The tranquillity of the area was interrupted for a brief second during the night by a resounding thump emanating from Number 1 Dormitory. When we set eyes on the scene lit up by the moonlight it was all we could do not to laugh – Antony had apparently rolled once too often in his sleep and fallen to the floor from the top bunk! Now, rudely awakened, he was staring at Philip and wondering how he could see him and why he was feeling so uncomfortable!

The weather did not falter, even on the last day. With reluctance we packed our things and set off for Goodrich and Monmouth. We were soon on the B-roads and at lunchtime we treated ourselves to a slap-up meal at Llantilio Crossenny before making the final descent to Abergavenny and our return train.

It was eight o’clock when we finally got home. Ironically the weather changed that night to give rain by morning. Our appetites have been wetted for future visits to South Wales, but memories will linger with us for many years of our first tour of this truly beautiful part of the British Isles.

(Michael Jones)

We had another superb ride on the last day in August. Michael arrived with Nigel Wilson, out for the first time from Buckfastleigh, and we were soon greeted by Kevin and John. We waited for quite some time for the Marldon folk and it was a pleasure to see Robert, Don, Carl, Phil and Mark turn up at 11:30. We followed our usual route up to Haytor and stopped by the roadside (near the Moorland Hotel) to have a pleasant lunch in the lovely weather. Antony met us just as we were leaving and came with us for the rest of the ride.

The lanes we used were unfamiliar, rather narrow with some steep gradients up and down, but it was not long before they brought us out on the main Moretonhampstead to Bovey road and we set off in the Moreton direction for a fairly flat run. A signpost on the right hand side of the road stating “unsuitable for wide vehicles” marked the beginning of a very steep and very long hill (up), and eventually everyone was reduced to walking. Somewhere at this point we discovered that Kevin and Mark were missing and Mike and John were despatched to find him, thinking they had carried on to Moreton. They were soon back with us again though, and we said goodbye to Robert at the top of the hill. The rest of us rode to our destination – Blackingstone Rock.

The Rock itself is a magnificent, towering specimen of Mother Nature’s craftsmanship. We rode through thick ferns and left our machines at the foot of the Rock to climb a steep flight of steps (or, for those wanting to live dangerously, the steep faces of the Rock) and were rewarded with splendid views from the top. Photographs taken, we once more returned to the country lanes, parting from Kevin.

We cycled through magnificent scenery at Hennock Reservoirs and then descended a fairly long, steep hill into Bovey Tracey for much welcomed light refreshments in a “Cottage Coffee Shope” to end another perfect day. Finally the Buckfastleigh district and Marldon folk parted for home on the outskirts of Bovey.

(John Stuart)

[Attendance verified]

[2 points: Val Farrell]
[3 points: everyone else]

The Dunchideock ride at the end of September got off to a dull start, but Paul wasn’t dissuaded from returning for a second dose of our medicine. We set off bravely through Kingsteignton to the lanes. At this point Martin assured us that rain was on the way. Much to his disappointment the sky cleared before lunch, but this only served to give the sun a better view of Carl’s puncture – the first of our troubles that day. We hobbled across the dual carriageway in search of a more secluded lunch spot and were pleasantly surprised to find a picnic area in the forest complete with tables and benches.

An hour or so later, appetites had been satisfied, the puncture had been repaired and we were off – at least we would have been if Nigel’s tyre hadn’t decided to pick a thorn out of the undergrowth and puncture itself with it. A leisurely repair, accompanied by Robert’s accordion, was followed by the discovery of yet another puncture and a buckled wheel, and it was well into the afternoon when we finally escaped from the forest.

A whistle-stop drop through our destination and we were climbing up the other side. Unfortunately, on reaching the top, Robert realised that we should have turned off at the bottom, so down we went again, passing Don and the girls (!) coming up. If looks could kill .. ! It soon became apparent that Martin had done a rain dance back in the forest so we made a brisk return home via the Teign Valley before the weather became too unpleasant.

We subsequently discovered that Philip, after missing us at the start and pick-up points, completed the ride all by himself. It’s hardly surprising that he didn’t find us at lunchtime.

(Michael Jones)

[Attendance verified]

[2 points: Noel Downie]
[3 points: everyone else]

Three new riders on the October afternoon run made numbers up to 15½, the fraction being contributed by Dave Eyres’ little boy, Richard, who rode as passenger. Richard Reade and Matthew Tewson of Paignton were two of our youngest riders for some time, and Mark Jones came along at Mark Morton’s invitation.

We took the lanes through Staverton and continued to Dartington Hall where we spent an enjoyable time walking (and rolling) around the gardens. Visitors must have been amused to see us all on hands and knees hunting for beech nuts – one word from Martin and we’ll do anything!

(Michael Jones)

We rode out early to Buckfastleigh to see the raft race, but it had already finished when we got there.

(Kevin Presland)

Next morning we awoke to the smell of porridge and, after lengthy debate, decided to get out and face it like men. Kevins hostel chore was to lay the breakfast table for us, and we reckoned he had done a fair job.

Revitalised we said goodbye to the Downie family, who were taking the short route home, and proceeded to Salcombe where we had planned to try out the ferry to East Portlemouth. Sadly Michael felt ill and could not face cycling back to Torquay, but just when we were trying to work out how to get him home, Don met a friend who happened to be going to Newton Abbot, so the problem was solved.

The ferry turned out to be little more than a dinghy but we were all across after three crossings and we thanked the ferryman for his trouble. Back on dry land again we continued through Chivelstone to Torcross for coffee and lunch before tackling the steep ascent to Strete. The road through Tuckenhay was scenic but provided us with more steep hills to climb and, after parting at Totnes, we were all glad to get home to a warm meal.

(Michael Jones)


Michael used up two final photos from his old 110 camera today

Back to normal for the last week in October with a day run and dull, miserable weather. Richard, Matthew and Mark re-joined us for their second ride, bringing attendance to 17, but unfortunately we hadn’t gone far past Holne before the heavens opened and spirits (amongst other things) were dampened. To make matters worse, Richard picked up an evasive puncture which moved twice to avoid Colin’s and Don’s patches, but eventually Don managed to corner it and we turned tail and headed for the Downie Nest in Buckfastleigh as quickly as possible.

By the time we arrived we were decidedly wet and words could not express our gratitude to Mrs Downie for the friendly fire and sumptuous tea – but no doubt she noticed our reluctance to leave, even at six o’clock! I certainly didn’t envy the Torbay crowd’s ride back to Marldon that night!

(Michael Jones)