us for the afternoon social at Crofters, but Harry was so keen he wanted to go out for another ride!  Sadly he's moving away from the area next week, but he hopes to return from time to time for more biking fun.

 

Friday 10 August Evening Ride: Birchetts Wood 1900-2030
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny
With many of our regular riders away on holidays only Michael and Ashley turned out for this evening's ride.  As it had been dry for a couple of weeks we decided to try the Birchetts Wood track, opposite Hembury Woods.  It still proved to be a little muddy in places, but it was quite passable and Ashley thoroughly enjoyed exploring what was for him a completely new track. 

 

Sunday 5 August Afternoon Ride:   
  Weather: Hot and sunny
There were no riders out for this peak season afternoon ride.

 

Friday 3 August Evening Ride:  
There were no riders out for this evening's ride.