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.

 

Monday 23 July

Junior Tour: Lake District (110m)

8 Present: Charles Acland (A), Heidi Acland (A), Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland (13), Henry Gunter (11), Jill Hockmuth (A), Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler (13)

Weather: Variable

2007 Summer Tour, Lake District

Click on the link below to read the full report on this 7-day junior tour to the Lake District National Park.  The report includes many full-colour photographs.

Full report

 

 

Friday 20 July Evening Ride: River Dart Adventures 1900-2145
9 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Henry Gunter, Jill Hockmuth, Michael Jones, Tom Pearson Weather: Sunny
Olly managed only ten minutes at the start before deciding he had to go home, but the rest of us headed to Ashburton and enjoyed some time on the ramps and rope swing at Ashburton park.  Next stop was River Dart Adventures, now packed with summer campers, which led us on to the gentle track climb through Holne Woods.  The ride concluded with the traditional descent of the Slalom track through Hembury.

 

Sunday 15 July Morning Ride:  1015-1300
  Weather: Raining
Today's ride was cancelled owing to the bad weather.

 

Friday 13 July Evening Ride: 1900-2215
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Jordan Knight, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny
Torrential rain led to this evening's ride being cancelled and replaced with a social at Crofters.

 

Sunday 8 July Car-assisted Day ride: Padstow and the Camel Trail (22m) 1030-1830
9 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland (12), Sam Acland (13), Ryan Edmondson, Henry Gunter (11), Jill Hockmuth, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler (13) Weather: Sunny and warm

Henry Gunter at the Dunmere car park near Bodmin

Olly and Henry

Freddie and Sam

Olly and Freddie, on the Camel Trail between Wadebridge and Padstow

Lunch at Padstow harbour

Lunch at Padstow harbour

The Brass Band keeps us entertained over lunch

The Sea Fury speedboat

Henry on the Sea Fury

Ryan on the Sea Fury

 

 

The lads find a shrew on the Camel Trail

Our special car-assisted ride to Padstow and the Camel trail, postponed from May, attracted the maximum nine participants that we could carry in our two cars, but we were disappointed that more of our junior members didn't seem to be interested in what was always going to be one of the best rides of the summer.

With 6 bikes and 4 people packed into Charles' car and 3 bikes and 5 people in Michael's car we finally set off at around 10.45 for the hour-long journey to Bodmin.  There was a single shower on the way down, but by the time we parked in the Camel Trail carpark the sun was shining and summer stayed with us for the rest of the day.

Michael had brought his new high-definition camcorder on the ride today, making sure it was working well for the forthcoming Lake District tour.  The camcorder offers true high-definition recording, which consequently also allows much higher quality still frames to be taken from the video than are possible with standard-definition video.  Compare the widescreen stills attached to this report with those taken on our 1993 easter tour to see the improvement.

We made good speed along the Camel Trail through Wadebridge despite the huge number of cyclists, as we didn't want to be too late for lunch.  The tide was in and the Camel estuary looked magnificent in the afternoon sunshine.  Poor Freddie, who has a Giant Rock mountain bike, was devastated to see that almost every other bike on the trail was a Giant Rock too!  Many had numbers on them however, so we presumed that one of the hire shops probably had nothing but Giant Rocks for hire!

Many of the group headed for Rick Stein's fish and chip shop when we arrived at Padstow and were very pleased with their purchases, but Michael, who wasn't so keen to part with £7 for battered fish fried in "beef dripping", preferred the wide range of vegetarian pasties in the Presto pasty shop.  Everyone settled down on a conveniently-vacated seat amidst the bustle of Padstow harbour and were royally entertained by a brass band that struck up nearby.  It really was a surreal atmosphere with the attractive boats and the moving music, which included the theme from the film The Mission.

There was time for shopping, then we headed around to the other side of the harbour for the main attraction of the day - the fifteen-minute speedboat trip around the estuary.  Initial interest from the majority fizzled down to just three takers for the trip for some inexplicable reason, so only Henry, Ryan and Michael ended up enjoying what must be one of the most exciting boat trips available anywhere in the south west.  The driver performed plenty of twists and turns than ensured Ryan got soaked by the spray - but that's all part of the fun!  The 'landies' bought BB guns from the local shops and seemed very happy with their purchases.

Time was pressing so we reluctantly said goodbye to the bustle of Padstow and headed back along the trail, over the railway bridge and through Wadebridge.  Olly was smart enough to spot and capture a tiny shrew by the side of the trail, which he proudly showed off to the rest of the group.

Everyone was strangely tired when we got back to the cars, so the journey home was relatively quiet.  We made it back to Buckfastleigh by 6.25 after what had been an action-packed and very enjoyable day.

 

Friday 6 July Evening Ride: Totnes cyclepath (15m) 1900-2135
7 Present: Sam Acland, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Ashley Freeman (12), Matthew Hamlyn-White, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler (13) Weather: Sunny

The group on Vire Island, Totnes

One of our most regular riders from the 1990s, Julian Duquemin, made a surprise return to the club this evening whilst taking a week's holiday from his London job.  Tao and Matt got to hear of it and turned out too, so the ride became something of a reunion!  It was also a chance for Julian to show of his new Specialized road bike and for Matt to show off his very expensive new off-road bike!  Tao and Michael were very content with their normal mounts.

All that was needed to make the evening perfect was to do one of their favourite rides.  It had been too wet recently to consider the Avon Dam, but Totnes cyclepath certainly qualified as an excellent evening ride.  Our youngsters rose to the challenge of what was a longer evening ride than usual, completing the ride along Colston road in double quick time.  Julian, having a road bike, avoided everything that looked even remotely like a track, and Matt, whilst taking every opportunity there was for off-road riding, proceeded with caution to avoid the possibility of anything chipping his new paintwork.  The youngsters wanted to try it, but he refused unless they were prepared to pay a cash deposit that exceeded £1000.

The cyclepath was fun and the weir had a good flow after the recent rains.  When Julian had met up with us on the bridge at Bridgetown we popped down to Vire Island for a short exploration then headed home via Dartington and Rattery.  The youngsters performed remarkably well on what they saw as an unwelcome climb, particularly Ashley who is now showing real ability at his new sport.  A final downhill past Pennywell Farm brought us back to Buckfastleigh for 9.35, but the senior members were keen to continue their evening at Crofters with a pre-release viewing of the 2006 Switzerland DVD.

 

Sunday 1 July Afternoon Ride: Hillside Nursery Tearooms (9m) 1415-1700
7 Present: Olly Acland (12), Sam Acland (13), Dennis Ham (11), Josh Ham (13), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (13), Zac McGrath (J) Weather: Sunny

On the track to Landscove, a few seconds before Jordan lost sight of his left shoe!

Ice creams and drinks at the garden centre tearooms

 

 

Olly, Sam and Zac go fishing - in the garden centre pond!

Olly seemed surprised when we took the old Ashburton road to get to Landscove: being an ex-pupil of Landscove primary school he thought he knew everything there was to know about getting there!  He was reassured when he saw the sign to Landscove, although wasn't so happy when he saw where it was pointing - up the steep hill to Chuley cross!

We turned left at Parkfield cross and then took a vote on whether to take the muddy track or the Thornecroft lane route to Landscove.  There were some tense moments when the votes were evenly split, but eventually Jordan swung the decision by changing his vote (under a little pressure) in favour of the track.

The field sections were fine, but around one of the middle gates there was what can only be described as a mudbath.  Jordan was beginning to regret his change of vote as he carefully picked his way through the mud.  A few seconds later he chose just the wrong spot to step and his foot became totally submerged in the quagmire.  He hopped around swearing for at least a minute during which time of course he got even muddier - poor Jordan!

The gardens at the Hillside tearooms have been improved recently with the addition of lawn seats and a circular pond where the large oak seat and table used to be.  We enjoyed Salcombe Dairy ice creams and other refreshments, then the youngsters had a lot of fun running around the many paths that surround the garden, hiding from each other.

On the way out Olly, Sam and Zac practiced their fishing skills by trying, unsuccessfully, to catch fish from the nursery fishpond, and Dennis found himself in deep trouble with Michael for interfering with one of the lemons in the greenhouse.

After a few minutes playing in the nearby playing field we headed home via Green Lane, delayed a little by Olly who suffered the consequences of trying to turn on gravel.  Fortunately he was wearing gloves and long trousers, so he got away with just a few bruises.

 

Friday 29 June Evening Ride: River Dart Adventures 1900-2115
6 Present: Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Alex Harrigan (11), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (13), Tom Pearson (10) Weather: Dry

Resting part-way up Shuttaford hill

Our ride this evening took us through Buckfast to the lower Hembury track, which turned out to be a little muddy after all the recent rain.

The downhill track to River Dart Adventures was the main attraction this evening, but as Michael wanted to be sure nobody took the wrong turning near the bottom (as they did last time) he told everyone to wait at the first cross tracks they came to!  He found them waiting around the first corner at a junction he hadn't even noticed before, so told them the correct cross-tracks was about three times as far down the track!  When he got there with Tom, the rest had once again shot straight past, so high on speed that they forgot all about waiting anywhere!

