The ride to Bolberry Down was well attended – perhaps the nice weather brought people out. Unfortunately, however, it did not stay quite so nice all day. Ellen and Jeremy Goddard were out for their first ride, and Robert Goddard joined us later in the day. It is nice to have so many cyclists from the same family, and we hope they will come again.

The usual route was taken through Harbertonford and Moreleigh, and we then made our way through Loddiswell, Churchstow and Malborough. We reached Bolberry Down as the clouds began to darken, but luckily the showers held off until after we had eaten. A suitable spot was found some way along the coastal path to eat our lunch. We had a breath-taking view of the coastline and the sea – how lucky we are that the National Trust buys up such land for all to enjoy.

After lunch we dropped down into the village of Hope, where Matthew and Jeremy sampled the delights of cycling on wet sand while the rest of us used the road over the mountain! We took a more devious route homewards via Aveton Gifford, California Cross and Avonwick. The Goddards seemed to be having a spell of bad luck on this particular occasion: Jeremy had come off on a sharp bend in the morning and was luckily unscathed, Robert fell off whilst looking down at his chain and was then ridden over by Ellen, and finally at the end of the ride, Ellen had a near miss when her chain locked in the back spokes! Let us hope they have not been discouraged – let’s face it, things can only get better!

(Michael Jones)

[Attendance verified]
[2 points: Douglas Brownjohn, Colin Downie, Robert Goddard, Philip Wrigley]
[Rider 1 was a member of Bristol DA who was staying at Noss Mayo]

Brilliant sunshine brought seventeen cyclists out to Buckfastleigh for the ride to Crow Tor. The sun shone all day and the temperatures were extremely high. We set off through Buckfast and made our way via a track to Holne. We then climbed up onto the moor past Venford Reservoir and on to Hexworthy. It was decided to push on to Two Bridges before we stopped for lunch. A suitable place was found on the path to Wistman’s Wood.

After lunch Colin left us and we proceeded to the Wood, where the majority of people went for a walk whilst the somewhat less energetic stayed by the bikes.

Sometime later, and after meeting a life member of the CTC out walking with his wife, we reached the main road to Postbridge. The road was busy with grockles and we were glad to turn off just after Postbridge, heading towards Widecombe. After stopping to quench thirsts and refill the water bottles we began the climb up past Bonehill Rocks – a better route than the busy main road even though it was decidedly steep. We finally reached the summit puffing and panting, but the thought of tea at Kevin’s house and a cool swim spurred us on.

We arrived at Silver Birches to find Don sunning himself on the grass, having already sampled the delights of the swimming pool before the crowds arrived. Thanks very much to Mr and Mrs Presland for a great tea and for the use of their swimming pool – it was very much appreciated by us all – and a special thanks to Tigger the kitten for entertainment provided!

As the sun dropped in the sky the temperature fell accordingly, and when Michael Ward finally got out of the pool we enjoyed a somewhat cooler ride home. A great ride to end another fantastic month of cycling.

(Frances Lofty)

[1 point: Don Hassall]
[2 points: Colin Brierly, Iris Buckler]
[3 points: Nigel Wilson, Philip Wrigley]
[4 points: everyone else]

Chudleigh Bridge was the pick-up, Posbury Clump was the destination and August 15th was the date. The rain had cleared up overnight, it was 11.00 and we had to tackle that Teign Valley road again – the full length this time – followed by a couple of steep hills to Tedburn St Mary. We continued to Venny Tedburn and then took a track towards the clump, along which we stopped for a nice long lunch break.

The weather was beautiful – the first hot sun we had seen in days. We finished the track off and duly inspected the destination – more like a mini-jungle than a clump of Devonshire trees! We enjoyed a good drop to Yeoford where we were welcomed (or seen off) by two dogs. There then followed seven miles of uphill to Whiddon Down – into a headwind – followed by one of our favourite stretches of road to Bovey Tracey, only stopping for a very welcome cup of tea at our usual place. Glenn, who had not been feeling too well, arranged a lift home from Bovey; it’s certainly unusual for Glenn to be suffering. Never mind, a great day, with a total of thirteen on the run.

(Kevin Presland)

One of Claud Warren’s suggestions was the destination on 22nd August – Crazy Well Pool. When we arrived at Avonwick we were surprised if not amazed to see Jackie. She had unexpectedly returned from University. Also at the pick-up was young John Roome of Ipplepen, a friend of Andrew Winstanley, making numbers up to thirteen. John used to live in Buckfastleigh, so Michael also knew him – small world!

When we reached Ivybridge, John Pope and I left the others to go to Cornwood to see a teacher we both knew. We took longer than intended, however, and by the time we caught up with the group they had stopped for lunch beside Burrator Reservoir, sheltering under the trees from the by now heavy showers.

We took the track towards Princetown and then did some hunting on foot for the pool itself. Goodness knows why it took us so long – it was the largest “pool” I have ever seen! We returned to the bikes and waited whilst Michael Ward tightened his cones with an assortment of spanners that had been dug out of various saddle bags. At last the job was done, but we still had to search through the undergrowth for one of his quick release springs before he could reassemble the machine. After several minutes of the whole group crawling around on hands and knees, the offending item was discovered – it was on the skewer!!!

Grey skies were still producing bad weather as we carried on along the muddy track to Princetown and back to Buckfastleigh via Hexworthy; I’m sure coaches aren’t allowed across Hexworthy Bridge, with its seven ton weight limit!

Tea was at Mike’s and very nice it was too. Our numbers had by this time increased to twenty one by several younger members who had accompanied Jean from Marldon. Thanks very much Mr and Mrs Jones.

Colin Brierly, Jean Brierly, Matthew Tewson, Richard Read, Simon Haly, Glenn Powling, Justin Landen, Matthew Burrows and Phil Burrows joined us for tea at Buckfastleigh.

(Kevin Presland)

[1 point: Colin Brierly, Matthew Tewson, Glenn Powling, Simon Haly, Richard Read, Jean Brierly, Phil Burrows, Matthew Burrows, Justin Landen]
[3 points: Phil Wrigley]
[4 points: everyone else]

On the Monday night, Torbay Section had its first camping session, with six of us going to Mike’s relative’s farm at East Allington. It was great, and we are just waiting for another chance (open to the whole Section next time).

(Kevin Presland)