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We've written some brief descriptions of some of our recent rides. If
you haven't ridden with us before, it will give you an idea of what we get up
to. If you're a regular member it will remind you of just how much fun you
had!
| Sunday 29 June |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 27 June |
Social: Cinema
Trip |
1900-2230 |
| 3 Present:
Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Tonight was the launch of one of this year's
most anticipated movies, and we weren't about to miss out. Prince
Caspian, the second of the Chronicles of Narnia films, turned out to be even
better than we had expected, making this one of the most enjoyable social
evenings of the year. |
| Sunday 22 June |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 20 June |
Social: Music
Quiz |
1900-2230 |
| 3 Present:
Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Once again our youngsters chose a social
activity this evening, this time our ever popular Music Quiz. Just for
a chance, Ash turned out to be the winner, but only by a small margin. |
| Sunday 15 June |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| 2
Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Damp |
With the weather not looking brilliant today, the morning ride turned
into a Doctor Who social morning.
|
| Friday 13 June |
Social: Cinema
Trip |
1900-2230 |
| 2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Those attending this evening's activity chose a
social rather than an evening ride, the social being a trip to Plymouth to
see the latest summer blockbuster, The Incredible Hulk. This big
budget film did not disappoint. |
| Sunday 8 June |
Morning Ride: Chalk Ford |
1015-1300 |
| 4
Present: Sam Acland, Ash Freeman, Jay Harrison, Michael Jones |
Weather:
Sunny and warm |
|
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|
Sam, Ash & Jay ready for the descent to
Chalk Ford |
Ash, Jay & Sam at Chalk Ford |
It was a warm morning and the long climb up Wallaford Road took its toll
on new rider Jay, who seemed to be suffering from a headache.
After a fifteen-minute rest we continued the climb, meeting Ashley at
Cross Furzes a few minutes later. The rough track to Lud Gate quickly
brought us to the open moor which looked magnificent in the morning
sunshine. The long downhill over open moorland provided the usual
high level of fun, and on arrival at Chalk Ford the temptation to splash
each other with large rocks proved irresistible.
We returned to Buckfastleigh via the stony downhill track to Scoriton.
|
| Friday 6 June |
Social: Games
evening |
1900-2230 |
| 4 Present:
Ash Freeman, Julian Duquemin, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Julian turned up unexpectedly this evening and
joined us for a chat and some computer games. |
| Sunday 1 June |
Car-assisted day
ride: Plym Valley Cycleway |
1015-1430 |
| 3
Present: Ash Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather: Mainly sunny, occasional showers |
Zac wanted a beach ride but Ash was favouring the Plym Valley cycleway,
which he missed in May. After some indecision we plumped for the
cycle path, riding right up to the end and back again. The falcon
watch team were still there with their telescopes. To conclude an
enjoyable ride we called in to Pizza Hut in Plymouth.
|
| Friday 30 May |
Social: |
1900-2230 |
| |
|
| There were no participants out for today's
event. |
| Sunday 25 May |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Wet |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 23 May |
Social: |
1900-2230 |
| |
|
| There were no participants out for today's
event. |
| Sunday
18 May |
Car-assisted day
ride: Haldon Forest Tracks 2 |
1015-1400 |
| 7
Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ash
Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather: Hot & sunny |
|
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 |
|
Zac & Ash trying out the usual seat on the
Play Trail |
The group on the Family Trail |
|
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|
Ashley Freeman |
There was a good turnout for our repeat ride to Haldon tracks.
We took in several of the trails, including the more challenging red
trail. Everyone had fun getting air on some of the jumps.
We concluded an excellent ride with hot pancakes from the mobile cafe
at the car park.
|
| Friday 16 May |
Evening Ride:
Buckfastleigh Tracks |
1900-2100 |
| 3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones,
Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
 |
|
Ash & Zac investigate the lime kilns near
Buckfastleigh caves |
Neither of our youngsters felt
particularly energetic this evening so we contented ourselves with a short
but interesting ride exploring the tracks to Buckfastleigh caves, the
quarries and the parish church. |
| Sunday
11 May |
Car-assisted day
ride: Haldon Forest Tracks |
1015-1400 |
| 2
Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather: Hot & sunny |
|
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 |
|
Zac explores the carved chair on the Play
Trail |
Part of the Family Trail |
|
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|
Michael at the Bird of Prey viewpoint on
the Family Trail |
Part of the Go Ape forest adventure course |
On a hot and lazy morning that felt more like July than May we took the
bikes to Haldon Forest cycle park and set about enjoying the Play Trail.