We returned to Buckfastleigh along the old Ashburton road and concluded an enjoyable evening with computer games at Crofters.

 

Saturday 23 June

Weekend Ride: Tintagel YH (43m)

6 Present: Charles Acland, Olly Acland (12), Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Michael Jones, Fred Tyler (14)

Weather: Mainly dry on Saturday, sunny start with showers later on Sunday

Unpacking the bikes at Langdon, near Canworthy Water

The Wallace & Gromit Anti Pesto van at Week St Mary

Olly and Charles on the cyclepath into Bude

The Bude canal

Raft race on the Bude canal

Lunch overlooking Bude beach

Ashley & Olly find a small cave by the side of the coast road

Fred mourns the loss of the top half of his very expensive icecream at Boscastle

Boscastle, still under recon-struction after the floods of 2004

Olly and Ashley outside Tintagel youth hostel on Sunday morning

The group at Tintagel YH

Tintagel YH

The ancient church at Tintagel

Inside Tintagel Toy Museum

Olly enjoying home-made fudge

Ashley and Olly show off their face paints, applied during the homeward journey

With two last minutes cancellations we were down to six for our major summer weekend trip to Tintagel.  The weather had been unsettled for weeks but we were hoping that the forecast dry spell on Saturday afternoon would materialise.

Everyone was loaded into our two Volvo estates before 10am but our journey had two interruptions, the first by Charles to refuel his car at Lee Mill and the second by Michael to buy an OS map at Launceston.  He couldn't find his own Bude map at home, so had reserved one at Smiths in Launceston and then programmed his SatNav to take us straight to the shop!  It worked almost faultlessly, and Olly and AShley were able to nip out to buy the map in no time at all.

Very heavy showers accompanied our journey, leaving the youngsters rather concerned about the ride, but the rain stopped as we parked and not a drop more fell for the rest of the day!  Bearing in mind the forecast for rain tomorrow morning we parked the cars at Langdon, near Canworthy Water and just a few miles from Tintagel.

We took the flat cycle route the three miles to Week St Mary, where we were surprised to see that Wallace and Gromit were in town - the Anti Pesto van was parked in the town square!  We bought some refreshments in the post office, then, in view of the increasing sunshine, we decided to continue along the cycle route to Bude.  We were very careful of course not to tell the youngsters that we were heading away from the hostel!

The route was relatively flat despite dire warnings from a local resident, taking took us along a scenic canal path into Bude.  This was the first ever club visit to Bude, and we were greeted by a raft and canoe race on the picturesque canal where many youngsters and the watching crowd were making a great deal of noise.

We bought lunch at the local Post Office, then Ashley demonstrated his local knowledge by leading us all to a grassy bank overlooking the main beach.  We ate our lunch there whilst watching a very red gentleman helping his children to build a sandcastle that was taller than himself!

At 2.30 it was definitely time to be heading for Tintagel.  We took the coastal road, also part of the cycle route, which proved fairly easy as far as Widemouth Bay but then gave us a few challenges in the form of single arrow and even double arrow climbs.  Olly and Ashley were pleased to take a short rest in a little cavern that we found on the side of one of the climbs.

We had thought about visiting Crackington Haven, a popular but secluded beach, but that would have involved another descent and climb that would have been a hill too far for our tired younger riders, so instead we took the main roads to Boscastle, scene of major floods in 2004 and a smaller repeat flood just a few days earlier.  The cafe owner seemed pleased to tell us that he was closed at 5.05 even though he could see six of us with money to spend, so we spent our money instead in the local shop buying expensive organic ice creams.  Fred bought two flavours in his cone, then managed to let the chocolate part fall to the ground just seconds after taking the first bite!  He was so frustrated that he actually scooped up the bits that weren't in contact with the ground!

We had a look at Boscatle youth hostel where the warden showed us photographs of the 2004 flood - rivers could be seen flowing out of the hostel windows!  Now it had all been redecorated inside and looked immaculate if a little modern.

The last four miles to Tintagel were hilly, but everyone coped after the rest at Boscastle.  As we clocked 30 miles we stopped at the Londis supermarket in Tintagel: it offered a good range of food and drinks, including the special kind of polos that Fred likes!  The sun shone for us as we negotiated the track that leads across the headland, and suddenly there was the hostel, hidden from view until the last, offering spectacular views of the coast from its secluded location.

We had dormitory 1, not our favourite dorm but comfortable nevertheless and offering reasonable sea views.  When everyone had showered and beds had been made we set about preparing food in the modern kitchen.  There was initial concern about the tap water, which looked more like milk as it came out of the tap, but after being left to settle for a minute or so it turned clear, suggesting the colouration as mainly air bubbles.  And speaking of milk, Michael spent considerable time introducing the youngsters to the delights of condensed milk, which he had purchased to go with his tinned raspberries.  Everyone tried it, but only Fred was a true convert, finishing off the tin and asking for his membership card for the Condensed Milk Club!

Tintagel castle was the destination for our evening excursion.  We parked the bikes at the top of the steep path and walked down to the ruins in the fading evening light.  The main ruins on the island were closed but we got a good feel for the scale and history surrounding the place, reputed to be associated with King Arthur.  Michael found a very slippery stone near the cove that left him flat on his back in half a second, but there was no harm done and we were soon heading back up to the bikes, disappointed that the land rover service was not operating!

As usual on these weekends Michael had brought his laptop for gaming fun, but the decision of where to play remained to be decided.  The kitchen / common room seemed ideal in terms of space, but when Michael suggested this to the warden she seemed more concerned about maintaining peace and quiet for the few adults who were reading there - it seems that youth hostels are no longer primarily for youngsters!  So we set up the game in the dormitory and enjoyed 45 minutes of fun before settling down for a quiet night.

The forecast rain was nowhere to be seen as we were eating breakfast.  After packing the bikes and admiring the magnificient coastal views in the morning sunshine we set off for the village to explore the local shops.  First off was the Tintagel Toy Museum, displaying a huge range of antique toys and figures as well as offering newer items for sale.  Ashley bought a dragon for his bedroom, and Olly took the lucky dip and ended up with some face paints!  After another supermarket stop we called in to Granny Wobblys fudge pantry where the proprietor was making more fudge in a huge caldron on the stove.  After trying several samples we bought a few flavours for our journey home, but Butterscotch was definitely the most popular.

Today we had to ride just 12 miles to return to the car.  We set off up the long climb from Tintagel, pausing on the way up to wonder what went on at Thermo Fisher Scientific.  Nothing on the signs gave a clue, and peering into the nearest window to read the sign on a bucket only revealed the words "Paper Towels Only".  We decided that something dodgy must go on there, but a later check of the internet revealed that it "designs and produces innovative chemical Building Blocks and Screening Compounds, and provides Medicinal Chemistry for the drug discovery industry".

The forecast rain rolled in just after reaching the top, light at first but getting us nicely wet by the time we reached the cars.  The advance planning for the car location was now fully appreciated, and we felt ourselves very fortunate to have secured such generally good weather over the weekend in what had otherwise been a very unsettled week.

Michael used his SatNav to take us home by the shortest route, via Launceston, Tavistock and Princetown.  It was indeed a scenic route, but Olly and Ashley were more interested in using the time to paint their faces rather than admire the views!

This had been an excellent weekend with generally good weather and some brand new cycling territory.  The youngsters amazed us all by riding more than 30 miles after 12pm on the Saturday, so congratulations to everyone who took part.

 

Friday 22 June Evening Ride: Buckfast 1900-2115
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny
With just Ashley and Michael out this evening and a busy weekend ahead we decided on a short ride via Buckfast to the woods near Hapstead.  We explored a new path through the woods today, the first part of which had a stream running down the middle.  There were also a couple of gates and a delightful bridge to negotiate, but we decided it was definitely a track to try again.

 

Sunday 17 June Morning Ride: Fermoys 1015-1400
8 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Conor Allen (12, new), Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (13) Weather: Sunny

The group at Fermoys

We maintained a good speed on this sunny morning ride to Fermoys, travelling out via Caddaford and Staverton.  We enjoyed light refreshements in the cafe, at the end of which Heidi kindly presented Michael with a Doctor Who Father's Day card, signed by all the youngsters! 

We rode home through Denbury and Broadhempston, stopping briefly at the play park so that Jordan could jump off the fort repeatedly for the camera.  Congratulations to new rider Conor for an excellent performance!

 

Friday 15 June Evening Ride: Rattery 1900-2115
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Tom Pearson (10, new) Weather: Sunny

Tom and Zac try to climb the tree near Marley Head

Tom finally makes it into the tree

Ashley returned home with a bad migraine just a few minutes into the ride which left three of us to complete the climb of Dean hill and the loop around Zempson.  On the way towards Marley Head the lads spotted a tree that looked good for climbing.  They spent a good ten minutes trying to find a way up into its welcoming branches, but in the end the only way up was from Michael's shoulders - and Tom was the only one light enough to make it!

We completed an enjoyable ride with the climb from the viaduct to Rattery and Pennywell Farm.

