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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 4 September 2011 Morning Ride: Avon Dam 1015-1315
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny and fairly warm
Report to follow.

 

Friday 2 September 2011 Evening ride: Skerraton Down 1900-2120
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Sunny

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 28 August 2011 Morning Ride: Rare Breeds cafe, Totnes 1015-1410
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny and hot
Report to follow.

 

Sunday 21 August 2011 Day ride: Widecombe-in-the-moor 1015-1630
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny and warm
Report to follow.

 

Friday 19 August 2011 Evening ride: Spitchwick 1900-2125
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Sunny

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 14 August 2011 Morning Ride: Landscove tearooms 1015-1330
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Dry
Report to follow.

 

Friday 12 August 2011 Evening ride: (badminton) 1900-2125
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Showers

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 7 August 2011 Morning Ride: Kings Wood 1015-1200
3 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Showers
Report to follow.

 

Friday 5 August 2011 Evening ride: Hembury Woods 1900-2105
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 31 July 2011 Morning Ride: Staverton 1015-1250
7 Present: Lawrence Buttress, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Friday 29 July 2011 Evening ride: Chalk Ford 1900-2120
7 Present: Lawrence Buttress (12, new), Julian Duquemin, Ash Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny & warm

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 24 July 2011 Morning Ride: Dartmeet 1015-1510
5 Present: Julian Duquemin, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell Weather: Cloudy with drizzle
Report to follow.

 

Friday 22 July 2011 Evening ride: Ashburton 1900-2100
6 Present:  Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny & warm

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 17 July 2011 Morning Ride: South Brent 1015-1240
5 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny with showers
Report to follow.

 

Friday 15 July 2011 Evening ride: (social) 1900-2100
7 Present:  Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Damp

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 10 July 2011 Morning Ride: Fermoys 1015-1510
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson, Michael Jones Weather: Sunny intervals
Report to follow.

 

Friday 8 July 2011 Evening ride: Hembury Woods 1900-2115
5 Present:  Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Light drizzle

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 3 July 2011 Car-assisted day ride: Ayrmer Cove 1015-1630
4 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Hot and sunny
Report to follow.

.. Missing reports to follow ..

 

Sunday 29 May 2011 Morning Ride: Staverton 1015-1250
4 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Cloudy with light drizzle
Report to follow.

 

Friday 27 May 2011 Evening ride: Lud Gate 1900-2100
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny but cold

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 22 May 2011 Car-assisted Afternoon Ride: Cockwood 1300-1730
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Friday 20 May 2011 Evening ride: River Dart Country Park 1900-2115
6 Present: Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 15 May 2011 Morning Ride: Skerraton Down 1015-1232
5 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Sunny, 14°C
Report to follow.

 

Friday 13 May 2011 Evening ride: Landscove 1900-2110
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Adam Wyeth Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 8 May 2011 Morning Ride: South Brent 1015-1310
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien,  Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny but breezy
Report to follow.

 

Friday 6 May 2011 Evening ride: Games evening 1900-2200
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Adam Wyeth Weather: Rain

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 1 May 2011 Morning Ride: Holne 1015-1235
7 Present: Olly Acland, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien,  Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Mainly dry
Report to follow.

 

Friday 29 April 2011 Evening ride: Hembury Woods 1900-2055
5 Present: Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien Weather: Dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 24 April 2011 Car-assisted day ride: Grand Western Canal 0915-1735
5 Present: Tao Burgess, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Saturday 23 April 2011 Car-assisted day ride: Camel Trail 0915-1835
4 Present: Tao Burgess, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Friday 22 April 2011 Car-assisted day ride: Exe Trail 0915-1825
8 Present: Connor Beasley, Tao Burgess, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Jerry Johnson (15, new), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien Weather: Sunny and warm with one shower
Report to follow.

