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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 27 June
2010 |
Morning Ride: Staverton Park |
1015-1315 |
| 3
Present: Ash Freeman, Callum Freeman, Michael Jones |
Weather:
Very hot & sunny |
|
| 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 |
|
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|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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|
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 |
|
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|
Callum, Hallam, Ash and Ryan at Totnes weir |
Relaxing after lunch on the Ashprington
track |
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|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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|
Watching falcons on the Plym Valley
cycleway |
The leat near Burrator |
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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 |
|
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|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
| 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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
|
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|
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 |
|
| 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 |
|
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South Brent play park |
Spring flowers at Rattery |
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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 |
|
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|
The crossing near Staverton island |
The group near Staverton island |
|
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Tricky manoeuvres on the way to the park |
Our new frisbee rocket being demonstrated
by Hallam |
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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 |
|
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|
The track leading to Skerraton Down |
Enjoying the sun before climbing to the
ridge |
|
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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 |
|
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|
The path along the Exe estuary, near
Powderham |
Canada Geese near the estuary path |
|
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The canal cycle path |
A well-fed team outside Exeter's Pizza Hut |
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|
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 |
|
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|
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 |
|
South Dartmoor CTC 
