The Cotley Castle run on 22nd May was attended by twelve members, including several who had been kept away by the wet weather for several months. From the Chudleigh Bridge pickup we set off along the Teign Valley road, but we hadn’t gone more than half a mile before Matthew, who was on the outside, guided me neatly into a deep, water-filled pothole, which left me completely deflated! There was a short delay while repairs were effected, and then, when Dominic and Ian had said their farewells, then ten remaining cyclists continued on to Bridfordmills. Here we were again delayed by a Scout leader who was pacing around looking most distressed – he had lost his scouts and wanted to use our maps to find out where he was!

Lunch was eaten by the side of the lane in Cotley Wood. We had passed about six ants’ nests a little further down – the enormous, black, vicious-looking variety that might attack you in formation. The thought was too much for Matthew and the two Andrews who climbed a tree and ate lunch there! It wasn’t long before a raging battle was in progress between the monkeys and the two-legged terrestrials, with ammunition taking the form of anything that came to hand – much to the dismay of Colin and Jean who were trying to enjoy a peaceful lunchtime! Such is the pleasure of CTC life.

The lanes along the top of Haldon made a very pretty return route, and a little sunshine finished the day off nicely. Andrew Billington and I left the others just past Gappah to return to Bovey and Buckfastleigh respectively.

(Michael Jones)

[The attendance list for this event is currently incomplete]