 

Sunday 10 June Day ride: Ten Tors / Letterboxing 1015-1810
10 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Jack Greep, Henry Gunter, Jill Hockmuth, Michael Jones, Fred Tyler Weather: Sunny and warm

Ashley and Olly find the first letterbox at Saddle Tor

Jill and Heidi enjoying the Acland picnic blanket!

Henry, Jack and Ashley at Saddle Tor

Ashley Freeman at Saddle Tor

Henry and Olly at Saddle Tor

Several letterboxes at Pil Tor

Sam, Ashley and Henry make another new friend

The group at Top Tor

Afternoon tea at The Green restaurant, Widecombe

Ponsworthy Splash

Michael had considered taking some to Haytor by car to ensure that we could complete the ride within a reasonable timescale, but everyone was quite strong enough when we met at the start so we set off together for Ashburton.  We were pleased to see Jack Greep returning to club rides after a long break, and also Henry and his mum Jill from Exeter.

The sun was quite hot by the time we reached Bickington, but everyone coped well with the long climb to Haytor, Ashley putting his new hill-climbing skills into practice.  There was an ice-cream van at the bottom and top of the hill near Haytor, but both sold only luke-warm drinks - much to Jack's disgust!

When everyone was was doing the ten tors had walked up to Haytor and back we rode the short distance to Saddle tor where we settled down for lunch at 1.15.  Michael was amazed when Heidi produced a picnic blanket from her bike and settled down on it with Jill - clearly the grass is no longer good enough for some of our members!

There was considerable interest in letter boxes in view of our missed letterbox special a few weeks ago, so our youngsters ran all over the tor finding dozens of boxes in various locations.  We collected several stamps and left our own cat stamp in some of the boxes.

Michael took a minor tumble on the descent  to the road while waiting for Heidi to walk in front of him, but with no harm done we continued to Hemsworthy gate and walked the short distance up the hill to Top Tor.  The ladies settled on the rocks for a lengthy chat while the rest of us found letterboxes left right and centre and walked on to Pil Tor and Hollow Tor to find even more.  The youngsters were most impressed with a box at Pil Tor that had an intricate dragon stamp with a gold ink pad.  On the way back from Hollow Tor we were greeted by some very friendly dogs, and our youngsters just had to make a fuss of them.

It was now past three o'clock and everyone was getting very thirsty, so we made the decision that six tors and loads of letterboxes would be quite enough for this year's event.  Bonehill, our final tor of the day, provided plenty more letterboxes and even a junior letterbox owner who didn't want us to look while he hid his new box!

A brisk and steep downhill brought us quickly to Widecombe where we were very disappointed to discover that the village store was closed!  It always used to be open on a Sunday afternoon, but now, according to the sign on the door, it closes at 12!  We went to the Green restaurant and ordered multiple drinks and a free glass of water each, enjoying them in the cool of the garden.  Fred helped Ashley fill all the water bottles from the back room, but he wasn't very popular when Michael found that his drink tasted remarkably like Tesco Value handwash!

We took the short route home via Ponsworthy, pausing briefly at the ford to see if anyone could slip off their bike while riding through the water.  Ashley tried to emulate Tao's route (from our 1993 rides DVD) and ended up not only coming off but also landing face first in the water - much to everyone's amusement!

Temperatures were much cooler as we descended through Leusdon.  Spitchwick was crawling with visitors, more than we had ever seen there before: there was no room for us to ride around, so we quickly moved on to an unobserved rope swing and allowed the youngsters a minute or two each before we pressed on to New Bridge and home.

Fred left us at the top of Holne Chase while the rest of us headed back to Hembury Woods.  This was Henry's first attempt at the Slalom track, and he had to admit it was a lot of fun. Ashley seemed to have even more energy at the end of the ride than he had when he started, and Jack had done remarkably well considering he hadn't been out with us for  ages.  We were all tired when we got home, but everyone agreed it had been a perfect moorland adventure.

 

Friday 8 June Evening Ride: Staverton 1900-2115
7 Present: Charles Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Alex Harrigan, Michael Jones, Tom Pearson (10, new), Fred Tyler Weather: Sunny

The group at Staverton recreation ground

New rider Tom Pearson, 10, demonstrated to everyone that he's a natural cyclist by completing this evening's ride effortlessly.  We had to wait part-way along Colston Road when Alex rang up to say he'd forgotten the ride and wanted to come.  He soon joined us and we continued to Dartington, with Tom telling us that every other house belonged to a member of his family!

Some other youngsters from Buckfastleigh happened to be at Staverton recreation ground while we played frisbee there in the evening sunshine.  We headed home along our usual route past Riverford with Tom assuring us he would be back again next week.  This had been his longest ride ever.

 

Sunday 3 June Afternoon Ride: Chalk Ford 1415-1700
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Dry but threatening

Michael decided that, after Friday's ride, Ashley needed some training in the art of hill-climbing.  What better hill than Wallaford Road, all the way to Cross Furzes?  We called in at Crofters so Ashley could add too much squash to his water bottle, then he set about the climb with determination and ended up amazing himself and everyone else by climbing the hill swiftly and without complaint!  He promised never to worry about hills again.

Once we reached the open moor at Lud Gate Zac and Alex spent some time damming up a stream before we set off down the hill to Chalk Ford.  There were plenty of deer in the park but they were all well away from the gate, so we continued on down the stony track to Scoriton before heading home for a well-deserved social at Crofters.

 

Friday 1 June Evening Ride: Skerraton Down 1900-2115
4 Present: Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Alex Harrigan, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny

Alex, Ashley and Sam on Skerraton Down

After some debate we settled on Avon Dam as a perfect destination on this warm sunny evening, but progress up Dean hill turned out to be so painfully slow that we had to switch to Skerraton Down - again!  Ashley and Alex were talking, and Sam was recovering from a cold, but they all promised to do better next time!

On the way to the top of the open moorland Ashley and Alex ignored Michael's advice, took their own route through the gorse and ended up in a cul-de-sac of prickly bushes with no obvious way forward - Sam said it served them right.

Views from the top to Buckfastleigh and the rest of South Devon were stunning as usual, although there was little time to enjoy them on the downhill to Cross Furzes.

 

Sunday 27 May Car-assisted Day ride: Padstow and the Camel Trail 1015-1700
2 Present: Zac McGrath, Michael Jones Weather: Wet
A forecast of torrential rain all day persuaded us to postpone this very special ride to July.  The Acland family decided to do other things with the day but Zac spent the day at Crofters enjoying Doctor Who videos.

 

Friday 25 May Evening Ride: Hembury Fort 1900-2100
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny

Ashley Freeman on Hembury Fort

We're not quite sure what happened to everyone else tonight, but Ashley thoroughly enjoyed his first exploration of Hembury Fort and his tenth ride along his favourite downhill track - the Slalom.  He overcame his dislike of the Hembury Hill climb by getting a percentage readout from Michael every five minutes!

 

 

Sunday 20 May Morning Ride: Steam Train Special 1015-1045
2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (11) Weather: Sunny

Zac playing signalman at Staverton signal box

Zac welcoming the arrival of the 12.20 for Totnes

Our ride to the Avon Dam - the most enjoyable and popular ride we ever run - was attended today by just Zac and Michael despite some near perfect weather conditions.  Olly's birthday and GCSE revision were the chief causes of the desertion.

Zac loves Avon Dam but as there were only two of us he decided to switch the ride, taking us along Colston Road to the riverside path at Staverton.  We ventured into Staverton station and were greeted by the station master as Zac tried to get a milky bar from an antique chocolate vending machine.  Zac asked more and more questions and the station master seemed very willing to answer them all.  We ended up with Zac pulling some disused levers in the signalbox and getting a full commentary on the signal and gate procedures as the 12.20 pulled into the station.  Every action by the station master had to be logged in the special book in the signal box to ensure the highest standards of safety.

 

Friday 18 May Evening Ride: Landscove School 1900-2100
7 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Alex Harrigan, Fred Tyler, Michael Jones, Jordan Knight Weather: Dry

Preparing for the downhill through the next field towards Landscove

Trying to avoid the farmer's grass

The climb up Green Lane was made more complicated by a succession of tractors heading down with enormous trailers of grass - we had to keep dashing for passing places to avoid being squashed!

Michael brought the group to the promised downhill track, from Baddaford to Landscove, and they all thoroughly enjoyed the descents through several fields, taking care of course to avoid the rows of grass that the farmer was preparing for collection!  Jordan got quite cross with the farmer when he got chased to the gateway at the bottom of the field.

Our route then took us into Landscove.  Sam, Olly and Fred are all ex-pupils of Landscove primary school, and when they saw the playing field opposite the school they just couldn't resist the temptation to rediscover the pleasures of playing football there.  Michael had some difficulty dragging them all away at 8.30, and when Sam then got some derailleur trouble there was no option but to take the shortest route home, back to Green Lane.