This was Zac's first visit to the park so he was fascinated by all the
sculptures that lined the route. Returning to base we bought some
refreshments (including an excellent sweet pancake) and the tried the
Adventure trail at Zac's request. Unfortunately the 2.5 miles track
turned out to be less than a mile when Zac looked behind him at a junction
and followed the wrong sign. Instead we concluded the day by riding
the Family trail. Half way around we were amazed to see a high wire
adventure course that hadn't been there before - certainly something to
visit in the future!
It was lunchtime, it was very hot, and we had only really planned a
morning ride. So we headed back home for a cool afternoon indoors.
|
| Friday 9 May |
Evening Ride:
Ashburton (7m) |
1900-2030 |
| 2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
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|
Zac on the woodland track near Belford Mill |
This evening's ride took us
along the old road to Ashburton, up to Belford Mill and then down the
woodland track back to Ashburton. It was a perfect evening for a cycle
ride that felt more like mid summer than early May. |
| Sunday
4 May |
Car-assisted day
ride: Plym Valley Cycleway |
1015-1800 |
| 2
Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather: Dry |
|
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 |
|
Zac on the Plym Valley Cycleway |
The Peregrine Falcon protection group on
the first viaduct |
|
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 |
|
Zac checks out the Peregrine Falcon |
The well-camouflaged Peregrine Falcon |
Our Plym Valley excursion began in the Plympton car park in good weather
despite the predictions of rain. After a short look at the Plym Valley
railway, which seems to be spending all its time creating a one mile section
of track for its engines, we pressed on up the cycle path, crossing the
numerous viaducts and enjoying the delightful spring scenery. On the
return journey we stopped at the first viaduct to see what all the
binoculars were about. Apparently they were protecting a pair of
peregrine falcons and allowing the public to view them free of charge at the
same time. The falcon was so far away and so well camouflaged that it
was virtually impossible to see without the aid of the powerful binoculars.
Returning to the car we concluded the day with a social at the Barbican
leisure centre, starting with a pizza and finishing with the new film Iron
Man which turned out to be well worth its number one rating.
|
| Friday 2 May |
Evening Ride:
Staverton (5m) |
1900-2030 |
| 2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
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|
Zac at the start of the track near Green
Lane |
Zac was tired this evening so
we contented ourselves with a very short ride up Green Lane and then down
the track towards Abham before returning via Caddaford. |
| Sunday 27 April |
Car-assisted day
ride: Hamel Down |
1015-1520 |
| 3
Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather: Dry |
|
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 |
|
Ashley & Zac try to solve the problem of
the trapped sheep |
Climbing Hamel Down |
|
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Ashley & Zac at the RAF memorial stone on
Hamel Down |
Our brand new car-assisted ride to Hamel Down started at the Bonehill
car park with a bit of a crisis: a sheep had got itself stuck between a
stone wall and a wire fence, and no amount of struggling could get it free.
Well sheep do these things regularly of course, but the boys wanted
something done. While Michael was working out how to lift it without
getting covered in the excrement that was hanging off its rear end, a local
man came along, lifted it away from its trap and carried it off down the
field!
The track from Bonehill to Natsworthy was fun and downhill, but Michael
had miscalculated slightly: it came out half way down the hill from Hamel
Down, and the lads were not too happy about having to climb up to the
gateway that led to the moorland track!
We eventually arrived, took a short refreshment break whilst chatting to
some nearby walkers, and then set off up the hill. It was a fun climb,
and even though it was a bit steep in places both lads rode nearly all of
it. Near the top we found the memorial stone to the RAF plane that
crashed in the second world war. All the crew were killed and the
stone carried the initials of each person that died.
The original plan was to ride the track along the top of Hamel Down, but
we were later than planned and the boys wanted to enjoy the downhill and the
cafe at Widecombe, so we decided to do the top track on our next visit.
We sped back down the track to the road, then enjoyed the long downhill
through Natsworthy and had lunch at the Green cafe in Widecombe.