 

Sunday 17 April 2011 Morning Ride: Totnes 1015-1335
8 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien,  Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Friday 15 April 2011 Evening ride: Parkfield track 1900-2125
9 Present: Arthur Bayes, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott, Adam Wyeth Weather: Cloudy but dry

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 10 April 2011 Morning Ride: Venford reservoir 1015-1320
6 Present: Arthur Bayes, Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny
Report to follow.

 

Friday 8 April 2011 Evening ride: Chalk Ford 1900-2105
6 Present: Arthur Bayes, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny & warm

Report to follow.

 

Sunday 3 April 2011 Morning Ride: Staverton 1015-1245
7 Present: Arthur Bayes, Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Adam Wyeth Weather: Sunny spells

Adam, Arthur, Callum, Connor, Ash and Jack near Riverford

The predicted showers prompted us to take a cautious route along Colston Road to Staverton, but our fears proved unfounded as glorious spring sunshine followed us wherever we went.  Callum O'Brien amazed himself and everyone else by cycling up every hill today, which just goes to show that it takes on a few weeks of club rides to get used to cycling.

We used the riverside path again to skirt around to the park where we stopped once again for tennis ball and frisbee fun.  We then took a different route home via Fursdon from where the farm track offered some challenging downhill fun.

 

Friday 1 April 2011 Evening ride: Belford Mill 1900-2200
7 Present: Arthur Bayes (15, new), Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell, Adam Wyeth  

Adam's friend Arthur made a welcome first appearance at the club tonight for our first evening ride of the season.  Everyone had lights so we started with fast ride to Ashburton and out to Belford Mill, returning via the woodland track and a devious route around Druid.  The final ride home along the old Ashburton road was in total darkness, reminding us of just how much fun evening rides can be.  Hopefully our two younger members will be able to get lights sorted in time for next week's ride.

 

Sunday 27 March 2011 Morning Ride: Spitchwick 1015-1340
8 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott, Adam Wyeth (15, new) Weather: Sunny & warm

Callum Connor & Brodie enjoying the river Dart at Spitchwick

Spitchwick common

The clocks went forward last night, but even those who had forgotten managed to get to the ride on time with a bit of rushing around.  We were very please that Adam had finally kept his promise and joined one of our rides.

Callum O'Brien was complaining of feeling ill on the steep climb through Hembury Woods but he felt better on the way down the other side to New Bridge.  Callum F couldn't resist the temptation to spend some of his money on an ice cream, but the rest of us waited until we found a quiet area on Spitchwich common and then tucked in to the chocolate box.

Everyone had fun here by the river, some exploring the rocks and island whilst others played frisbee or just lay in the sunshine for a chat.  Callum O'Brien found out it was a mistake to splash Jack with a rock: he was chased without mercy!

The second big climb of the morning was the hill to Buckland, but everyone coped well with it.  Today it was Connor who first discovered the words "My Dear" on the clock face, although nobody seemed able to read the word "Mother" just below it.  A short climb brought us to the top of Ausewell hill from where we enjoyed an excellent downhill back to Ashburton and home.

 

Friday 25 March 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
7 Present: Neil Ault, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell  

For our final social the idea of a cinema trip didn't quite get off the ground as some weren't able to stay later than the usual 10pm finish, so we concluded our social season with a repeat of last week's social - a mix of computer games and a supermarket trip.

 

Sunday 20 March 2011 Morning Ride: Landscove tracks 1015-1320
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott, Louis Weather: Sunny and clear

Halfway down the track from Higher Penn to Lower Combe

Brodie, Jack, Connor, Louis, Ash and Callum on the track

Having ridden up Green Lane and partway along the track towards Riverford Connor discovered what he described as the best attraction of the ride so far - a very long rope swing dangling from an overhanging tree branch.  There were more to come however: the riverside track from Staverton station was followed by the catwalk path up to the park, where frisbee and rocket fun were punctuated with chocolate snacks.