 

Sunday 13 May Day ride: Dartmoor Letterbox Special 1015-1500
4 Present: Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland (13), Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones Weather: Torrential rain
Sadly our 2007 Dartmoor Letterbox Special had to be called off in view of the torrential rain that persisted all morning.  This was the day the official Ten Tors event was cancelled and all the participants airlifted off the moor, so we didn't feel too bad for staying at Crofters for computer games!

 

Friday 11 May Evening Ride: Belford Mill 1900-2100
6 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Alex Harrigan, Michael Jones, Scott Mount Weather: Dry

Ashley performs a jump at Ashburton park

A repeat shot of the fallen tree from two weeks ago, now rather damp

Sam got his wish tonight as we returned to Belford Mill near Ashburton.  As we passed Ashburton park we noticed that, for once, it was deserted, so we spent a good fifteen minutes doing jumps on the BMX ramps and, in Olly's case, enjoying the swings.

The woodland track from Belford Mill was a bit muddy after the earlier rain, but everyone really enjoyed it and had no regrets about taking Sam's advice.  We returned to Buckfastleigh via Tuckers and the railway track, making sure we got back in time for certain youngsters to enjoy a game!

 

Sunday 6 May Afternoon Ride: Holne 1415-1700
6 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Jordan Knight, ZacMcGrath Weather: Mainly dry

Preparing for the downhill track through Holne Woods

Jordan was sporting a new bike at the start of today's ride - a touring bike!  Actually it was Michael's spare bike, but Jordan was thrilled with its performance and fully intended to blast past the mountain bikes on every stretch of road.

When Michael had persuaded Olly to overcome his tiredness we pressed on through Scoriton and Michelcombe and spent at least 20 minutes in the playpark, doing our best to organise a frisbee contest.  We finally got it going, and declared Olly and Sam the joint winners, but there were at least three occasions when long sticks had to be obtained to retrieve frisbees from the high branches of bramble-covered trees!

There's a new cafe at Holne, and today for the first time we checked it out.  It's not quite as classy as the Old Forge used to be, but the prices seemed very reasonable and Michael said the ice creams were excellent!

We thoroughly enjoyed the rough track descent through Holne woods to River Dart Adventures - the leading riders enjoyed it a little too much and forgot to stop at the junction, thereby missing the final fun section of the track.  We concluded an enjoyable ride with a shortcut through River Dart Adventures and the old road to Buckfastleigh.

 

Friday 4 May Evening Ride: Hembury Woods (10m) 1900-2100
7 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Michael Jones, Ben Parker (16) Weather: Sunny and warm

There was some disagreement concerning the destination for this evening's ride: Sam had decided that everyone should be treated the delights of last week's ride to Ashburton, but Ashley and Ben preferred the familiar territory of Hembury Woods.  As we are a junior club we let the youngsters make the final decision, and after much debate they plumped for Hembury.

When we reached the top of the woods Charles and Heidi decided to branch off for their own ride since Heidi didn't really fancy doing a lot of offroad.  The rest of us enjoyed the tracks through Hembury, marred only by a slight misunderstanding between Ben and Olly and a puncture in Ben's front tyre.

 

Sunday 29 April Day ride: Bow Creek (23m) 1015-1530
5 Present: Charles Acland, Sam Acland (13), Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (12) Weather: Sunny and hot

Sharpham cycle track

A friendly horse detects food in Michael's pannier

Jordan makes a new friend

The final climb on the Sharpham track

We made excellent speed along Colston Road were soon enjoying the cycle path from Dartington to Totnes.  The tide was out and the river level was so low that the youngsters could walk out to the overspill section of the weir for the first time in many months.

Continuing through Totnes park and the Plains we quickly joined the Sharpham cycle path, pausing briefly for the youngsters to take two turns each on a death-defying rope swing attached to an overhanging branch on a very steep section of woodland.

Further along the track we met two very friendly horses who captured our attention for a full fifteen minutes.  The dark horse had a very good nose for food, quickly deciding that Michael's pannier would be worth very close investigation!  Jordan got so friendly with the brown horse that he would happily have taken it home with him.

A final climb through the bluebell-covered woodland brought us to the quiet village of Ashprington, where the play park boasted an amazingly high swing which our youngsters just had to test.  We had lunch at the bottom of the hill, by the stepping stones on Bow Creek, then headed along the relatively flat road to Harbertonford.  Here the cavernous village stores provided welcome ice creams, which we enjoyed by the riverside.

The return home via Rolster Bridge was completed with the same good speed as the outward journey, although Jordan didn't appreciate the climb from Tigley to Rattery in the now sweltering heat.  Everyone loved the downhill from Pennywell however, and we had made such good speed that the youngsters got nearly three hours of computer games to round of an excellent day.

 

Friday 27 April Evening Ride: Ashburton (11m) 1900-2100
3 Present: Charles Acland, Sam Acland (13), Michael Jones Weather: Sunny and warm

Sam and Charles on the track near Belford Mill

Just three of us set off on a wonderful balmy evening along the old road to Ashburton.  The interesting paths through the town were all new to Charles, and since he is training to be an architect he was fascinated by the wedged design of Belford Mill, situated in a secluded valley behind Ashburton.

We all loved the track back through the woods, especially Sam who had great fun running up and down the trunk of a felled conifer.  We had made such good time that we were able to ride the Terrace Walk along the hill that runs between the two parts of Ashburton, which offered stunning views back up to the Mill.  We concluded a perfect evening ride with a climb to Druid and the subsequent descent to Peartree.

 

Sunday 22 April Day ride: Dartmeet (20m) 1015-1700
8 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland (13), Matthew Grute (16), Dennis Ham (12), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones Weather: Cloudy start, then sunny & hot

The start of the bridleway near Combestone Tor

The bridleway continues after lunch

Some welcome shade

Enjoying the downhill to Stepping Stones

Negotiating the Stepping Stones

Dennis gets stuck during a tricky hop

Matthew helps Alex pluck up courage

Alex makes a final leap of faith

Olly and Matt enjoying Dartmeet

The view of the Dart valley from Mel Tor

The boys find an unexpected Dartmoor letterbox

Dr Blackall's Drive

With a forecast of cloud all day we weren't expecting too much from the weather.  After completing the stiff climb to Venford reservoir we paused briefly at the end of the O Brook which looks remarkably like a leat.  The water drains out through a large pipe onto the surrounding moorland, and it didn't take the youngsters long to realise that could look right through to those peering in at the far end!

We followed the bridleway from near Combestone tor down the hill to the stream at the bottom, arriving just as the cloud was clearing.  It made a perfect spot for lunch, with shade for those who wanted it, plenty of fun to be had following the course of the stream, and an interesting valley that required some new frisbee techniques.

The day now began to feel like mid summer.  We continued along the bridleway to the long downhill across the fields, bringing us to the stepping stones by 1.45.  Today, unlike our last visit, the water was low so crossing the stones with bikes was so easy that the youngsters had to find a more challenging crossing nearby.  This session of stone-hopping caused some difficulties for Dennis, who got stuck with one foot on two distant rocks, and for Alex who required much encouragement from Matthew before he would finally attempt a rather large leap.

Next stop was the cafe at Dartmeet which offered us cool drinks on the tables by the river.  The presence of further stones in the river proved irresistible for everyone, although Dennis and Alex performed such a long and complicated excursion that they ended up stranded on the far bank!

There was time for ice creams, but then we could postpone Dartmeet hill no longer.  Even Alex and Dennis did well on the climb after recovering from the shock of finding a dead adder by the roadside.

The outstanding views of the Dart valley from Mel Tor impressed everyone.  We sat on the tor for some time marvelling at the scenery, then Mat discovered a very robust Dartmoor letterbox under a nearby rock.  Everyone was fascinated by it, and were pleased to hear that Michael had planned a special letterboxing ride for later in the year.

An exhilarating track descent brought us quickly to New Bridge, where more ice creams prepared us for the climb to Galant Le Bower.  The Hembury Slalom track then rounded off what had turned out to be one of the most enjoyable - and hottest - rides of the year so far.

 

Friday 20 April Evening Ride: Avon Dam (13m) 1900-2145
2 Present: Michael Jones, Ben Parker (15) Weather: Sunny start, cold after dark

Fog rising from the water

Ben admiring the view

A pair of Canada geese

Fog rolling over the outflow

Fog rolling over the outflow

The moon watches the scene

With only two of us on the ride we had the opportunity to fulfil Ben's wish of riding to the Avon Dam, something we could not have attempted at this stage in the season with slower riders.

It was a long climb via Dean Hill and Bloody Pool.  When we reached Shipley Bridge there were just two cars left in the car park.  Michael predicted that they would both belong to couples with dogs, and whilst Ben was for some reason annoyed that Michael made such a prediction, it was nothing to his frustration when it turned out to be correct!

The temperature began to plummet as we approached the dam, and it was this very fact that gave rise to the most incredible sight we had ever seen at the dam.  The suddenly cold air temperatures caused a fog to rise off the water and roll over the outflow.  It was eerie and yet at the same time magnificent, giving the area an atmosphere that we had never experienced on all our previous visits.  A pair of Canada geese gradually emerged from the fog as they moved to the edge of the reservoir, and a bright moon over a red sunset added mysterious effect.  This was indeed a very special moment: if we had arrived earlier the fog not have been there, and any later there would have been no light to see it.