To conclude an excellent ride we climbed Bonehill to reach the car by
early afternoon.
|
| Friday 25 April |
Evening Ride:
Hembury Woods (8m) |
1900-2100 |
| 3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones,
Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
Neither of the youngsters
seemed particularly enthusiastic about a ride this evening despite the nice
weather, but once we reached Hembury they suddenly began to enjoy themselves
and were keen to climb to the top to explore the tracks surrounding Hembury
Fort. We had a lot of fun
around the fort until Zac got a puncture. In fact he got several
punctures at once, and Michael's fix of two proved insufficient to retain
the air. A quick call to Zac's mother sorted the problem: he pumped
his way down the Hembury tracks to the bottom of the hill, from where he was
taken home by car while Ashley and Michael completed the ride on their
bikes. |
| Sunday 20 April |
Morning Ride: Colston Road |
1015-1300 |
| 2
Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Dry |
Zac was still tired after his half-term activities, so this morning's
ride consisted of a short spin along Colston road and home again in
delightful spring weather.
|
| Friday 18 April |
Evening Ride:
|
1900-2100 |
| |
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With only Michael and Ashley
turning out this evening, the evening ride was cancelled. |
|
Friday 11 April |
Junior Tour: Cornish Coast (73m) |
|
7
Present: Charles Acland (A), Heidi Acland (A), Olly Acland (12), Sam
Acland (14), Ashley Freeman (13), Michael Jones, Zac McGrath (12) |
Weather:
Sunny and warm |
|
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|
2008 Junior Tour, Cornwall |
Click on the
link below to read the full report on this 4-day junior tour to the
Cornish Coast. The report includes many full-colour photographs.
Full report
|
| Sunday 6 April |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 4 April |
Evening Ride:
Staverton (10m) |
1900-2100 |
| 3 Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones,
Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
Our first evening ride of the
new season found three of us riding along Colston road, eagerly awaiting the
chance to try out some new lights. Darkness had fallen by the time we
reached Abham, and all lights were verified to be working admirably.
Everyone agreed that the stillness of the deep Devon countryside makes the
evening ride experience unforgettable. |
| Sunday 30 March |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 28 March |
Social: Cinema
Trip |
1900-2200 |
| 5 Present:
Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| The film tonight was The Spiderwick Chronicles,
which turned out to be even more entertaining than expected. |
| Sunday 23 March |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 21 March |
Social: Movie
evening |
1900-2200 |
| 2 Present: Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| The film AI formed the main entertainment for
this Good Friday social evening. |
| Sunday 16 March |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1300 |
| |
Weather:
Dry |
There were no participants out for today's ride.
|
| Friday 14 March |
Social: Squash |
1900-2200 |
| 3 Present:
Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| This evening's squash court was booked at the
Torbay Leisure Centre, Paignton for 9pm, so we enjoyed a few games at
Crofters before heading to Paignton for some very enjoyable games of squash.
Zac was fairly new to the game but made good progress with encouragement
from Ashley and Michael. |
| Sunday 9 March |
Morning Ride: Dartington |
1015-1230 |
| 5
Present: Charles Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
 |
|
Choosing healthy sweets at Dartington |
Our ride this morning took us along Colston road on a
lovely sunny morning and then down to the Cider Press centre at
Dartington. After examining both Cranks and the "new" restaurant
around the corner we eventually settled in the latter for light
refreshments. These included a novel do-it-yourself hot chocolate
where the chocolate is provided on a stick and has to be melted in a cup
of hot milk at the table. The general conclusion was that it was
quite tasty and a lot of fun!
At Zac's request we then had to investigate the new
sweet shop, which being at Dartington only sold natural flavoured
sweets. I suspect the sugar content still makes them rather
unhealthy, but that didn't stop everyone buying something.
We returned via Staverton, with everyone feeling that it
had been a very enjoyable morning.
|
| Friday 7 March |
Social: Games
evening |
1900-2200 |
| 3 Present:
Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| There were no squash courts available this week,
so the social was converted to a games evening at Crofters. |
| Sunday 2 March |
Morning Ride: Staverton |
1015-1230 |
| 3
Present: Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
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 |
|
Zac and Ashley on Colston Road |
Zac and Ashley by the river Dart at
Staverton |
Ashley made a welcome return to club rides after a winter break, and
both Zac and Ashley used today's ride effectively to improve their
performance ready for the forthcoming cycletour to Cornwall. Both lads
were fascinated by the newly-born lambs in the field along Colston Road.
