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Somerset 2010

 

 

 

We've written some brief descriptions of some of our recent rides and activities.  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 27 June 2010 Morning Ride: Staverton Park 1015-1315
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Very hot & sunny
Report to follow

 

Friday 25 June 2010 Evening Ride: Baddaford Tracks 1900-2110
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny & warm

Climbing the track from Coombe

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 20 June 2010 Morning Ride: Avon Dam (12m) 1015-1255
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones Weather: Hot & sunny

The Avon reservoir

Dappled sunlight at the ford near Cross Furzes

Report to follow

 

Friday 18 June 2010 Evening Ride: Chalk Ford 1900-2100
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cloudy but warm

Ash checks out the piglets near Chalk Ford

Climbing the viewing platform outside the Deer Park

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 13 June 2010 Morning Ride: Chuley Cross 1015-1250
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny

Ash, Ryan and Zac at the top of the Pridhamsleigh track

Report to follow

 

Friday 11 June 2010 Evening Ride: Hembury 1900-2105
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 6 June 2010 Day ride: Bow Bridge (30m) 1015-1610
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny with cloudy spells

Callum, Hallam, Ash and Ryan at Totnes weir

Relaxing after lunch on the Ashprington track

Contemplating the ford at Bow Bridge, Tuckenhay

An ice-cream break in the shade at Harbertonford

Report to follow.

 

Friday 4 June 2010 Evening Ride: Spitchwick 1900-2105
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Hot & sunny

Taking the track from Chasegate alongside Kinghurst Down Wood

Ash enjoys the cool waters at Spitchwick

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 30 May 2010 Day ride: Burrator Reservoir (30m) 1015-1750
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny with cloudy spells

Watching falcons on the Plym Valley cycleway

The leat near Burrator

 

 

Combestone Tor

Report to follow.

 

Friday 28 May 2010 Evening Ride: Hembury 1900-2105
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Mainly dry & sunny

Zac, Matt and Ash up a tree at Humphrey's Cross

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 23 May 2010 Morning Ride: Fermoys 1015-1425
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Hot & sunny

Tracks at Orley Common, near Ipplepen

Ash, Zac and Ryan at Fermoys

Report to follow

 

Friday 21 May 2010 Evening Ride: 1900

Sam and Charles Acland turned up for this evening's ride but because they had forgotten to ring in advance and nobody else had rung, Michael had already made other arrangements for the evening.  Sadly, therefore, the ride could not take place, but Michael was disappointed and hoped that Sam and Charles would be able to make it next week.

 

Sunday 16 May 2010 Morning Ride: Staverton Bridge 1015-1205
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Grey with showers
Report to follow

 

Friday 14 May 2010 Evening Ride: Lower Combe 1900-2055
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 9 May 2010 Morning Ride: Lutton 1015-1245
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold & cloudy

Ryan, Zac, Hallam and Ash at Lydia Bridge, Aish

Enjoying the River Avon at Brent Island

Report to follow

 

Friday 7 May 2010 Evening Ride: Belford Mill 1900-2100
5 Present: Sam Acland, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Chilly

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 2 May 2010 Morning Ride: Hembury 1015-1240
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold & cloudy

By the river Dart in Hembury Woods

Report to follow

 

Friday 30 April 2010 Evening Ride: Video evening 1900-2200
3 Present: Sam Acland, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones Weather: Rain

There was little enthusiasm for riding in the rain, so we arranged a video evening by watching the latest blu-ray DVD release, Avatar.

 

Sunday 25 April 2010 Morning Ride: Dartington 1015-1340
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Mainly dry with Sunny periods

The group on the platform of Staverton station

Report to follow

 

Friday 23 April 2010 Evening ride: ? 1900-2115
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

A warm welcome awaited us at the end of Beaston Track

Report to follow

 

Sunday 18 April 2010 Morning Ride: Chalk Ford 1015-1300
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny & warm
Report to follow

 

Friday 16 April 2010 Evening ride: Chalk Ford 1900-2100
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Report to follow

 

Friday 9 April 2010

Junior Tour: Bath and the Somerset Levels (105m)

8 Present: Tao Burgess, Ashley Freeman (15), Callum Freeman (13), Ryan Havinga (14), Hallam Iles (13), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (14), Matt Porter (13)

Weather: Sunny & warm

2010 Junior Tour, Somerset

Click on the link below to read the full report on this 4-day junior tour to Bath, Cheddar and Street.  The report includes many full-colour photographs.

Full report

 

 

Sunday 4 April 2010 Morning Ride: Diptford 1015-1350
7 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Mainly sunny

South Brent play park

Spring flowers at Rattery

 

 

Starting the big descent from Pennywell Farm

Report to follow

 

Friday 2 April 2010 Social: Pool 1900-2200
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Report to follow

 

Sunday 28 March 2010 Morning Ride: Hembury Woods 1015-1300
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny spells

Ash, Hallam, Ryan & Callum at Hembury Fort

Report to follow

 

Friday 26 March 2010 Social: Ten-pin bowling 1900-2200
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Report to follow

 

Sunday 21 March 2010 Morning Ride: Staverton 1015-1320
7 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Hallam Iles, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Sunny and warm

The crossing near Staverton island

The group near Staverton island

Tricky manoeuvres on the way to the park

Our new frisbee rocket being demonstrated by Hallam

Hallam and the group near the park

New play equipment keeps everyone amused in Saverton park

Report to follow

 

Friday 19 March 2010 Social: Charades 1900-2200
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Report to follow

 

Sunday 14 March 2010 Morning Ride: Skerraton Down 1015-1305
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Sunny and warm

The track leading to Skerraton Down

Enjoying the sun before climbing to the ridge

Looking towards Holne from Skerraton Down

The bridge and stream near Cross Furzes

Report to follow

 

Friday 12 March 2010 Social: Cinema trip 1900-2200
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell  

To celebrate Ashley's recent bithday we enjoyed a special trip to the Odeon cinema at Exeter to watch the latest 3D movie Alice in Wonderland - a much darker and more action-packed movie than the older versions.  The movie was great and everyone enjoyed their evening.