We spent half an hour soaking up the atmosphere, then in near-darkness headed back across the open moor to the Abbots Way.  Michael's powerful front light proved essential for safe navigation of the downhill track to Cross Furzes and the subsequent descent to Buckfastleigh.

 

Sunday 15 March Morning Ride:  1015-1045
2 Present: Matthew Grute (16), Michael Jones Weather: Sunny
Our regular crew all had various excuses for not being out today, and since Matt was still tired from the tour we elected to spend the day at Crofters practicing our skills at the new Command and Conquer 3!

 

Friday 13 April Evening Ride: Staverton (11m) 1900-2115
7 Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Ben Parker  
Our first evening ride of the season took us along Colston Road, where Michael's cousins entertained us with a pony and trap display in their field.  At Staverton we called in at the island for stone skimming lessons and then returned via Abham in descending darkness for an hour of computer games at Croftetrs.

 

Friday 6 April

Junior Tour: Somerset Levels (98m)

9 Present: Charles Acland (A), Heidi Acland (A), Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (11)

Weather: Sunny and warm

2007 Easter Tour, Somerset

Click on the link below to read the full report on this 4-day junior tour to the Somerset Levels and Quantock Hills.  The report includes many full-colour photographs.

Full report

 

 

Sunday 1 April Afternoon Ride: Broadhempsron 1415-1740
6 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (J), Ben Parker (16) Weather: Mainly dry

Zac, Ben, Alex, Ashley and Matt on the famous Broadhempston Rocket

Alex and Zac enter the woodland track to Lower Combe

After climbing Green Lane Michael presented two alternative routes for the ride, one circling west from broadhempston that included several tracks and one circling south that did not.  The tracks won the vote with a clear majority, so we started with the track to Abham.  A group of travellers were still encamped at its peak after more than three years, now even having wheelie bins provided by the council!

Riding along the riverside track to Staverton we were soon at Bropadhempston playpark.  Ashley was very keen to join some local youngsters and their father who were playing football, but in the end he recognised that he was twice their size and contented himself with frisbees and obstacle courses in the park.  Matt's frisbee skills left something to be desired when he twice managed to overshoot the park boundary and land the frisbee on the window of a nearby cottage!

On the return route Ron Greet's tractor graveyard provided some interest for the youngsters, but it was the famous Beaston Track that got everyone excited.  This track was renowned many years ago for the enormous muddy lake that crossed from hedge to hedge about halfway along - it was always there, even after the driest summer!  Nowadays the lake problem has been sorted, but the track still offers several substantial puddles and muddy stretches to keep Alex happy.

An unwelcome climb brought us eventually to the start of the woodland track to Lower Combe.  The youngsters descended in double quick time only to find another climb waiting for them, this time to Green Lane.  Everyone on the ride except Ben was taking part in next week's Easter tour, and Michael was so pleased with their performance on this harder-than-usual afternoon ride that he declared them all ready for the tour.

 

Friday 30 March Social: Film night 1900-2215
5 Present: Sam Acland (J), Ashley Freeman (12), Osian Jarvis (12), Michael Jones, Ben Parker (16)  
The film Stormbreaker was unanimously chosen from a wide selection of DVDs.  As usual, refreshments were served during the interval.

 

Sunday 25 March Day ride: Venford Reservoir (17m) 1015-1415
5 Present: Olly Acland (11), Sam Acland(13), Ashley Freeman (12), Michael Jones, Ben Parker (16) Weather: Cloudy and somewhat cold

Olly Acland

The group after lunch on the Venford track

Ashley had got it into his head today that the ride was going to be hard, so he just couldn't motivate himself to put any effort into the climb to Holne.  It took us all morning to get to Venford, so after some debate we decided to change the destination from Dartmeet to Venford.

Suddenly Ashley was a confident cyclist again.  We rode around the reservoir path to a secluded wooded lunch spot, and when everyone had finished lunch and conducting sword battles with sticks we continued to the road and headed back for the track through Hembury Woods.  It was amusing to see Ashley cycle up the same hill that earlier he had walked!

 

Friday 23 March Social: Games evening 1900-2215
6 Present: Olly Acland (J), Sam Acland (J), Ashley Freeman (12), Osian Jarvis (12), Michael Jones, Ben Parker (16)  
A fun evening of computer games concluded our penultimate social of the season.

 

Sunday 18 March Morning Ride: Skerraton Down (11m) 1015-1315
7 Present: Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Dennis Ham (12), Alex Harrigan (10), Osian Jarvis (12), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (13), Weather: Cold with strong winds and wintry showers

Sheltering behind a gorse bush

Spectacular views from the high moor

Today, after weeks of unseasonably warm weather, the north wind moved in to make our March morning ride more challenging.  An early shower drenched us with icy water and hailstones as we rode to Dean, and since Alex hadn't brought a coat (he had apparently left it at school) he decided to head home even though the sun was emerging as he left.

The rest of us tackled the climb past Nurston farm, where the dogs came out in force to greet us but thankfully were not in biting mood today.  The cold wind made the climb harder, but eventually we reached the top where a horse rider warned us of the bitter winds on the open moor.  Since Osian was out with us for his first ride in more than a year we decided to head to Skerraton Down instead of the intended Avon Dam.

A grassy bank provides shelter from the wind for Dennis & Sam

When we had negotiated the narrow track and reached the gateway to the moor we stopped for a chocolate break and some respite from the strong headwind.  The final climb to Skerraton Down was painful, both from the gorse bushes that seemed to block every path, and from the two short hail showers fired at us by the powerful wind.

The view from the top was indeed magnificent.  We were turning away from the wind, and soon we were heading downhill with the wind and bright sunshine behind us.  Dennis and Sam found a grassy bank for shelter before we tackled the descent to Cross Furzes and home.  There were several cold fingers when we arrived at Crofters and everyone looked forward to an afternoon of computer games in the warmth of the clubroom.

 

Friday 16 March Social: Badminton 1900-2215
4 Present: Ashley Freeman (12), Matt Grute (15), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (10)  
When we arrived at Torbay Leisure Centre at 7.55 we discovered that our badminton court had been double-booked!  We didn't complain too much when they gave us a free squash court until 9pm and then 20 minutes free on two spare badminton courts.

 

Sunday 11 March Car-assisted Day ride: Fingle Tracks (14m) 1015-1715
9 Present: Charles Acland (A), Sam Acland (13), Ashley Freeman (12), Dennis Ham (12), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (12), Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (16) Weather: Sunny and warm

Setting out along the woodland path from Steps Bridge

A pause to regroup

The path from Clifford Bridge

Jordan & Dennis find a nest of very large red ants

Continuing along the Teign towards Fingle Bridge

Zac & Dennis pause for breath on the climb to the Humter's Path

Lunch on the Hunter's Path

Hunter's Path

Admiring a viewpoint from Hunter's Path

Jordan & the waterfall, on the Fisherman's Path

A friendly dog shows how to negotiate steps on the Fisherman's Path

Ridiculous Steps on the Fisherman's path

Refreshments at Fingle Bridge

Returning along the Teign

Fine spring sunshine greeted us for our first car-assisted day ride for 2007.  Some last-minute bookings brought the total number of participants to nine, but with some careful packing we managed to fit all the bikes and all the riders into the two Volvo estates provided by Michael and Charles.  The outward journey was made less cramped, however, when Alex's Dad kindly offered to take some riders.

We reached Steps Bridge car park at 11.15 to find no spaces whatsoever, but two people left while we unloaded the bikes.  The youngsters noticed the youth hostel sign, pointing to the wooden chalet up in the woods that was once Steps Bridge youth hostel.  We have made many visits there in the past, but sadly the hostel was closed by YHA last year.

Our ride began with the bridleway along the east bank of the river Teign through Cod Wood.  Daffodils were growing everywhere, and the twists and turns of the path provided plenty of fun.  There was then a short stretch of road to Clifford Bridge, where the first enormous red ants were noticed with some horror.

After a short chocolate break we continued along the opposite bank of the Teign along the track through Hitchcombe, Butterdon and Hore woods.  Jordan and Dennis quickly found a red ants nest, and later kept the group waiting while they organised a game of "Manhunt" in the woods - otherwise known as Hide and Seek!

Fingle bridge was reasonably busy.  Zac seemed keen to abandon his packed lunch in favour of a visit to the attractive-looking restaurant by the river, but Michael encouraged everyone to press on with the steep climb to the Hunter's Path.  The views were excellent during the climb, and even better when we reached the top, but the wind was significant as we settled down for lunch overlooking the steeply wooded Teign valley.

We followed the path to a viewpoint and then down past Castle Drogo.  From the road we then joined the Fisherman's Path that leads back to Fingle Bridge beside the river.  This was altogether more challenging, with more twists and climbs than the former.

For some of the youngsters one of the best features of the ride was the opportunity to meet so many dogs along the route.  It seemed that every five minutes some new exciting breed would come along and get loads of attention from everyone, particularly Dennis!  As we approached an incredibly steep flight of steps we were greeted by the best dog of the day, picking its way very carefully down the steps towards us.  It got a very warm welcome when it reached the bottom!