From Staverton village we took the lane to Landscove, pausing along the way to oil a few squeaking chains.  Callum needed encouragement to push himself up the climb towards Penn, and since he was very thirsty Michael found that waving a water bottle at him from the top of the hill helped him find energy he didn't know he had!  The downhill woodland track to Lower Combe made the climb all worthwhile, concluding a very enjoyable Spring morning ride.

 

Friday 18 March 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
9 Present: Neil Ault, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien, Brodie Scott, Louis (Brodie's exchange student)  

Once again our youngsters wanted more than ever to play games on the PC network, but there was enough enthusiasm for a trip out to get a visit to Tesco in the final hour.

 

Sunday 13 March 2011 Morning Ride: Avon Dam 1015-1335
7 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny and clear

The group by the river Avon near Shipley Bridge

The group by the river Avon near Shipley Bridge

 Avon reservoir

Offroad fun on the Abbots Way

Perfect spring weather and a fast group pointed us quickly in the direction of the Avon Dam, one of our favourite destinations.  The ascent of Dean hill was delayed by frequent stops for conversation, so it was past 12.30 when we finally reached Shipley Bridge.

We stopped by the Avon for a chocolate break during which Zac decided to undertake a few ill-advised adjustments to his bike.  Unfortunately one of these adjustments resulted in a broken valve, and as he had no spare tube he had to return to the car park to wait for transport home.

There was much to see on the moor today, with wildlife everywhere and a magnificent reflection off the surface of the reservoir:  Connor, our newest rider, didn't miss any of it.  The track behind the reservoir led us up the hill to the magnificent view across South Devon, and then we set about enjoying the fabulous downhill back to Cross Furzes.  Ash took a tumble along the way but the ground was soft so there was no harm done.  When everyone had climbed the old tree near the ford we took the long downhill back to Buckfastleigh for a well-earned games social.  A car was despatched to collect Zac, who rejoined the group shortly after 2pm.

 

Friday 11 March 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell  

The suggestion of badminton didn't get universal appreciation this evening, so we arranged a computer games evening followed by a short but noisy music quiz at the end, where the movie themes round attracted a lot of correct answers from our knowledgable members.

 

Sunday 6 March 2011 Morning Ride: Hembury tracks 1015-1300
9 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien, Jack Parnell, Gavin Pearson, Brodie Scott Weather: Cloudy but dry

A clearing in Hembury Woods

Spring is coming, and our members are turning out in ever greater numbers.  Eight of us set off on a chilly morning for a detailed exploration of Hembury Woods.  Callum O'B, out for only his second ride, was feeling the pain from a recent leg injury by the time we had ridden through Buckfast, so we abandoned plans for a detour through Michelcombe and set about tackling the main hill through Hembury.

From the top we took the path through to the fort, where Ashley was particularly disappointed to find that logs had been placed strategically to prevent cyclists riding down the steep slope.  Our devious route took us through to one of the glades at the far end of the woods, where chocolate was enjoyed by the hungry ones and Ashley and Gavin vied to see who could throw the rocket the farthest (Gavin one by a few metres). 

On the rough descent to the river Conner B, who had not done an offroad ride with us before, could be heard shouting "I . .don't .. want .. to ... die .. yet ..", so he was clearly enjoying the fun.  Callum F's fun came to an abrupt halt however when he picked up a pinch puncture on a particularly rocky section of the track.  A spare tube ensured a speedy repair, and we concluded our ride with the riverside track back to the car park, where Zac finally met up with us at 12.30.

 

Friday 4 March 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Connor Beasley, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien, Brodie Scott  

Everyone enjoyed this evening's games evening, especially the second half when we began trials of a new network game.

 

Sunday 27 February 2011 Morning Ride: Buckfast 1015-1130
6 Present: Connor Beasley, Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Heavy showers
The forecast of heavy showers merging together for mid morning turned out to be a little late, as the showers had started by 10.15.  We waited for a dry spell, determined to get out for at least a short ride, and finally headed out for Buckfast at around 10.50.  Everyone except Brodie voted to return home rather than visit the tracks in Hembury Woods, no doubt discouraged by the ominous rain-bearing clouds that were rolling towards us from Dartmoor.  The rain arrived within a few minutes, leaving us nicely wetted for the games social that followed.