 

Sunday 7 March 2010 Car-assisted Day Ride: Exeter Ship Canal 1015-1715
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny but cold

The path along the Exe estuary, near Powderham

Canada Geese near the estuary path

The canal cycle path

A well-fed team outside Exeter's Pizza Hut

Fun around the trampoline in the park at Exeter

Exeter Quayside

Our first car-assisted ride of the year was a great success thanks to some superb weather.  The ride started from Black Forest Lodge near Starcross and it wasn't long before we had ridden past the deer of Powderham Castle and were starting off along the path that follows the Exe estuary.  The recent absence of rain had left the path relatively mid-free today.

Just after joining the canal cycle path at Turf Lock we were fortunate to come across a huge flock of Canada geese resting on the nearby marshland.  Fishermen lined the canal, and Exeter Rowing Club were doing their best to avoid the many swans that got in their way.

Everyone was ready for lunch when we arrived at Pizza Hut at 1.15, and shortly after 2pm we set off again for a gentle ride around the park.  Ash was keen to show Callum the trampoline as they are both quite skilled at bouncing.

As usual the Quay was swarming with people drawn out by the glorious weather, and progress along the cycle path was slow at times.  We soon hit the freedom of the main path however, returning past the swing bridges and back along the canal to Starcross.  Callum got a puncture just before we reached the car, so we didn't need to fix it today. 

 

 

Friday 5 March 2010 Social: Movie night 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Our first movie night of the season took place this evening, with everyone very much enjoying the award-winning animation Up.

 

Sunday 28 February 2010 Morning Ride: Rattery 1120-1300
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold with showers

Deer near Pennywell

Delays to the start of our ride were inevitable when Zac turned up with a puncture.  In the end he also found he had ceased brakes, so he borrowed a neighbour's bike and we finally set off at around 11.20.  Showers didn't make the climb to Pennywell particularly enjoyable, but a group of deer over the hedge, presumably owed by Pennywell Farm, provided a great photo opportunity.

Ryan was finding the cycling tough after a recent injury, so after passing through Rattery we turned right to cross the A38 and then descended Dean hill, getting back at around 1pm.

 

 

Friday 26 February 2010 Social: Pool 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Well they wanted a trip out but couldn't afford bowling, so Pool became the plan.  We had four games each at Plymouth, alternating pairings, and whilst everyone had some great games the main news of the night was how much Callum had improved since last time!  Ashley and Ryan played an arcade game that went on for ages, then we dropped into Tesco as usual on the way home.

 

Sunday 21 February 2010 Morning Ride: Broadhempston 1015-1330
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny but chilly

The group at Michelcombe

Some members were still away for half term, but four of us enjoyed a good ride to Broadhempston via Green Lane.  The roads were icy in places after some overnight rain and sleet, so we had to take care.

The playpark at Broadhempston has been extended since we were last there, someone having taken out the tall hedge between the park and the adjacent field.  Our frisbees have gone over that hedge several times in the past, previously necessitating a walk halfway around the village to get to the far gate.  Today we were able to use the whole field for our firsbee, boomerang and tennis ball games.

We returned home via Staverton and the riverside track, arriving just in time to see a holiday diesel special running on the train line.  Zac just couldn't resist going into the station to buy some Milky Bars from the antique penny vending machine, and of course everyone else followed suit.

 

 

Friday 19 February 2010 Social: Cinema trip 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Tonight we managed to arrange a long-overdue trip to the cinema at Plymouth, this time to see "Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief".  The film is often compared with Harry Potter, but it's really nothing like it.  Everyone thought it was an excellent evening out.

 

Sunday 14 February 2010 Morning Ride: Holne 1015-1315
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Cold (3º)

The group at Michelcombe

We haven't had six on a ride for quite some time, so there was a real buzz in the air as we set off up Silver Street and through to Scoriton.  It was a cold morning but everyone had good gloves today.  When Ryan had called home to collect something we continued through Michelcombe and up the gentle climb to Holne where we amused ourselves for at quarter of an hour in the play park: refreshments, rope swing and frisbee were the principal pursuits.

AS we were in Holne some members just had to call into the local shop to spend some more of their money, then we continued through the lanes and took the excellent track that descends through Holne woods to River Dart Country Park.  Everyone was up to top speed today so we had a great ride and got home quickly via the old Ashburton road.

 

Friday 12 February 2010 Social: Tennis 1900-2200
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones  

After playing some computer games until 7.35 Callum finally got his wish when we headed to Ivybridge to play tennis in the huge indoor courts there - £6 per person, but the other members who usually blocked his request just weren't here to stop him tonight.  Callum learned how to serve properly tonight and we all thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

 

Sunday 7 February 2010 Morning Ride: Belford Mill 1015-1250
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Matt Porter Weather: Cloudy and cold

Callum, Matt, Ryan and Ashley near Woodencliff Wood

Matt Porter made his long-awaited return to the club today, and Ryan turned out as his back had made a faster-than-expected recovery.  The temperature was just three degrees this morning and with mist covering the moorland we decided to head for Ashburton.  After a quick play in the park we took the lane that goes past the strange, wedge-shaped building that is Belford Mill and then headed back along the woodland track through Woodencliff Woods.  A bunch of dogs took a particular interest in Matt, so Ash stayed with him to keep them under control.

 

Ryan's back was now causing him some discomfort so we headed straight back through the middle of AShburton, unusually taking the "cycle path" along the side of the A38 to make a particularly easy downhill return to Buckfastleigh.  Ryan described it as "sketchy but fun"!

 

Friday 5 February 2010 Social: Squash 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

After some games of Call of Duty we set off at 7.35 for Paignton where we had booked two squash courts from 8.15 until 9.00.  Sadly Ryan was unable to play owing to a back injury, but he was able to sit down in the viewing area of the show court to watch whichever of us was playing there at the time.  Zac and Callum had not played squash much before but made good progress with some training from Michael and Ash.