Finally back at Fingle Bridge again we called in to the restaurant to enjoy drinks and light refreshments beside the river.  Michael was somewhat surprised, therefore, when everyone flocked to his chocolate shop as soon as we left!  Evidently toasted teacakes just don't hit the spot like chocolate!

To conclude a highly enjoyable ride we retraced our route back through the two woodland tracks to the cars.

 

Friday 9 March Social: Games evening 1900-2215
6 Present: Sam Acland (J), Ashley Freeman (12), Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones, Scott Mount (12), Ben Parker (16)  
Today was Ashley's birthday so we made our games evening a little special by bringing back some special chocolate cakes from the local supermarket and sharing them out between games!

 

Sunday 4 March Afternoon Ride:  1415-1800
10 Present: Olly Acland (J), Sam Acland (J), Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones, Jordan Knight (J, new), Zac McGrath (J), Scott Mount (J), Ben Parker (16) Weather: Torrential rain
With torrential rain flooding the land for hundreds of miles in every direction we had no choice but to convert today's afternoon ride to a well-attended social afternoon at Crofters.

 

Friday 2 March Social: Video evening 1900-2215
6 Present: Olly Acland (J), Sam Acland (J), Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (16)  
With no suitable films on show at the cinema, our cinema evening was hastily rearranged to be a DVD evening, with the suspense drama Flightplan forming the main entertainment.

 

Saturday 24 February

Weekend Ride: Golant YH (34m)

8 Present: Tao Burgess, Ashley Freeman (11), Alex Harrigan (10), Ryan Havinga (10), Hallam Iles (10), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (11), Ben Parker (16)

Weather: Mainly dry on Saturday, mainly sunny but breezy on Sunday

Enjoying the sun on the Torpoint ferry

Big breakers at Seaton beach

Beginning the process of unloading the bikes

Coast path to Looe

No, he hasn't got stuck in the flood - he's washing his car!

Russell makes friends

Eight members met at Crofters shortly after 9am for our first mid-winter youth hostel weekend since 1991 - there would have been nine if Matt hadn't left his coursework to the last minute!  Careful packing and the use of two bike racks enabled us to fit all 8 members and bikes into our two cars, and by 10am we were heading for Cornwall in bright winter sunshine.

Taking the Torpoint ferry made the outward journey more interesting as well as cutting several miles off our journey.  At Seaton only Alex, Ryan and Hallam made the most of the short stop at the beach, the rest retreating quickly to the shelter of the cars once they discovered there was a chilly breeze!

The changeable weather and the forecast of heavy showers throughout the afternoon made the decision of where to park the cars all the more tricky.  Finally we plumped for a verge near the Monkey Sanctuary, two miles this side of Looe, realising we might only get an hour of dry weather all the way to Golant.

Everyone enjoyed the steep coastal track down to Millendreath beach, but the many steps up to Plaidy proved more of a challenge to the younger members, who were grateful to Tao, Ben and Michael for helping them with their bikes.  The coast path then provided magnificent views and a steep descent into the picturesque fishing village of Looe.

The town was surprisingly busy for February and there were plenty of pasty shops open for those who didn't bring a packed lunch.  After eating by the river we checked out the nearby joke shop, where Sprite Bombs and Fun Snaps were the most popular purchases!  Four youngsters then decided to pay 40p each for the passenger ferry to West Looe rather than riding the 5 minute journey around the bridge!  When we met on the other side they were engaged in a hearty conversation with the ferryman who seemed quite taken with their youthful enthusiasm!

The rain started right on cue as we climbed the daunting West Looe Hill, and everyone, including Michael, felt that this was likely to be the prelude to a very wet and miserable afternoon.  The rain eased as we neared the top however, and sunshine returned by the time the youngsters were splashing through the enormous lakes of water near the main road.

The fine weather held while we took the cross-country route towards Bodinnick.  When we had recovered from the shock of watching Alex pick a daffodil and then shred it in front of our eyes, we came across a major flood at the bottom of a hill.  When we saw a smart car partially-submerged in the fast flowing waters and an elderly man walking around it, we immediately assumed that he needed help.  Closer inspection, however, revealed that the man was carrying a bucket - and a brush: he was making good use of the surplus water by washing his car!  It was all very amusing: Tao joined in the fun by washing his bike, and Alex and Hallam rode through the flood several times just to see how wet they could get!

Arriving at the junction near Trefrawl we were greeted by a very friendly Jack Russell terrier who was determined to get attention from everyone in the group.  The owner told us the dog was called Russell and that he had another dog called Jack!  When the time came for us to leave he just didn't want to say goodbye and followed us for nearly a mile.

Bodinnick ferry

A good downhill from Lanteglos Highway brought us quickly to the Bodinnick ferry, where Michael managed to negotiate a good discount for our group to cross the short distance across the river Fowey.  Tao, who doesn't like boats at the best of times, felt distinctly queezy during the windy crossing.  Once on the other side we headed into Fowey for a final refreshment stop, and now, finally, the rain began again.

We paused on the climb to admire the view across the estuary to Polruan between two tall buildings and were promptly accosted by a female resident in a woolly hat who informed us that the view would soon be blocked by the owner of the hotel below who planned to raise his building to the same height as the others!  We presumed she wanted us to add our names to the petition, but with the next shower on the way we just didn't have time.

Another vicious shower got us drenched by the time we reached the higher roundabout, but the final climb and descent to the hostel was relatively dry.  We were greeted by an Australian receptionist who wasn't quite up to speed with the latest YHA membership regulations: he wanted to charge the youngsters extra because they weren't YHA members, and he didn't believe Michael when he told him they were covered by the two adult membership cards.  It was two days later before the matter was finally resolved with a call to head office!

We were allocated to an excellent twelve-bed dormitory on the top floor.  Four of our youngsters were new to hostelling, and apparently Michael had neglected to remind them to bring a towel!  When apologies had been made and the youngsters had discovered the location of the showers, Michael apologised again, this time to our two room-mates, for having to share a dorm with all these noisy children.  To his surprise, one of them burst out laughing and said that we were the ones who would be suffering, as his friend was probably the world's worst snorer!

The youngsters coped well with the self-catering kitchen, managing quite successfully to boil the kettle and add the water to their pot noodles with only minimal assistance!  Alex, who always seems to have a problem recognising healthy food, managed to buy 20 lollipop sweets from the hostel shop before Michael discovered what he was up to and closed off that particular avenue of unhealthiness!

There was high drama later in the evening when the youngsters saw a strange man enter our dormitory and lock the door.  They were sure he was rummaging through our panniers, but suspicion turned to panic when they got the door code off the warden, went into the dorm and discovered that Michael's laptop was nowhere to be seen!  They were sure they knew what had happened to it - until they found Michael and he told them it was hidden under his pillow!  It turned out the warden had allocated two more people to our dorm without telling us.

The predicted heavy rain drenched everything outside while we enjoyed games of pool in the games room and Bomberman in the dorm.  At 10.15 the youngsters discovered that Michael had the first episode of the new Doctor Who on his laptop - still there from our 2005 Easter tour - and from that moment up to bedtime Michael and Tao didn't hear a single peep from any of them!

Ashley reckoned this felt like a massive sleepover and all the youngsters were having a lot of fun, but when the time came to be quiet they all did their duty.  During the night the snorer was a good as his word, one of the other two hostellers joined with him to make a duet, and Ben discovered that he had gone to bed with a wasp!  He struggled manfully with it on his own without waking anyone but was sufficiently concerned to text his parents during one of his trips to the bathroom.  Nearly all evidence has disappeared when they rang during breakfast to see if he was ok!

Sunday morning at Golant YH

Golant YH - we weren't even THINKING of parking here!

Golant YH - ready to leave

Ashley makes a new friend

Lunch at Polperro harbour

The steep climb out of Polperro

The coast path above Polperro

Michael takes a short break

Coast path to Talland Bay

Hallam enjoys a well-earned KBG

Morning dawned bright and breezy.  We liked the sign outside the bike shed: "Don't even THINK of parking here" and took several photos around the impressive grounds.  Everyone seemed much faster today, including Alex who was back to his usual form, and Hallam who completely vindicated Michael's decision to allow him to join the weekend trip for his first ever ride with us.  The winds were stronger than yesterday but they were behind us, making everything a real breeze!

The ferryman couldn't help commenting "They're back again!" as we boarded the ferry for the return journey.  After climbing the next hill however and starting out on the detour route to Polperro we saw a sign to the Polruan passenger ferry - we'll have to explore that one next time.

After a short climb and a minor incident where Ryan was forced into the verge by an inconsiderate driver, Tao proposed an alternative route through Lansallos that had a good deal more climbing than anyone really wanted.  It was nevertheless a pretty village and we were soon enjoying the helter skelter downhill to Polperro.

