Devon TRF Group Forum

As winter draws in at the end of 2009 our thoughts focused on the 2010 Spring adventure. Mid-south Wales was set as the destination as we still had so many lanes not yet explored. The run was supposed to be advertised but due to so many runners already queuing this wasn't possible. The number was fixed at 10 max and the lucky runners were myself & wacky (run planners & leaders), Harty, Brownie, SteveXR, Rich XR, Wheely, Ben, Geoff & Nic slip along.

We all assembled in some sort of shape at the B&B Friday morning and were ready for the off at around 10:30. Bike readiness left something to be desired but we all got through regardless.

Day 1: The Strata and beyond - 110 miles
This route is a favourite of mine but this time was the first it's been so dry. Dust was a problem but as I was leading I have no idea what dust they were on about.

First break at a nice crossing.


and already Steve can't resist the urge to fix someone else's bike.


So on with the crossings, with the water being so low this stretch really lost it's challenge & excitement. I was both relieved and disappointed to see the rivers so low and this great lane so devoid of water. Still there was more to come so we pressed onwards.



Onwards to the reservoir route. Some great lanes around here and great views.









After this we heading back to the B&B through a network of local lane - only to be met by the Somme.

We tried several lines around this area but the damaged left from our 4x4 'friends' was very severe.

Harty took a straight line through and almost lost his bike to bog, Nic tried a different line but instead found a convenient bike park.



After lots of pulling & pushing it was free



Finally we were all free and a quick run through a local bike wash took the worst off our bikes, and almost claimed a few of us during the process - more pics & vids to follow I suspect.



Day 2 : The Hundred House route - 120 miles

This unfortunately kicked off with the mud bog, besides the bog this is great forest lane which cuts out a fair network of tarmac so is difficult to avoid for some routes.

Again I tried a different line through which stopped my bike in it tracks, again! Thankfully Geoff was on hand again to lift the front and help pull my bike through.


There we are again trying to get through while the 4x4's are busy making is worse.

We quickly progressed through this time as we'd learnt much from the previous days escapades. Onwards we charged as many lanes were left in front of us.

A nice leafy climb but the slippy floor claimed one rider


Then poor RichXR had a devil of a job getting going again.



Then we were out on the open moors.



with some deep puddles thrown in for good measure, here's RichXR deciding not to risk it.


and wacky showing us how it should be done.



Time was slipping away this day though. We had a later start as Brownie had to attempt to buy a new front sprocket but to no avail. Somehow his XR400 managed to (after losing all the teeth off the front sprocket) complete another 2 days of riding - throttle restraint was exercised though.
Also Ben suffered a broken clutch cable but luckily Geoff had a universal spare.

So getting late in the day we decided to stop on route for a pub lunch (good call Wacky). Following that and with all riders refreshed we set off to complete the ride in the dark. That added a nice twist to end of day and some spectacular night riding.

Day 3: local lanes - 65 miles

Only 5 runners now as we lost some runners to both rider and bike fatigue, plus Wheely & co had to go home earlier on Sunday. So that just left me, Wacky, Brownie, SteveXr & Rich XR.
First part of this run was to explore some nice forest lanes which lead us out on to the Roman roads to the east, before turning back to explore some other previously un-ridden lane (to us). Some of these were fantastic and left us wondering why we had not ridden these up until now - a definite must ride if your in these parts.

Couple of shots of a linking lane





Then we emerged as this great view point...,





Spectacular views - my quick snapper does not do this place justice!





From there time was running on as we were approaching 2 hours overdue.
A couple more lanes were quickly dispatched and soon we were back at the B&B, shortly after we were on way home - tired but satisfied.

Many thanks to Wacky for being my co-guide for the weekend, to Harty for driving us and to Geoff who always seemed to be on hand to pull me and others out of whatever we got stuck in.
Not forgetting Wheely who was almost always right there to open any gates that got in our way and Steve XR who not only repaired our bikes but also a local damsel in distress at  the local filling station. Not forgetting everyone else for their support during this trip and for providing endless entertainment along the way.

Cheers, Rich.



-- Edited by RichT4 on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:22:14 AM

-- Edited by wackyracer on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:17:27 PM

-- Edited by wackyracer on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:18:02 PM