 

Friday 25 February 2011 Social: Pizza Hut 1900-2200
7 Present: Neil Ault, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Callum O'Brien  

Tonight, after smelling the pizza many times on our visits to Barbican Leisure Centre, we finally managed to organise a social to Pizza Hut.  We played pool while waiting for a table for seven, which finally became available at 8.20.   There was only really time for a single course: Zac and Callum chose pizza but everyone else chose desserts as they had already had some food at home.  Callum O'Brien managed to visit the ice-cream factory four times before admitting he wouldn't quite make his planned twenty visits!  We topped off a very enjoyable evening with a quick visit to Tesco at Lee Mill.

 

Sunday 20 February 2011 Morning Ride: Dartington 1015-1300
7 Present: Connor Beasley (new, 13), Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Callum O'Brien (new, 13), Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Misty start, sunny later

Brodie, Jack, Zac, Callum, Connor and Ash on the road to Rattery

We were very pleased to welcome our two new members, Callum and Connor on a dull but dry morning.  The plan was to run a fairly easy morning ride that included a few fun tracks, and after toying with the idea of Landscove we eventually settled on Colston Road, a popular route for new riders.  We may good progress to the Dartington cycle path, but then Michael's planned route through Staverton hit some resistance from our regular members who quite rightly pointed out that we went there quite recently.  After some discussion we decided to take the Rattery road home, stopping at the footpath on the left for some frisbee and rocket fun.

When our new riders were fully rested we continued up the long climb to Rattery sawmills - it has to be said that Callum was very relieved to finally reach the top!  Compensation came in the form of the downhill from Pennywell Farm, made all the more enjoyable by the appearance of the winter sun.  Congratulations to both our newcomers, who performed really well on a harder-than-planned ride.  We'll keep it easier for Callum's next ride.

 

Friday 18 February 2011 Social: Games and Superstore 1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Ashley Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott  

Everyone played their own choice of games during this evening's enjoyable social.  To round off the evening we visited Tesco at Lee Mill during the final hour: Brodie couldn't at first see the point in going there if he didn't need to buy anything, but he soon joined in with the spirit of the evening in which everyone found something interesting that was reduced or otherwise excellently priced.

 

Sunday 13 February 2011 Morning Ride: - 1015-1300
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell Weather: Heavy rain
Heavy overnight rain was forecast to continue all morning, so we played computer games until midday and then went to Ivybridge for some challenging games of badminton.

 

Friday 11 February 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
6 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Brodie Scott  

Highlight of our games evening was an epic Lord of the Rings battle where Brodie, Neil and Michael challenged Ash, Callum and Zac.  The former team were victorious on this occasion, and Brodie learned many new tricks of the game.

 

Sunday 6 February 2011 Morning Ride: Skerraton 1015-1220
7 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Very windy
A powerful headwind made the ascent of Dean Hill quite an ordeal.  By the time we reached the top Michael had to offer incentives to persuade the majority to take any route home other than the shortest!  In the end we took the right turn up towards Skerraton, stopping at the stream near the top for a chocolate break where we discovered that huddling behind the stone wall shielded us from the worst of the wind.  We headed home via Nurston, pushed down the hill with a welcome tailwind.

 

Friday 4 February 2011 Social: Ten-pin bowling 1900-2200
6 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Everyone has saved their pennies for this rather expensive night out at Plymouth.  An hour-long game ended with Callum fluking second place with 112, closely followed by Neil, Ash, Zac and Ryan.  There was time to call in to Tesco on the way home for those who wanted some bargain snacks.