We called in to Paignton's Morrisons on the way home only to discover that it had closed at 9pm - not at all like our 24-hour Tesco at Lee Mill!  WE went instead to the Morrisons garage: the cleaning woman had just mopped the floor and didn’t seem at all pleased that we were in there!  We got back at 9.48 and of course the youngsters just had to make use of the last twelve minutes for another game on the PCs!

 

Sunday 31 January 2010 Morning Ride: Avon Dam 1015-1330
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Very cold, with sunny spells

Ashley treating the ice with caution on the road to Avon Dam

Ice on the road from Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam

Callum, Ashley and Ryan by the river Avon

View of the Avon Dam

With ice on the roads and near freezing temperatures in the morning sunshine Michael was surprised when everyone was up for a ride to the Avon Dam.  They were still keen after we had climbed the lane from Dean to Skerraton, so we headed straight for Shipley bridge.

The private road from Shipley up to the dam had serious patches of ice over it, and Ash came off three times in a row on one patch - much to everyone's amusement.  He's not one to be defeated by a bit of ice however and having learned the hard way not to brake or turn on it he finished by riding confidently to the end.

Some light snow fell as we rode the final stretch to the dam, making everything look very scenic, but in view of our proposed route home we were not disappointed when the snow shower came to an end.  It really was bitterly cold - hands taken out of gloves for our chocolate break by the river took a considerable time to warm up again.

After admiring the view of the reservoir we headed across the open moor for the Abbots Way.  A large group of very attractive Dartmoor ponies greeted us as we started up the climb, and we then met a family of cyclists heading the same way as us.  They rode with us down the fabulous moorland descent, and were no doubt amused when Ash's front wheel sank into what he thought was a frozen bog, jammed solid and forced him into a somersault over the handlebars!  He was sore and bruised for the remainder of the ride, but as usual put a brave face on it.

 

Friday 29 January 2010 Social: Computer games 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Our plans for squash or tennis were thwarted by the non-availability of courts for the former and the high price (£6 per person) of indoor courts for the latter.  We had to content ourselves with an evening of computer games, including Dawn of War on the PC network.

 

Sunday 24 January 2010 Morning Ride: Holne 1015-1300
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny but cold

Callum, Ryan and Ashley on the lower Hembury track

Holne cafe and shop

On another fine winter morning we headed along the lower Hembury track, but by the time we reached Gallant le Bower everyone seemed too tired to consider Michael's proposal of Spitchwick and Dr Blackall's Drive.  Instead we diverted to the cafe at Holne for hot drinks and teacakes, and then headed home via Scoriton. 

 

 

Friday 22 January 2010 Social: Bowling 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

A unanimous decision was made to do ten-pin bowling tonight at Plymouth.  Michael stunned himself by beating his own personal record - three strikes in a row, commonly known as a turkey, got him a final score of 152.  Ash beat his personal best too getting a spare and two strikes in a row with a final score of 134.  After a game of pool and a little time on the arcades we headed for home, calling in at Tesco so the youngsters could buy themselves some cheap treats.  There was still time for a short game of Call of Duty before the social ended at 10pm.

 

Sunday 17 January 2010 Morning Ride: Dartington 1015-1335
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny but quite cold

Today's weather was just about perfect for winter cycling, and seemed to be the first sunny Sunday we have had for months.  Everyone was keen to make the most of it with a good ride, so we headed along Colston road to the new cycle path to Dartington.  There was much enthusiasm about the Easter tour and car-assisted rides, so this really was turning out to be a great start to our new year of cycling. 

We expected everything at the Cider Press Centre to be closed at this time of year and so were planning on continuing to Totnes, but amazingly several outlets were open and nobody could resist the prospect of refreshments at Cranks restaurant.

Once cakes and drinks had been consumed Zac and Ryan wanted to check out the "healthy" sweet shop.  Michael thought he would try some chocolate-coated turkish delight for the first time in many years but it didn't work out too well: he got only four small pieces for 98p, and Ash, who had never tried it before, said it tasted like soap!  Well I suppose it does really.

It was now gone twelve so we headed back along the main road over Riverford bridge and then took the track to Hole farm.  Ryan had some knee problems but we eventually reached home by 1.35, allowing the gamers a couple of hours to have fun on the computers.

 

Friday 15 January 2010 Social: Badminton 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Zac's attempts to block our proposed badminton evening came to nothing, so after a few games of Call of Duty on the PC network we set off for Combeshead school for some excellent badminton matches, joined at the end by a teacher from our local school who happened to be there playing with a club and showed the less experienced members how to play!

 

Sunday 10 January 2010 Morning Ride: Computer games -
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Snowing, very cold

With snow still lying everywhere and more snow falling it was amazing that Ryan and Zac actually managed to get down at all - Ash walked through the woods and Ryan managed to cycle from Holne, saying that the roads weren't so icy up there!  Michael tried making a short car journey into town, managed to get 10 metres before realising it was a bad idea and then had to clear the snow with a shovel to get back to his parking space!

In view of the deteriorating weather conditions we didn't even attempt a ride today, contenting ourselves with computer games until the earlier than usual 2.30 finish.

 

Friday 8 January 2010 Social: Computer games 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Today's social came at the end of another day of snow and an unexpected day off school for our younger members.  Callum only managed to get down by hitching a lift on a quad bike!  Our game of Lord of the Rings ended in failure on the open map of Tournament Hills because Zac and Callum just couldn't defend their own bases, but we still enjoyed the battle.  WE spend the rest of the evening playing the inevitable Call of Duty on the PC network, when Michael demonstrated that other perks can be just as effective as Juggernaut.

 

Sunday 3 January 2010 Morning Ride: Buckfast 1130-1300
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Very cold but dry

With near-freezing temperatures we delayed today's ride until 11.30, but even then our short ride to Buckfast proved too chilling for some: there wasn't much ice around but a few had inadequate gloves.  We ended up just skirting back around to Buckfastleigh for 1pm and concluding with the usual computer games until 3.30.

