Five of us set off from Ware Cross on a damp morning to attempt the Fifty in Four event. We made good speed through Newton to Bovey, paced by Phil and Nigel, reaching Leigh Cross (17 miles) after the first hour. Twenty minutes later, the pace having begun to tell on Phil and Matthew who had hardly ridden for a month, we treated ourselves to a lunch stop at the top of Longdown.

On restarting we were just behind schedule but felt confident of completing the course on time. We flew down into Exeter and rode on to Countess Wear, making a short stop for drinks, although young Richard insisted on having an ice-cream (?). Heading through Exminster and Kenton, some of us began to suffer for our earlier efforts, especially as the wind was no longer helpful. The older Richard demonstrated his fitness, while Nigel used his to encourage us lesser riders.

The real killer was the unexpected loop through Kenton and Powderham, both physically and psychologically. It as then apparent that our target would not easily be reached. Nigel and Richard left us to our struggle after the first lap of the loop. On the rise from Starcross to Dawlish, Richard the younger showed us he was not suffering as much as we were, by leaving us behind whilst making the pace. He waited but sprinted away up the hill from Dawlish when Phil and Matthew finally gave up and walked.

At the finish, where Colin welcomed us with much-appreciated tea and biscuits, Nigel was eight minutes inside, the two Richards having joined forces were right on four hours, and Phil and Matthew struggled in at 4:06. Ah well, something to achieve next year.

A Puncture on the way home really made my day!

(Phil Burrows)

[The attendance list for this event is currently incomplete]