 

Sunday 30 January 2011 Morning Ride: River Dart Country Park 1015-1300
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott Weather: Sunny but cold

Our favourite tree on the lower Hembury track

Ash, Jack, Callum and Brodie at Gallant Le Bower

With the temperature barely above freezing at the start of the ride we rode through Buckfast in search of suntraps and found one on the lower Hembury track where the bright winter sunshine warmed the sheltered woodland air.  Michael seemed to spend quite a bit of time trying to pump his tyres - his pump didn't seem to work properly after Zac used it last week!

From Gallant Le Bower we took the woodland track descent to River Dart Country Park, where unsurprisingly there were no campers to be seen at all. 

 

Friday 28 January 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
7 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Brodie Scott  

None of the youngsters could agree on which of the many videos on offer would be best for the evening's entertainment, so they played computer games while they thought about it and ended up not watching a video at all!  We finished with some practice games on Lord of the Rings to help Brodie learn the basics of the game.

 

Sunday 23 January 2011 Morning Ride: Staverton 1015-1300
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell, Brodie Scott (new, 14) Weather: Dry but cold
New rider Brodie proved himself a very capable cyclist on this leisurely amble along Colston Road to Staverton.  After enjoying the riverside path we spent a little while playing frisbee and rocket in the park, doing our best to catch them despite the stiff breeze.  Our direct route home via Abham was punctuated with many stick fights between Callum and Ashley.

 

Friday 21 January 2011 Social: Pool 1900-2200
7 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell  

Our initial plans for Pool and Asda at Plymouth morphed into our more usual Pool and Tesco, but after several good games of Pool and some good discounts at Tesco everyone had an enjoyable evening - especially Callum who always loves a trip out.

 

Sunday 16 January 2011 Morning Ride: Belford Mill 1015-1245
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell Weather: Cloudy & windy
Ryan really wanted to do the ride to Belford Mill at Ashburton and everyone else seemed happy with that even though we did it fairly recently, so we set off along the old Ashburton road and past the park.  The woodland track from Belford was quite muddy today but it's the track everyone loves so there were no complaints.  We returned through Ashburton town and, by popular demand, along the A38 to Buckfastleigh which was remarkably quiet this morning.

 

Friday 14 January 2011 Social: Music Quiz 1900-2200
7 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell  

We had a lot of fun with our Music Quiz tonight, with Michael asking questions about the top selling singles from 2010 and 2009 as well as Neil doing a round of his own favourite tracks.  There was a TV themes round as well, just for Callum. 

 

Sunday 9 January 2011 Morning Ride: Chalk Ford 1015-1255
6 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Ryan Havinga, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Jack Parnell Weather: Sunny but cold

View towards Teignmouth from Pupers Hill

The group at Chalk Ford

 

 

Zac and Ash on the track from Chalk Ford to Scorriton

Ryan was on a mission today: he wanted to take a set of scenic moorland photos for his GCSE Photography project, using an old-fashioned film camera, and Chalk Ford was the destination he had in mind.  Zac rang as we were about to leave and finally caught up with us half way up the hill to Cross Furzes.

We had to negotiate some icy patches on the lane to Lud Gate, but once we came out onto the open moor it was clear that the weather we perfect for photography.  While Ryan snapped away the rest of us negotiated the larger than usual stream that had flooded the path, then we all enjoyed the downhill track to Chalk Ford.

There were two large pigs in the field, and we couldn't help wondering if they might be the piglets we saw there last year.  The downhill track to Scoriton was as stony as usual, but we took our time as were in no hurry to end this perfect min-winter ride.

 

 

Friday 7 January 2011 Social: Games evening 1900-2200
5 Present: Neil Ault, Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

For the first social of the new year we organised a games evening, starting with Lord of the Rings and finishing with Call of Duty.

 

Sunday 2 January 2011 Morning Ride: - 1015-1300
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell Weather: Drizzle turning to rain
Disappointing weather greeted us for this first ride of 2011.  We played some computer games in the hope it would improve, but when it got worse we booked squash courts at Ivybridge and enjoyed some excellent games there.  Jack picked the game up very quickly and achieved some good scores by the end of the session.