 

Friday 1 January 2010 Social: Computer games 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Michael had downloaded a Playstation 3 version of Pinball Dreams today, but when everyone had finished trying it out we got on with a serious game of Lord of the Rings - four brutal armies kept us occupied until 9.30 but we cmae through with a victory in the end after some good teamwork.  We finished with some epic battles on Call of Duty.

 

Sunday 27 December 2009 Morning Ride: Wallaford Farm 1225-1300
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Cold (6º)

Michael was still recovering from flu so after an excellent game of Lord of the Rings on the PC network we arranged a very short ride that took us up Wallaford road and home via Duckspond.  At least it gave Ash a chance to show off his new Trek mountain bike.

 

Sunday 20 December 2009 Day Ride: Christmas Lunch ride -
  Weather: Cold (6º)

Today was supposed to have been the day of our Christmas Lunch ride, taking us up to the Ilsington Country Hotel for swimming in the private pool and a slap-up Christmas meal in the luxurious dining room.  Five had booked and paid, but Michael sadly had to cancel at the last minute after coming down with a serious bout of flu.

 

Friday 18 December 2009 Social: Charades 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Everybody wanted an evening in tonight so Michael organised a game of charades that kept everyone entertained. 

 

Sunday 13 December 2009 Morning Ride: Holne 1015-1255
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny but chilly

Callum, Zac, Ryan and Ash at Michelcombe

Today's ride took us through Buckfast to Scorriton and Michelcombe, and then to Holne where we had a chocolate break and used the local shop.  Michael's plan to return via River Dart Country Park was not so popular with the youngsters in view of the cold weather, so we returned via Hembury Woods.  The mud in the woods put off all but Zac and Callum from trying the slalom track today, but without Michael to guide them they forgot to turn left in the woods and missed the slalom altogether, hitting the road about half way up the hill.

 

Friday 11 December 2009 Social: 1900-2200
   

There was no social tonight because Michael was away.

 

Sunday 6 December 2009 Morning Ride: Skerraton 1015-1205
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Bright but windy and cold

The plan today was to ride over the moor at Skerraton Down, but by the time we reached the top of the hill past Nurston the strong, bitterly-cold wind was affecting everyone.  We decided to shorten the ride and returned via Dean hill for a computer games social

 

Friday 4 December 2009 Social: Computer games 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Network games of Lord of the Rings and Call of Duty kept everyone happily occupied this evening.

 

Sunday 29 November 2009 Morning Ride:  -
  Weather: Cold with heavy showers

The poor weather put everyone off today so there was no ride.

 

Friday 27 November 2009 Social: Pool 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Ryan's bad toe meant we couldn't do sport again tonight, so we arranged a trip to Plymouth and enjoyed some excellent games of pool and a few arcade games before heading home via Tesco.  There was even time for twenty minutes of computer games when we got back.

 

Sunday 22 November 2009 Morning Ride:  -
  Weather:

Nobody except Michael was available for today's ride, so it was cancelled.

 

Friday 20 November 2009 Social: Bowling 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

The youngsters had stitched up this evening's social in school, so when they arrived they all knew exactly what they wanted to do.  After a few games of Call of Duty we set off at 7.25 for Plymouth and enjoyed a good game of ten-pin bowling - Ryan only just missed getting the 100 points he had hoped for by a single point, but Michael won the day with 142.  ON the way home they all wanted the usual twenty minutes in Tesco to buy sweets and cheap doughnuts.

 

Sunday 15 November 2009 Morning Ride: Belford Mill 1015-1225
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny and dry

At Ryan's request we rode to Ashburton and spent a little time in the park, where two local youngsters joined with us for some biking fun on the ramps. After all the recent rain there were puddles and lakes on all the roads.  We took the woodland track from beyond Belford Mill back to Ashburton, which Callum enjoyed immensely.  Ash was a bit sore from various school activities last week so we didn't extend the ride as planned, returning directly to Buckfastleigh via the old Ashburton road. 

 

Friday 13 November 2009 Social: Computer games 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Tonight was so wet and so windy that the Tamar bridge had been closed to high-sided vehicles.  Some parents were understandably anxious about travelling, so we contented ourselves with a short trip to Peartree garage at Ashburton in Michael's Volvo S40 loan car, then spent the rest of the evening playing Lord of the Rings and Call of Duty on the PC network.

 

Sunday 8 November 2009 Morning Ride: Beaston track 1015-1255
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Dry

Ash's hopes of a car-assisted ride to Exeter Ship Canal were dashed when Zac rang late - with five people and five bikes were just too many to take in the V70.  Michael organised another of his mystery rides, not telling anyone in advance where we were going.  We ended up riding the famous Beaston Track in the downhill direction, which did not fail to live up to its reputation of being muddy and wet - so naturally everyone loved it!  Callum, being relatively inexperienced, went way too fast through all the mud and water and ended up plastered and soaked from head to foot.  Ash, usually more cautious, didn't see the danger in the biggest lake however, charging through it and then discovering that it was much deeper than he expected: he ended up with soaked shoes and cold feet.

We took the right turn at Gullaford and then the fun track that first goes down over a field and then enters a woodland track that continues down to Lower Combe.  This was a great finish to a fun ride.

 

Friday 6 November 2009 Social: Pool 1900-2215
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Zac found himself barred from attending the social tonight as he had missed the last three cycle rides, but the rest of us enjoyed a fun evening.  After some computer games at Crofters we set off at 7.25 for Plymouth and had three good games of Pool on two tables, swapping the pairings over for each game.  After the inevitable arcade games and a visit to Tesco we got back a little late at 10.15, with fireworks going off in all directions on the return journey.

 

Sunday 1 November 2009 Morning Ride: Staverton 1040-1255
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny but windy

Ryan, Ash and Callum on Colston Road

Callum demonstrates the art of camoflage

Expert pumpkins on display along Colston road

A delightful autumnal scene on the riverside path at Staverton

 
 

The riverside path crossing at Staverton

After heavy overnight rain we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by sunshine as we set off along Colston road.  A family near the Riverford end of the road had created such excellent pumpkin carvings for halloween that they had put them on display at the entrance to their farm.