They just happened to be owned by Michael's relatives, so he was able to
arrange a guided tour of the farm and all the woolly inhabitants.
At Staverton Zac insisted on a look around the railway station. We
were rewarded with a look inside the signal box and the arrival of a train -
not a steam train, but a diesel. Michael's description was overruled
by the station master who said it wasn't a "diesel", but a very special
engine that was celebrating it's 50th anniversary! Well it was a
diesel, just not an ordinary diesel!
We rode along the riverside path and up through the park, returning via
Abham. Michael was very impressed with the effort put in by both lads,
which ensured a speedy return to Buckfastleigh.
|
| Friday 29 February |
Social: Pool |
1900-2200 |
| 3 Present: Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| We travelled to Plymouth by car for this
evening's social, which provided us with opportunity for three games of Pool
and a simulator ride at the TenPin bowling centre. |
| Sunday 24
February |
Morning Ride: Skerraton Down |
1015-1230 |
| 5
Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Freddie
Tyler |
Weather:
Sunny start, then misty |
|
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|
The group in the mist on Skerraton Down |
Dartmoor has many different moods, and everyone was affected by its mood
today as we rode onto the open moor from Skerraton. A light mist hung
everywhere making it a little tricky to find the homeward path, but
everything was quiet and unspoiled up there today and we were in no
particular hurry to leave. Return was via Cross Furzes and Wallaford Road.
|
| Friday 22 February |
Social: Video
evening |
1900-2200 |
| 2 Present: Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones |
|
| This evening's social was the showing of the
second movie in the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy. |
| Sunday 17
February |
Morning Ride: Venford Reservoir |
1015-1230 |
| |
Weather:
Sunny |
Today's scheduled ride to Venford Reservoir did not take place because
most people were away and Zac got up too late!
|
| Friday 15 February |
Social: Film
Night |
1900-2200 |
| 2 Present: Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones |
|
| This evening's social turned into a games
evening. |
| Sunday 10
February |
Morning Ride: Fermoys |
1015-1230 |
| 5
Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Reuben Johnson, Michael Jones, Freddie
Tyler |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
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|
Freddie, Reuben, Olly and Sam in the
Fermoys adventure playground |
A good ride brought us to Fermoys at Ipplepen in double quick time,
leaving us all impressed with Reuben's performance who hadn't been on a ride
for many months. Several youngsters bought thick chips, although
Reuben felt his were undercooked and got a partial refund.
We returned via Broadhempston, stopping briefly at the playpark for
refreshments and the inevitable ride on the rocket.
|
| Friday 8 February |
Social: Music
Quiz |
1900-2200 |
| 3 Present: Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Our ever-popular music quiz kept everyone
entertained for the entire evening. The only problem was, how to bring
it to an end! |
| Sunday 3 February |
Morning Ride: |
1015-1230 |
| |
Weather:
Wet |
Today's ride was cancelled as a result of a very poor weather forecast.
|
| Friday 1 February |
Social: Badminton |
1900-2200 |
| 6 Present:
Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman,
Michael Jones |
|
| This evening's badminton session took place at
the Ashmoor leisure centre, Ashburton. |
| Sunday 27 January |
Morning Ride: Bickham Bridge |
1015-1230 |
| 7
Present: Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Dennis
Ham, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler |
Weather:
Sunny |
|
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|
South Brent playpark |
North Huish |
|
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|
North Huish |
Dennis feeds the chickens near North Huish |
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|
Bridge over the river Avon in perfect
morning sunshin |
Charles and Heidi admire the egg display at
Rattery poultry show |
 |
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|
Freddie captures his favourite rooster |
Dennis with his favourite chicken |
On a wonderfully warm sunny morning we set off through Dean Prior and
Harbourneford, stopping at the playpark in South Brent for a swing break.
A short ride then took us through Avonwick and up the lane to the quiet
village of North Huish. After soaking up the tranquility for a few
moments we rounded the corner and then had to wait five minutes while Dennis
made friends with a flock of free-range chickens! He would have taken
one home with him if he could.Descending the steep hill towards Diptford
we just had to stop at the little bridge over the river Avon: the effect of
the bright sunshine on the rippling water was simply stunning. We then
returned through Diptford.