 

Sunday 19 December 2010 Day ride: Christmas Lunch ride 1015-1700
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Matt Porter Weather: Dry, but very cold (below zero)

A special Christmas meal in "The Library"

Matt, Ash, Zac and Callum outside the Ilsington hotel

A second fall of snow on Friday night had sadly left conditions too treacherous and cold for moorland cycling, and since Zac was still recovering from a foot injury we decided to use Michael's car for transport to this year's Christmas Lunch ride.  Michael's new all-season tyres made light work of the snow and we arrived at the hotel at 11.50, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.  The lads somehow managed to touch an alarm button on the wall near the Jacuzzi whilst running around the pool - the alarm only rang in the hotel, so we were blissfully unaware of the problem until staff came running out to us.

We had the Library room all to ourselves for the meal as usual, and we certainly couldn't fault the presentation or the prices.  Michael was a bit disappointed with his vegetarian option but everyone else seemed happy with the food.  Callum came off worst in the inevitable snowball fights after t he meal when he got hit square on the ear by a flyer from Ashley.

The journey home was slow but incident-free and left us with an hour and a half for computer games at Crofters, rounding off a very special day.

 

Friday 17 December 2011 Social: - 1900-2200
   

Callum couldn't get down because of the snow and Zac couldn't walk up because of the snow (he is on cruches), so the social was cancelled this evening.

 

Sunday 12 December 2010 Day ride: Fermoys Winter Special 1015-1450
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell Weather: Cold, sunny spells later

Callum, Ash and Jack at Fermoys

Everyone was up for our Fermoys Special today, although by the time Jack arrived late and Michael was even later there was no chance of an early start.  We took the lanes through Staverton and Ambrook to Ipplepen, arriving at Fermoys at around 12.15.  We all treated ourselves to luxury hot chocolates and cakes in the well-stocked cafe, then browsed through the Christmas goods and the pet stores.

We set off for home at around 1.20 on what was now a warm and sunny afternoon.  Riding towards Denbury, Callum ended up sprawled across the road after rounding a bend that evidently had an icy covering: the look of surprise on his face suggested he had never encountered ice before!

 

Friday 10 December 2010 Social: Ten-pin bowling & Pool 1900-2200
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Callum got his wish again tonight - bowling at Plymouth.  Zac had his foot in plaster so had to watch the game, but he was able to join in with the games of Pool afterwards.  We concluded the evening with our customary visit to Tesco at Lee Mill.

 

Sunday 5 December 2010 Morning Ride: Hembury Woods 1015-1300
5 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Jack Parnell, Matt Porter Weather: Sunny but cold

Ash and Jack on the lower Hembury track

Woodland glade in the upper reaches of Hembury Woods

Callum started the ride by complaining about the cold weather - apparently 4 degrees was too cold for cycling!  By the time we got to Buckfast he was feeling better, and the warmth of the lower Hembury track put an end to all his complaints.  The track really did look delightful this morning, with dappled sunlight highlighting the fallen autumn leaves.

Our plans to ride to River Dart Country Park were abandoned in favour of the Hembury Woods tracks by popular request.  We took the left turn at the top which brought us to a choice of wooded glades.   For a change we took the middle path which brought us to a fun, leaf-covered downhill track that brought us eventually to the river.  Jack, as always, took the path very cautiously, trying to avoid the hidden stones and potholes that lived under the leaves.  We concluded an excellent morning ride with the riverside track back to the car park.

 

Friday 3 December 2010 Social: Risk 1900-2200
4 Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath  

Zac, Callum and Ash at the end of a hardfought battle of Risk

Zac suggested a game of Risk this evening and for once Callum went along with the idea.  We had a great game, although Callum's frequent attacks on his teammate's territories didn't improve their chance of success.  We finished the game by 9.20 and concluded the evening with some computer games.

For older rides please check out our archive pages (see left navigation pane)

 

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