The riverside path at Staverton looked stunning today with autumn colours everywhere.  The river Dart was so high and dangerous today that there was no way we could consider crossing to the island, but just after crossing the railway line a steam train came along, making another fine sight.

We took the track up through the woods to the waterlogged park and then headed home through the lanes past Hole farm.

 

Friday 30 October 2009 Social: Badminton 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

We were able to book a badminton court at Ashburton tonight and had some excellent games between 7.40 and 8.40.  The best games turned out to be Michael and Ash v Callum and Zac with the latter having a ten-point handicap.  On return to Crofters we enjoyed several games of Call of Duty on the PC network.

 

Sunday 25 October 2009 Morning Ride:  -
  Weather:

Nobody except Michael was available for today's ride, so it was cancelled.

 

Friday 23 October 2009 Social: Swimming 1900-2207
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

By popular demand we arranged a swimming trip tonight.  We had to decide between the English Riviera Centre at Torquay and the Riverside at Exeter.  After much deliberation we chose Exeter because it allowed diving, although the downside was that there was no flume.  We got there at around 7.50 and had a lot of fun doing a lot of diving off the side, finally leaving at around 9.05.  We called in to Sainsbury on the way home to get a few snacks and then got back a little late at 10.07

 

Sunday 18 October 2009 Morning Ride:  -
  Weather:

Nobody except Michael was available for today's ride, so it was cancelled.

 

Friday 16 October 2009 Social: Music Quiz 1900-2200
5 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Ash and Callum wanted to do swimming, but Ryan and Zac weren't so keen.  In the end we found that Torquay pool closed at 8pm, then Ryan felt too tired to go anywhere, so Michael organised a music quiz that tested everyone's knowledge of film and TV themes and of course modern music of all kinds.  Ash and Callum beat Ryan and Zac.

 

Sunday 11 October 2009 Morning Ride: Gallant Le Bower 1015-1250
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Intermittent drizzle

The start of the track near Gallant le Bower

Riding down the field towards Holne Woods

This was the first "mystery ride" that Zac had been on, and at first he didn't like the idea at all of not knowing where he was going: he saw it as some kind of trick to make him go further than he wanted!  We went up Holne Road and along the lower track through Hembury, bringing us soon to Gallant le Bower.  From here we took the path that leads down across the fields to Holne Woods: this was new to most of our youngsters and they all thoroughly enjoyed it.  We returned home via River Dart Country Park and the old Ashburton road.

 

Friday 9 October 2009 Social: Tennis 1900-2200
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones  

After a few computer games at home we went to Tesco to buy a few bits and then enjoyed an hour of tennis at Ivybridge from 8.30-9.30.  It was well worth the money, although we were all hot and tired by the end of the hour.

 

Sunday 4 October 2009 Morning Ride:  -
  Weather:

Nobody except Michael was available for today's ride, so it was cancelled.

 

Friday 2 October 2009 Social: Bowling 1900-2200
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Callum had to miss tonight after accidently cutting his hand during the week, but the rest of us left at 7.15 and enjoyed a good game of ten-pin bowling at Plymouth.  Three games of pool and some arcade games rounded off our visit very nicely, and then we called into Tesco on the way home so that Ryan could buy a few cheap sweets.

 

Sunday 27 September 2009 Morning Ride: Diptford 1015-1345
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Dry

The disused bridge near Avonwick station

River fun on the Avon near Avonwick

In order to avoid some of the debates on recent rides about where we should go, Michael made today's ride a "mystery ride" and everyone found that it made the event much more interesting.  Points were offered to anyone who could answer Michael's questions correctly, such as which village would we be going to next, or what special feature would be found around the next corner. 

The ride took us up the hill to Pennywell and Rattery.  Nobody remembered that there was a viaduct at the bottom of the next hill.  We continued on past Blue Post to Diptford village and stopped on the old bridge near the river Avon for refreshments.  It was amazing how many fish there were in the river below, and many of them managed to hold stationery position by clever swimming.

Ash remembered the old station building a little further along the road, then there was time to play around the river for a while and spot a few more fish before taking the old cobbled lane through Avonwick.  We stopped at South Brent's Plymco for refreshments, headed back towards Buckfastleigh along the back lanes and then, as we were in no hurry, decided to explore the rough track that runs off to the left of the Dean hill decent.  Michael knew there was a reason why he hadn't done this for many years, and when the track petered out by a boggy gate and led us into a field he remembered why.  We managed to find a gateway that took us back to the road near Dean and vowed not to try that particular detour again.

 

Friday 25 September 2009 Evening ride: Holne playpark 1900-2105
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  
It was good to see that everyone had fully working lights tonight.  We rode up to Scoriton and on up the steep hill to Holne, and while everyone played on the rope swing in the dark Michael gave out free chocolate to celebrate the final evening ride of the season (it was supposed to be free chocolate eggs, but everybody wanted standard chocolate bars).  On the way back through Hembury Woods we were on the lookout for wood worshipers holding strange rituals in the dark glades but on this occasion we were disappointed (or relieved in some cases).  Back at Crofters we had time for some computer games before the club closed at 10.

 

Sunday 20 September 2009 Morning Ride: Avon Dam 1015-1320
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny

Relaxing by the reservoir

Callum leads the way over the moor on the Abbots Way

Michael's "Mystery Ride" was not a total mystery to Ashley, and he really didn't think his sore arm would cope with the rough descent across the moor.  Nevertheless once we had climbed up Dean hill and on to Bloody Pool he decided to give it a go.  The radio-controlled plane enthusiasts were out again today.

The fine weather had drawn hundreds of people to Shipley Bridge, making cycling past them a little more difficult than usual.  Eventually we got to the Avon dam however  and settled on its tranquil banks for a chocolate break.  A dog dived into the reservoir for a swim while we lay there: we didn't like the idea considering this was our drinking water, but there were no signs around so we couldn't really complain.  Hopefully the filtration plant will do its job properly!

Neither Ryan nor Callum had ever ridden the moorland track behind the dam and they were totally stunned by the view from the top of the hill - it is possible to see all the way from Teignmouth to Paignton and beyond from there.  And of course they thought the track descent to Cross Furzes along the Abbots Way was "awesome", both of them going on about it long after we had reached home.