We stopped at the pasty shop for some very nice but very expensive pasties, including rhubarb apple and custard, steak, and banana and chocolate.  Zac then insisted that we stop at the Chocolate Dream shop to look at the many ridiculously expensive chocolate treats before we pressed on to the harbour.  Here there was sunshine, sea, boats, seagulls and seats - a perfect setting for lunch.  Ryan's discarded piece of pasty led to two seagulls entertaining us for a full 5 minutes with their cat-and-dog chase around the harbour.

There was time to buy some fudge before we set off up the steep climb to the coast path.  AS we neared the top and looked back at Polperro harbour Tao immediately recognised the view as the picture on the front of the Plymouth and Launceston OS map that we were using.  By careful comparison he was able to tell us which houses had recently been extended or repainted!

The coast path to Talland Bay offered dramatic sea views and challenging off-road riding, although a few youngsters led by Ashley seemed to manage the final rocky downhill sections without too much difficulty.  Michael had been letting word out about the forthcoming MOAH (Mother of All Hills) however, so there was some apprehension as we arrived at Talland Bay.  In fact it didn't turn out to be so bad after all: it was no bigger than yesterday's hill out of Looe, and everyone was faster today.

So we got to ride down West Looe hill, and at the bottom we managed to persuade the owner of the Tasty Corner cafe to reopen just so that we could buy loads of his fabulous Knickerbocker Glory ice cream desserts.  As Michael tucked into his, Tao noted with some amusement that the KBGs were listed in the menu under "Children's desserts".

The passenger ferry was not running today so the Lazy Brigade had to ride around the bridge.  We retraced yesterday's route back to the cars, wishing we had time to go down to Looe beach which looked very inviting in the afternoon sunshine.  Some took great pleasure in riding down the steps from Plaidy, and a challenging final track climb brought us back to the cars by 4.45.  We repacked the bikes quickly and, remembering the delays on the Torpoint ferry last autumn, headed home via the Tamar bridge.

This had turned out to be a remarkably exciting mid-winter adventure for everyone and a great introduction to hostelling for our four new hostellers.  We're taking bookings now for our four-day Easter tour to Somerset, so get your booking in early before all the places are taken!

 

Friday 22 February Social: Games evening 1900-2215
3 Present: Ash Freeman (11), Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones  
Preparations for our youth hostel weekend kept several members away this evening, but those who came along very much enjoyed their evening.

 

Sunday 18 February Morning Ride: Totnes Longmarsh (18m) 1015-1440
11 Present: Charles Acland (A, new), Heidi Acland (A, new), Olly Acland (11, new), Sam Acland (13, new), Ash Freeman (11), Dennis Ham (12), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Fred Tyler (12, new), Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (16). Weather: Cloudy with very light drizzle

The group at Longmarsh

The group at Longmarsh - with Michael!

We were pleased to welcome the Acland family and their friend Fred, out for their first club ride on a dull but mainly dry morning.  As we rode along Colston road it was clear that the newcomers were all good cyclists, so we had no trouble riding along the Totnes cycle path and getting to Totnes before 12.

The Barrelhouse cafe at the top of town once again provided the venue for our refreshment stop.  This time we took two large tables on the upper floor and discovered a very homely atmosphere complete with log fires - and of course the usual excellent range of refreshments. 

Next stop was Longmarsh, where the youngsters couldn't resist playing on the boat and posing for photographs.  When the entire length of the path had been explored in both directions Zac realised he had left his helmet at the cafe, so Charles kindly volunteered to fetch it while the rest of the group continued along the main Newton Abbot road to Littlehempston.

Fred, Sam, Alex, Dennis, Ashley, Zac and Olly on the boat at Longmarsh (clockwise from front)

Puncture Alley, which once gave our group 6 punctures when descending its short length, was today thankfully lacking in thorns, so the youngsters were able to enjoy its challenges with no nasty side-effects.  As we passed the railway bridge Michael gave the younger riders a chance to rest by telling the story of the steam engine journey that came to a sad end on Dainton Rise.

There was time for a short frisbee and chocolate session at Staverton park before we headed homewards via Hole Farm and Caddaford.  Everyone did remarkably well and we hope that our new riders will return for many more rides with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 16 February Social: Squash 1900-2215
5 Present: Ash Freeman (11), Glen Fulford (10), Matt Grute (15), Michael Jones,  Zac McGrath (10)  
Squash turned out to be a new sport for nearly everyone in the group this evening, and the general verdict was that it was excellent fun!  The nearest free courts were at Broadmeadow leisure centre, Teignmouth, and since our court time didn't start until 8.40 we called in at a Newton Abbot supermarket for some refreshments on the way.  Zac managed to get one of the leisure centre balls stuck on a high shelf, but there were several more up there to keep it company.

Everyone made good progress, and everyone was keen to play again another day!

 

Sunday 11 February Day ride: Ugborough Beacon (17m) 1015-1600
6 Present: Matt Grute (15), Dennis Ham (12), Charlie Hornsby (14), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (16) Weather: Windy with occasional showers

Climbing Ugborough Beacon

Finally at the top of a very windy Ugborough Beacon

Zac and Dennis find shelter from the wind

Ben and Matt test the wind strength - and Ben is a teapot!

The early morning rain had obediently given way to drier weather by the time we met at the start, but a strong headwind made the outward ride harder than expected.  We had only reached Dean Prior when Matt realised he was rucksack-less: by the time he had returned to the start and battled the headwind for a second time it was nearly 11am.

We pressed on to South Brent, meeting Kevin Presland unexpectedly at Harbourneford, and then continued along the back lanes to Wrangaton.  The part of the forecast that predicted a dry day after 11 didn't turn out to be too accurate, and when a particularly heavy shower drenched us as we met up with Zac at Wrangaton bridge there was a unanimous feeling that the planned ride to Lukesland should be shortened.

A grassy verge on the lane up to the golf course made a suitably-sheltered lunch venue.  While Michael fixed Matt's puncture Matt generously gave out Breakaway bars, throwing them with remarkable accuracy so he didn't have to get up.  The one aimed at Ben caught him on the knee and left him howling with pain, and when people questioned whether a Breakaway bar could really do that much damage he showed everyone the bruise!  Matt, being a very naughty boy, saw an opportunity for fun and chased Ben around the lane with another Breakaway bar he had retrieved from Michael!

The climb from the golf course to Ugborough Beacon was challenging to say the least, and by the time we reached the top the wind strength was overpowering.  Michael tested everyone on recognition of Brent Hill, an impressive landmark that had been glimpsed all morning but was now laid out clearly for all to see, and everyone admired the extensive views across South Devon from this 371m viewpoint.  We then proceeded to the tor at the far side of the Beacon, where Matt and Ben tested the wind strength and Dennis and Zac sought shelter from it.

Next came the fun bit, the downhill moorland ride into the Owley valley.  The ground was so waterlogged that streams seemed to be rising from every part of the landscape, but this just made the descent all the more fun for everyone.  Charlie managed to do a flip that landed him on the soft ground, but the bike then came down on top of him, making the experience a little less pleasurable!

Now with a tailwind we made good speed back to South Brent and Harbourneford, and the final downhill to Dean made a fitting high point to end an interesting mid-winter ride.

 

Friday 9 February Social: Games evening 1900-2215
5 Present: Dennis Ham (12), Michael Jones,  Zac McGrath (10), Scott Mount (11), Ben Parker (16)  
The usual range of PC and console games kept everyone amused.

 

Sunday 4 February Afternoon Ride: Hembury Tracks (8m) 1415-1645
4 Present: Dennis Ham (12), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Ben Parker (16) Weather: Sunny and fairly warm

Alex, Dennis and Ben preparing to enter the upper Hembury clearings

Ben and Michael were a few minutes late at the start of today's afternoon ride, and by the time they arrived Alex had gone home!  He rang from home and we said we would wait for him to return, so eventually the four of us set off for our romp through Hembury.

During the first climb of the main Hembury hill we noticed several interesting tracks heading off to the left that none of us had explored before, so we decided to explore them later.

From the high gate we headed to the main clearings and then took the left hand track that leads to a path running down the far side of the woods.  This was new to most of the group, but Ben got carried away and missed a track off to the left near the bottom.  While Michael chased after him the two younger lads were caught answering a call of nature by a horde of walkers who suddenly appeared out of nowhere!

We followed the riverside path back to the car park and then climbed part-way up the hill again to the track we had seen earlier.  It turned out to be fun and challenging, bringing us to the lower Hembury track that we often take to the bridge.  We saw another wider and less steep track coming out at the same point that seems to demand further exploration at a later date!

 

Friday 2 February Social: Film night 1900-2215
3 Present: Ryan Havinga (10), Michael Jones,  Ben Parker (16)  
The computer-animated film Cars was selected from the range on offer this evening, the first viewing of the film for everyone present.

 

Sunday 28 January Day ride: Haytor Tramway (23m) 1015-1635
7 Present: Matt Grute (15), Dennis Ham (12), Charlie Hornsby (14), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (16), David Robinson Weather: Cloudy but dry

Charlie shelters from the cold wind near Haytor quarry

A brief spell of sunshine during lunch in the shelter of the quarry

Matt performs precarious gymnastics in the quarry, watched by Zac and Dennis

The Haytor Tramway, leading behind the quarry

The upper stages of the extreme off-road ride

The stone bridge at the bottom of the valley, over the Becka Brook

Six of us made good speed to Bickington and up the hill to Birchanger Cross.  Zac met us here, transported by car at Michael's insistence to make the ride more managable for him.