At Rattery Michael got very excited when he saw a sign for a poultry
show. He had seen one there in the village hall several years ago and
had been looking out for it ever since. So everyone had to troop into
the hall, but in fact it turned out to be really interesting. There
was a constant background noise of cackling, quacking and crowing as we
wandered through the aisles of cages. Almost every breed and colour of
bird was represented, and Dennis took great pleasure in selecting his
favourites. Charles and Heidi seemed more interested in the egg table
which had prizes for various eggs, whole and opened.
|
| Friday 25 January |
Social: Ten-pin
bowling |
1900-2230 |
| 3 Present:
Olly Acland, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath |
|
| Three of us headed for Plymouth for two games of
bowling at the Tenpin centre near Vue cinema. As usual it turned out
to be an excellent evening, so we decided to finish it off with a takeaway
pizza from Pizza Hut. We had got back as far as Ivybridge when
Olly realised he had left his coat behind, so we were a little later then
planned when we finally got back to Buckfastleigh. |
| Sunday 20 January |
Morning Ride: Totnes cyclepath & cafe |
1015-1230 |
| 8
Present: Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Zac
McGrath, Freddie Tyler, Ms Tyler, Mrs Tyler |
Weather:
Sunny but cold |
|
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 |
|
The group at Totnes weir |
Leaving the Barrelhouse cafe at Totnes |
|
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|
|
Snowdrops in the hedgerow near Abham |
We were pleased to welcome Freddie's mother and sister on this morning's
ride which took us along Colston Road and the cycle path into Totnes.
We did check out one of the lower cafes in the town, but the Barrelhouse
definitely attracted the most votes. And so it was that we spent
an enjoyable half hour eating teacakes and wholesome meals. We headed
back through Littlehempston, pausing on the railway bridge to chat with
another cyclist. A profusion of snowdrops adorned the lanes as we
rode through Staverton to Buckfastleigh.
|
| Friday 18 January |
Social: Games
evening |
1900-2200 |
| 5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones,
Zac McGrath, Freddie Tyler |
|
| The usual range of computer games were on offer
for this evening's social at Crofters. |
| Sunday
13 January |
Day
ride: |
1015-1530 |
| |
Weather: Windy, with increasing rain |
|
Only Michael turned out on this rough and windy morning, so the ride was
cancelled.
|
| Friday 11 January |
Social: Games
evening |
1900-2200 |
| 5 Present: Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler |
|
| The usual range of computer games were on offer
for this evening's social at Crofters. |
| Sunday 6 January |
Afternoon Ride: River Dart Adventures |
1415-1700 |
| 5 Present:
Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Jones, Zac McGrath, Freddie Tyler |
Weather:
Dry start, then increasing rain |
The forecast of a dry but overcast afternoon proved somewhat
off the mark today. Light drizzle began as we passed through Buckfast,
and by the time we got to Michelcombe and Holne it was definitely rain
rather than drizzle. Nevertheless Olly and Sam were able to show off
their impressive new bikes and prove that they worked just as well in wet
weather as in dry.
Zac was having a slow day for reasons best known to himself,
so it was 3.45 when we finally reached the start of the Holne Woods track to
River Dart Adventures. With just half an hour of daylight remaining,
Olly's announcement that he intended to walk the entire track (as he didn't
want to risk damage to his road bike) meant that we had to change plans and
return on the shorter route through Hembury Woods. This proved to be a
good decision, as conditions were very wet, cold and unpleasant as we
returned to Buckfastleigh. |
| Friday 4 January 2008 |
Social: Badminton |
1900-2200 |
| 8 Present:
Charles Acland, Heidi Acland, Olly Acland, Sam Acland, Michael Bulmer,
Ashley Freeman, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler |
|
| Just for a change we managed to arrange
badminton at the Ashmoor leisure centre, Ashburton, offering us an excellent
hour of sporting fun without the need to travel to Paignton. |
| Sunday
30 December |
Car-assisted day
ride: Plym Valley Cycleway |
1015-1530 |
| 4
Present: Andrew
Banks, Michael "Wolfie" Bulmer, Michael Jones, Freddie Tyler |
Weather: Dry |
| |
South Dartmoor CTC 