 

Friday 18 September 2009 Evening ride: Staverton 1900-2110
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  
Our ride this evening, along Colston Road to Staverton, felt quite different to our usual excursions because it was dark nearly all the way.  Callum did very well although he was tired by the time we had returned via Hole Farm and Caddaford.

 

Sunday 13 September 2009 Morning Ride: Parkfield 1015-1330
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny
Michael's "Mystery Ride" today took us along the old road to Ashburton and then up the steep hill to Chuley Cross and Parkfield.  The track from just beyond Parkfield starts with a rough section along the edge of some high fields, then drops down to a flat and sometimes muddy section through the woods.  Not surprisingly everyone enjoyed it, and the subsequent cafe stop at Landscove and frisbee game in the nearby playing fields helped make this a very enjoyable ride.  We returned home via Green Lane.

 

Friday 11 September 2009 Evening ride: Hembury Woods 1900-2005
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman (12, new), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Zac was borrowing a friend's bike tonight that didn't have lights, so we were forced to run a short ride to Hembury Woods, returning as darkness was falling.  Congratulations to Callum who did very well on his first ride.

 

Sunday 6 September 2009 Morning Ride: Skerraton 1030-1225
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Dry
Our junior adventurers didn't do so well today.  We rode up the hill past Nurston only to find that Ryan was out of energy and somehow we had forgotten to pack the chocolate shop into Michael's pannier.  All we could do was turn left and ride down Dean hill, but even that caused problems when Ryan, who was going slowly down the hill, didn't arrive at the Timbers Road meeting place.  We went back to look for him but there was no sign.  It later transpired that he had decided to turn left in Dean for some reason and had gone back to Buckfastleigh along the back road!  Michael reminded him that we never turn off a road without waiting for the whole group.

 

Friday 4 September 2009 Evening ride: Hembury Woods 1900-2015
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Windy
On a cold and windy evening we rode up the long hill to Cross Furzes, making the top in 45 minutes, and played frisbee on the nearby moorland.  Everyone seemed to enjoy this despite the weather, but we didn't hang around too long before heading back.

 

Sunday 30 August 2009 Morning Ride: Riverford 1015-1150
2 Present: Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Drizzle
As the weather wasn't very inspiring we did only a short ride, riding along Colston Road to Riverford and returning via the track to Hole Farm and Abham.

 

Friday 28 August 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 23 August 2009 Morning Ride:  -

With Michael away, today's ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 21 August 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 16 August 2009 Morning Ride:  -

Nobody except Michael was available for today's morning ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 14 August 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 9 August 2009 Morning Ride:  -

Nobody except Michael was available for today's morning ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 7 August 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 2 August 2009 Morning Ride: Spitchwick 1015-1315
2 Present: Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny

Ryan at Spitchwick

On a glorious summer's morning we enjoyed an excellent ride through Hembury to Spitchwick.  We returned the long way via the steep hill through the woods to Buckland and then down Ausewell hill to Ashburton.

 

Friday 31 July 2009 Evening ride: -
With Michael unexpectedly away today's evening ride had to be cancelled.

 

Sunday 26 July 2009 Morning Ride:  -

Nobody except Michael was available for today's morning ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 24 July 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 19 July 2009 Morning Ride:  -

Nobody except Michael was available for today's morning ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 17 July 2009 Evening ride: -
Nobody except Michael was available for today's evening ride, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Sunday 12 July 2009 Morning Ride: Dartington 1015-1400
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Mainly dry, some showers

Ryan & Ash at the Cider Press Centre, Dartington

Ash was complaining of sore knees as we rode out along Colston road, but once we took to the cycle path at Riverford Bridge he was fine, very much enjoying the fun descent down the new stretch of path.

We had refreshments at Cranks restaurant at the Cider Press Centre in Dartingon, then browsed around the Tridias Toy Shop for half an hour before moving on to the "healthy" sweet shop.  Its a great place to spend some time and we all really enjoyed our visit.

For our return journey we took the descent to Staverton Bridge and headed through the lanes past Abham.

 

Friday 10 July 2009 Evening ride: Landscove 1900-2145
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Ryan & Ash preparing for the downhill

Our ride started with Green Lane and the descent across the fields to Landsove - always great fun, although the gates that have to be opened and closed on the way down can be annoying.

At Landscove we went to spend a little time in the playpark and were quickly joined by two local lads, Dylan and Ashley, who showed us their swing backflip skills.  Ryan knew one of them from five years ago but it took him several minutes before he properly recognised him.

We got back to Buckfastleigh a little later than usual. 

 

Sunday 5 July 2009 Morning Ride: Dean 1235-1310
2 Present: Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Heavy showers
We played games until the showers seemed to have stopped, then set off for a ride up Dean Hill.  We only got halfway up before the rain started again however, and since Ryan wanted to go back we just headed back down the hill and home.

 

Friday 3 July 2009 Evening ride: Hembury 1900-2132
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  

Ryan and Ash enjoying the river Dart at Hembury

A short ride that explored the many tracks in Hembury Woods turned into a late return when Ash remembered, half-way home, that he had left his watch by the river.  At least they had enjoyed the stone skimming and paddling in the cool waters of hte Dart.

 

Sunday 28 June 2009 Morning Ride: River Dart Country Park 1015-1455
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Extended showers
The forecast of cloudy but dry almost persuaded us to do a car-assisted ride to Exeter today, but when Zac pointed out that Matt only had ₤1.50 we switched to a local ride.  This turned out to have been a good decision: by the time we reached Michelcombe an unpleasant spell of rain was settling in.  Michael's assurances that it would be sure to stop soon didn't carry much weight with the youngsters, but we nevertheless continued to Holne and used the cafe there until 12.45 which made everyone feel better.
 
It was dry now, but Michael still had to put a good case to encourage them to take the track to the park rather than the shorter route home via Hembury.  They enjoyed the track of course, so it was the right choice, but then we made a big mistake.
 