There was a stiff breeze on the moor once we reached sight of Haytor.  Soon we were on the granite tramway, built in 1820 to transport granite slabs from the quarry to the Stover canal.  It is rare to find tracks built of granite.  The tramway led us into the old quarry where we hunted around for shelter from the cold wind.  Finally we found one spot where there was no wind, and when the sun came out for its only appearance of the day we knew we had chosen a perfect place for lunch.  The youngsters found plenty of amusement on the lake, with Ben and Matt vying for the best performance on the log. 

Cloud cover had once again returned, but we opted for the extreme off-road route to HoundTor by a narrow majority.  Dave Robinson didn't fancy such antics on his touring bike however, so he headed for Buckfastleigh and the warmth of his car.

The younger members weren't too impressed with Michael's first short-cut across the gorse-strewn moorland beside the quarry, but they soon warmed to the challenging descent to the bottom of the valley.  Some walkers warned us of the mud and puddles in the woods, but they didn't really slow us down that much.

After every good descent comes a stiff climb, and today was no exception to that rule.  Charlie and Michael helped Zac and Dennis carry their bikes up the side of the hill, and soon we were examining the remains of the medieval village of Hundatora, just behind Hound Tor.  Zac searched for and quickly found the Dartmoor letterbox he had hoped to find, and then we enjoyed the exciting descent to the car park where the food van, aptly names the Hound of the Basket Meals, was waiting to serve us.  Michael was particularly grateful for their service as he had neglected to bring a packed lunch!

Matt took a shortcut across a corner near Bone Hill, and even though he had been warned of a boggy area by Michael he still managed to sink wheel-deep into the mire!  The descent to Ashburton was somewhat chilly, so we were all glad when we finally reached Buckfastleigh.  Those who forgot to bring gloves will certainly do so for the next ride!

 

Friday 26 January Social: Games evening 1900-2215
4 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Michael Jones,  Zac McGrath (10), Ben Parker (15)  
Zac managed to make our Battle for Middle Earth 2 contest a little more interesting than usual this evening: he turned against team mate Ben on the grounds that he didn't have enough spare cash to help him rebuild his fortress!

 

Sunday 21 January Morning Ride: Spitchwick (10m) 1015-1215
14 Present: Galarina Beriot (10, new), Louise Beriot (10, new), Yoland Beriot (A, new), Matt Grute (15), Ashley Freeman (11), Henry Gunter (11), Josh Ham (13), Jill Hockmuth (A), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (11), Ben Parker (16), David Robinson (A) Weather: Sunny, then wintry showers

Matt & Ashley help Josh retrieve the Aerobie - with the help of a football!

The group at Spitchwick

We were pleased to welcome three new members today - and the return of some familiar faces who have been away for far too long!  Zac was back too, having replaced his new bike for another with a smaller frame.

After riding out through Buckfast in brilliant sunshine we set out along the lower Hembury track.  It was wet and muddy in places after the recent heavy rains and storms, but nearly everyone enjoyed the challenge and we were soon back on the tarmac, tackling the final hill to the high road.

The three-stage downhill to New Bridge offered plenty of fun for everyone, but Dave Robinson was slightly disappointed on arrival that nobody else wanted to stop for a cup of tea at the refreshment van!  Instead we took the track down to Spitchwick, a surprisingly new destination for several of our members who could just imagine how perfect it would be in midsummer.

Frisbees, football and refreshments joined with the magnificent scenery to keep everyone happy for at least half an hour.  The frisbee kept getting stuck in the branches of a tree, but Josh the Monkey retrieved it for us every time - with just a little help from his friends.  And when the football ended up in the icy waters of the river Dart and several youngsters were debating who should be given the task of retrieving it, a passing canoeist, pleased to be useful at last, rushed to the rescue!

We had planned to return home via Buckland to make a circular route, but several had to be home by 1.30 so we headed back up Holne Chase, which Ashley helpfully reminded everyone would now be a three-stage uphill!  The single wintry shower that had been forecast for the day chose now to make its presence known, but it held back the worst of its unpleasantness until we had completed the famous "slalom" downhill track through Hembury Woods, a new and unforgettable experience for several members.

Matt was charged with leading the group through Jordan Street and up through Barn Park, so quite why he watched from the bottom of Barn Park while three non-Buckfastleigh members disappeared around the corner towards Hapstead we will never know!  Michael quickly retrieved them as the freezing rain did its best to give everyone frostbite, and the warm clubroom then proved extremely welcome with its hot drinks and refreshments.

The huge attendance of 14 for this mid-winter morning ride was the largest we have had for several years, reminding us of the times when we regularly attracted 18-30 riders on half-day rides.  We hope that members will spread the word so that we can once again get good such attendances for all our rides.

 

Friday 19 January Social: Tours 2007 1900-2215
4 Present: Glen Fulford (10), Dennis Ham (11), Michael Jones,  Zac McGrath (10)  
Our special preview of our 2006 tour programme concentrated on the Easter tour, to the Somerset Levels and the Quantocks.  Video clips were shown from our last tour to the area, at Easter 2004, which the youngsters found very enlightening.

All members interested in joining the Easter tour should ask Michael for the information booklet which includes colour photos, full details and a booking form.  Applications will be considered from club members who have been riding with the club for several weeks and who are deemed capable of reaching Level 3 of the training programme by the end of February.

 

Sunday 14 January Day ride: Stover Country Park (25m) 1015-1625
5 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Scott Mount (12) Weather: Sunny

Frisbee game at Stover Country Park

Alex, Scott, Matt and Ashley at Stover Country Park

Four of us set off from the start on this beautiful sunny morning, but we had only reached Furzeleigh Mill when we got a call from Alex's Mum saying he had gone to the clubroom for 10.15 instead of the ride start!

He caught us up in just a few minutes, and soon we were speeding along the A38 which offered the easiest and fastest route to our destination.  A piece of barbed wire on the side of the road was hit by a few of the group but miraculously caused no punctures!

Stover Country Park appeared busy as we rode along the woodland paths.  We didn't get to see the recently-added air walk, but stopped at the picnic tables beside the lake for some food and frisbee fun.

Alex demonstrating his love of muddy puddles near Staverton

Scott was suffering with a back pain, and a shower further dampened his spirits as we headed out along the track to Teigngrace.  The younger riders felt proud to find themselves riding as far from home as Newton Abbot, but the climb towards Ipplepen proved too much for Scott on this occasion.  We stopped at Fermoys for some excellent food and a well-earned rest, and then Scott's father collected him from the car park at 2.30.

The rest of the group pressed on through Ipplepen in bright sunshine, delayed only by some puddle splashing, led of course by Alex.  We paused at Staverton park for some serious frisbee practice and then headed home via Caddaford.  Congratulations to Ashley on successfully completing his longest and hardest ride to date.

 

Friday 12 January Social: Games evening 1900-2230
6 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Dennis Ham (11), Ryan Havinga (10), Michael Jones,  Scott Mount (12)  
Our fortnightly evening of computer games was once again dominated by Bomberman, Rise of the Witch King and the XBox 360.

 

Sunday 7 January Afternoon Ride: Broadhempston (4m) 1415-1540
6 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Matt Grute (15), Alex Harrigan (10), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (10), Scott Mount (12) Weather: Wet

Scott, Zac, Ashley, Matt and Alex at the end of a very wet ride!

Alex and Zac were showing off their new bikes today, but the early forecasts of dismal weather did not bode well for our afternoon ride to Broadhempston.  Several were put off by the weather, but 6 were determined to do at least a short ride as the 2.15 start time drew nearer.

A downpour on the way to the start prompted us to head for home via Buckfast, but the rain proved patchy, so there was some enthusiasm for a spin through the Hembury tracks by the time we reached the end of Grange Road.

We took the riverside track as far as the swing, and then headed back to the car park via the higher track, finishing with a brisk descent of the final section of woodland track to the bridge.  A few short spells of heavier rain left Scott and Zac a little less than enthusiastic, but Alex and Matt more than made up for it, and everyone felt pleased to have braved the elements as they posed for the group photo.

 

Friday 5 January 2007 Social: Swimming 1900-2230
7 Present: Ashley Freeman (11), Glen Fulford (10), Matt Grute (15), Dennis Ham (11), Michael Jones,  Scott Mount (12), Ben Parker (15)  
There would have been nine taking part in this swimming trip to the Riviera International centre at Torquay, but sadly we couldn't arrange transport for late-bookers Zac and Josh.  Several hadn't been to this leisure cemtre before, and everyone had a fun time.

There were races on the big flume (slide) against the clock, and by the end of the session some initially very slow times (from Ben and Scott) had been brought up to very respectable performances.  Matt and Michael tied for first place, however, with times of 14.2 seconds. 

 

 

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