In years gone by we had often taken the shortcut from RDCP back to Buckfastleigh through Hembury Woods, and whilst it had been getting more like an obstacle course each year we decided to try it again today.  Whataver it might have bee like in the past was nothing to the problems we encountered today.  First there were the great piles of earth, presumably put there by the park to make the path impassable.  We  got past those, then had to tackle the brambles and undergrowth in several places.  After the fallen logs that crossed the path we then found that the usual path was now impassable to the cave, even by the secondary path behind, as a result of neck-high growth of brambles and other vegetation!
 
To get to an alternative route we had to cross the small river, and as there was no longer any easy crossing this meant wading across - just inconvenient, as it wasn't deep at all.  Even the alternative path had huge treetrunks that had to be negotiated and two small streams to cross on rather wobbly stepping stones.  To get back to the old path we had to climb a steep bank, and once there we were still unable to get to the little cave that Michael wanted to show everyone.  The remainder of the path into Hembury was only blocked by the same old treetrunks that had been there for years, but by the time we emerged onto ridable tracks we were scratched and tired and it was way too late.
 
We'll give this track a miss from now on, since the owners have clearly gone to huge lengths to prevent our enjoyment of this otherwise delightful stretch of woodland.

 

Friday 26 June 2009 Evening ride: -
Michael had to cancel this evening's ride as a result of other commitments, but only Matt had been available to join the ride in any event, and since he said he would be coming Sunday it wasn't really a problem.

 

....

Missing reports will be updated here soon.

....

 

Friday 17 April 2009 Evening ride: Hembury 1900-2100
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Tom Pearson  
We were pleased to welcome Tom back to club rides after an absence of more than a year.  To ease him gently back into cycling we took the lower Hembury track to Shuttaford and, after a few rounds of frisbee in the glade beyond Hembury Barn, we rode down the track that follows the northern edge of the wood, emerging as darkness fell.

 

Sunday 12 April 2009 Morning Ride: Hembury Woods (8m) 1015-1245
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Stephen Rundell (15, new) Weather: Sunny

Stephen & Ashley

New rider Stephen very much enjoyed his introductory ride along the riverside tracks in Hembury Woods - and the frisbee and chocolate break at the top!  He kept us amused by falling off three times, but the earth was soft so he came to no harm. 

 

Monday 6 April 2009

Junior Tour: Exmoor & North Devon Coast (75m)

4 Present: Ashley Freeman (14), Ryan Havinga (13), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (13)

Weather: Mainly sunny

2009 Junior Tour, Exmoor

Click on the link below to read the full report on this 4-day junior tour to Minehead, Exford and Lynmouth.  The report includes many full-colour photographs.

Full report

 

 

Sunday 5 April 2009 Morning Ride: Bloody Pool (8m) 1015-1300
3 Present: Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny

On a delightful sunny morning we took quiet road up Dean Hill and then skirted around the bridge road before being drawn up to Bloody Pool by the sound of remote controlled aircraft.  The flower-lined lanes reminded us that spring was well and truly here.  The cars were parked at the top of the hill but the owners of the aircraft were away over the hill, so we didn't get any close-up views on this occasion.

 

We returned via the long downhill past Nurston farm, managing to lose Zac when he took a right turn ahead of the main group.  It's a good opportunity to remind members who are ahead of the group that they should always wait at junctions if they don't know which way to go.  And anyone who lags behind can safely go past junctions if they don't find the group waiting there.

 

Friday 3 April 2009 Evening ride: Ashburton 1900-2100
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  
Our first evening ride of 2009 took us along the back roads to Ashburton and then through Rew to the woodland track that follows the river Ashburn back towards the town.  There was enough light to see us through to the end, although everyone had very effective lighting.  We then joined another path that continued along the river, but this turned out to be a little bumpy in places as the usual mud had dried into cracked pits.  The old railway line brought us back to Peartree for the journey home, concluding a very enjoyable ride.

 

Sunday 29 March 2009 Morning Ride: Hembury Woods (8m) 1015-1300
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny

Ryan & Ash on the lower Hebury track

Lower Hembury track

Tadpoles

Ash and Ryan near Hembury Fort

 
 

A friendly St Bernard in Hembury

We had planned an easy off-road ride today to suit a new member, but when he didn't arrive our youngsters decided to stay with the original plan.  Our ride took us along the lower track through Hembury Woods, and near the end we were amazed to spot thousands of tadpoles struggling to survive in a few centimetres of surface water.

 

Ashley insisted we stop for a "chocolate break" on the grassy verge at the top of the hill, then we headed for Hembury Fort where we met Robin Hood practicing his shooting.  Well it was actually a 7-year-old dressed in the complete Robin Hood outfit including feather in his cap, and his aim improved dramatically when Ashley gave him a few tips!

 

We concluded an excellent ride with the descent of the ever-popular slalom track through Hembury Woods, meeting the most enormous St Bernard dog we had ever seen at the bottom.  We arrived back at Crofters for around 1pm. 

 

Friday 27 March 2009 Social: Pool 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
For our final social of the season we planned to do ten-pin bowling at Plymouth, but when we got there Pool seemed cheaper and nearly as much fun, so we did that instead.  By popular demand we concluded the evening by calling in to Sainsbury and Tesco on the way home, so the youngsters could buy a few snacks!

 

Sunday 22 March 2009 Morning Ride: Staverton (10m) 1015-1300
2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny

Zac on Colston Road

With just two of us out for this Mother's Day morning ride we chose an easy route along Colston Road to Staverton, where we were surprised to see that the derelict warehouses near the station had been demolished and new stone-built residential units were being erected.  After seeing one of the many steam trains arrive we took the riverside path to the recreation ground and enjoyed some light refreshments there before heading home via the daffodil-lined lanes near Abham.

 

Friday 20 March 2009 Social: Squash 1900-2200
2 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones  
Zac planned to join us for this trip to Torbay Leisure Centre for squash, but in the end couldn't get to us in time, so Ashley and Michael enjoyed an energetic 45 minutes of some of the best squash we have ever played.

 

Sunday 15 March 2009 Car-assisted morning ride: Hennock Reservoirs (5m) 1015-1300
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny and warm
Perfect weather encouraged us to try another car-assisted ride, this time to the Hennock reservoirs.  We parked up in the car park and first rode all around the Tottiford reservoir path, including the far end section that Michael had never previously ridden.  We stopped part way round for a "chocolate break" and the youngsters were totally awed by the peace and beauty of the area, the gentle sound of rippling water interrupted occasionally by the call of a duck or the bark of a distant dog.

Continuing along the interesting reservoir path we soon reached the road again and set off along the Trenchford path which had a different style altogether.  This brought us eventually back to the car park, and since we needed to be home for lunch we decided to end the ride there and return another day for the longer route that includes the Kennick reservoir.

 

Friday 13 March 2009 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Ryan's love for PC games would have kept us playing games all evening if Michael hadn't intervened and switched to a DVD for the last half hour!  A very enjoyable evening however.

 

Sunday 8 March 2009 Car-assisted morning ride: Venford Reservoir (2m) 1015-1300
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold with heavy showers
A cold morning with a forecast of heavy showers did not tempt us to travel far, so we took the bikes to Venford by car in the hope that the rain would stop long enough for us to ride around the reservoir.  As luck would have it, the rain did stop as we arrived, but them journey around the reservoir path was not exactly pleasurable in view of the icy cold wind.  The next shower held off until we arrived back at the car, by which time we were so cold that home was the only destination any of us wanted to consider!

 

Friday 6 March 2009 Social: Badminton 1900-2200
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
After a few PC games at Crofters we headed for the Ashmoor Leisure Centre for 8.30 for an excellent session of badminton.

 

Sunday 1 March 2009 Car-assisted day ride: Exeter Ship Canal (16m) 1015-1600
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny and warm

The Exe Estuary at the start of the path near Powderham

Zac, Ashley and Ryan at Turf Locks

Turf Locks

Trampolining in the Exeter canal park

A combination of great weather and one of our favourite destinations helped make this the best ride of the year so far.  We took the car to Starcross and then rode past Powderham to the path that runs along the Exe estuary to the Turf Locks.  Everything looked very colourful in the winter sunshine and we allowed ourselves a short break to take in the scenery.

Continuing along the canal path we were soon in Exeter passing many other cyclists along the way.  Our immediate destination was Pizza Hut, a favourite with our youngsters, where we enjoyed some delicious pizza and unlimited drinks.  We then had plenty of time to ride around the park that surrounds the canal, pausing for the youngsters to play on the public trampoline.

We returned to the swing bridges by a different path and then followed the canal path back to Powderham and Starcross - all flat of course, so nobody could complain that the ride was too strenuous!

 

Friday 27 February 2009 Social: Pool 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Entertainment this evening was provided by the pool tables at Plymouth, where we played an assortment of doubles games.

 

Sunday 22 February 2009 Morning Ride: Kings Wood (5m) 1015-1230
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones Weather: Cloudy, dry

Ryan and Ash in Kings Wood

Finally some reasonable weather allowed us to venture out for an enjoyable morning ride, taking us up towards Cross Furzes and then down through the little-explored Kings Wood.  This time we didn't get a puncture, but noticed several interesting side tracks that warrant future investigation.  We took the road up towards Hapstead where we came across two deer, then headed home for a games social.

 

Friday 20 February 2009 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones  
Computer games provided the entertainment once again for this enjoyable social at Crofters.

 

Sunday 15 February 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1300
  Weather:
There was no ride today because Michael was away.

 

Friday 13 February 2009 Social: 1900-2200
   
There was no social this evening because Michael was away

 

Sunday 8 February 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1230
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold & icy
There was ice around so to ensure safety of our youngsters we cancelled the ride today, offering a snowball social instead which took place at Venford Reservoir where the snow was still waist deep in places.

 

Friday 6 February 2009 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Computer games provided the entertainment once again for this enjoyable social at Crofters.

 

Sunday 1 February 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1230
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Cold
Zac and Ryan arrived ready for cycling but some parents were concerned about the possibility of ice so we changed this morning's ride to a sports social and booked a session of badminton at Ivybridge which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

 

Friday 30 January 2009 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Computer games provided the entertainment once again for this enjoyable social at Crofters.  Ash had to go home early so Zac and Michael finished with some fun on the superb new computer game Little Big Planet.

 

Sunday 25 January 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1300
  Weather: Cold
There were no participants out for today's ride, mainly because of the cold, icy weather, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 23 January 2009 Social: Badminton 1900-2200
4 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones  
We booked this evening's badminton session at Combeshead school, Newton Abbot for the first time and were quite impressed with the facilities.  Everyone was proficient at the game so we had some excellent matches.

 

Sunday 18 January 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1300
  Weather: Cold and wet
There were no participants out for today's ride, mainly because of the poor weather, so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 16 January 2009 Social: Cinema trip 1900-2200
4 Present: Ashley Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
Everyone wanted a cinema trip this evening and the best film we could come up with was "Yes Man" starring Jim Carey.  It proved sufficiently entertaining to give us all an enjoyable evening out.

 

Sunday 11 January 2009 Morning Ride: South Brent 1015-1230
5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Freddie Tyler, Michael Bulmer, Michael Jones Weather: Windy and cloudy, 10º
Olly was showing off his new Trek mountain bike today as we set off up Dean hill for South Brent.  We took the track route from Marley Head, which wasn't too muddy today for a change, then called in to Plymco for some refreshments.  Nobody seemed to want a ride extension today so we headed home via Rattery.

 

Friday 9 January 2009 Social: Board games 1900-2200
4 Present: Neil Ault, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  
This evening we tried out Ashley's new board game of Lord of the Rings.  It took a little while to work out how to play it, but we soon got to grips with it and ended up narrowly defeating Sauron - which is of course the way it should always end!

 

Sunday 4 January 2009 Morning Ride:  1015-1300
  Weather:
There were no participants out today so the ride was cancelled.

 

Friday 2 January 2009 Social: 1900-2200
   
There was no social this evening because Michael was away

 

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