Devon TRF Group Forum

6 of the DTRFG went onto the deep realms of Cornwall this weekend, for a run on their lanes courtesy of 2 lads from the Cornish TRF, otherwise known as Peter and Martin. They'd kindly offered to Lead and TEC a run on their patch, this being Bodmin, Liskeard, Looe and Lostwithiel, my god did we do some fantastic lanes.

The fun started on Friday, where we all met up at a campsite at Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin. The runners were:

Harty - DRZ400

RichT4 - DRZ400

Brownie - XR400

Nickpdo - KTM450

SteveGT - TTR250

Mark - XR400

We all either tented or slept in vehicles, so the first night it was BBQ, beer and sat round a campfire. The weather forecast for weekend was perfect, but in the evenings it was a bit chilly for some, but not for others who were 'Glamping'

After much beer consumed by some, it was time for bed at midnight as some were flaking it by the campfire Our illustrious leaders were due with us at 8.45am, but at 8.30am they appeared, with a few of us not quite ready, so time we cleared our heads and got away was at 9.30 ish. On the cards was a 120 mile route covering approx 50 lanes. First of all we hit Bodmin, back through Cardinham Woods, then onto Warleggan and the infamous 'Pink Panther'. Well we all had a recce on foot first to despel the rumour of this hill, but it turned out to be true as it looked like a killer

Brownie decided to have a crack at it first, see pics below for well deserved effort(I hated saying that)

I had to put a 2nd piccy of Brownie on his arse Brownie did eventually make his way to the top.

Anyway Nick then thought he'd also have a go:

Anyway Nick also eventually made his way to the top. We we all going to have a go as well, but by the time we'd stuck our helmets on the lane had been TRO'd

By this stage a couple of us were getting a bit peckish for 2nd breakfast, so there was rumblings of we'd get our hands on a pasty, but not for a few good miles yet. We then toodled on over to Liskeard and did some lanes over there, we also did a little corker of a steep twisty climb, but on the way down, my tyre caught a rock causing me to smash my left handguard, so one badger for me.

Anyway we trundled on and did a couple of wet snotty lanes and this time might right handguard caught a tree and threw me into the goo, which also cracked my clutch lever, so badger no.2 for me. Luckily Rich had a spare lever that was about a foot long It felt like it anyway, as it protruded past the end of the handlebars by about 3 inches!

We then came to a lane called Rose Nun, which the Cornwall boys flew up, literally in Peters case! It must have taken us 45 minutes to get all the bikes up, with one riding and two of us pushing. It was just slippery slate, which was getting polished by the tyres. In the midday heat, some of us were so hot and exhausted after that lane, that a drink andpasty was in order, so onwards to Looe for lunch on the harbour. The place was packed with grockles, all giving us odd looks in our muddy kit.

After some R&R and some well deserved pasties in Looe, a couple of us were hoping fill up, but the fuel station was shut, so onto Pipe Lane, which is so named as there are some large metal pipes going across the lane at an angle funnily enough, plus they are wet, so hitting them square on is the aim, but Mark hit them at an angle and smashed himself and bike into the water, I can't believe that he didn't hurt himself. Anyway we then made to the also infamous Muchlarnock, where my bike decided to stop working, so the remainder had a recce, of which Brownie attempted it, but no-one else felt like damaging their bikes.

Anyway my bike seemed to have a sticking float, so I was now running on reserve, of which ran out after only 4 miles, fuel was leaking out a carb pipe when stationary?? Anyway it was also about 4.30 ish and it was decided to cut the run short by 20 miles due to the fuel situation. More lanes were done, then we did Saints Way just before the end. 2 miles of fantastic lane and spectacular views, loving the twisty tracks around the gorse bushes. It was here that I ran out of fuel for a 3rd time, so thanks to all the fuel donors. On the last lane Steve decided to try some bog snorkling I did believe that there were other badgers amongst us that day, so we eventually got back to camp for 5.30 and well earnt can of cold cider

Got to say a massive thanks to Peter and Martin for taking us round, plus helped in finding us a decent campsite. Great couple of lads who were forever helping us out.

So anyway same thing Sat night, beer, BBQ and fire, this time though with some aching joints

They'll be a load more pics and vids up pretty soon

Below are Brownies vids

Fantastic weekend and a great days riding on Saturday.

I big thanks you to our guides Martin & Peter from Cornwall TRF and also to Harty for pulling it all together.

We were supposed to being doing two days riding but all the sun, lanes (camp fire and beer) got to some of us and so we decided to make Sunday a leisurely start and an early home.
The lanes were fantastic and no doubt we'll be back again soon.
I might even have a crack and Pink Panther next time

Great company guys, looking forward to the next adventure.

Cheers, Rich.

brownie wrote:

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at least i didn't fall over shutting a gate, that would have been embarrasing.

 

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That's the problem with being a short arse, having too tall a bike and putting my right foot into into a bog once on the bike

What a trip! The lanes were brilliant, a lot more rocky and technical than I'm used to. I am so glad I stuck the trials tyre on before the trip. Got to say I was well impressed with my little TTR hanging out with the big boys.

A huge thank you to Harty for setting up the trip, and to Martin and Peter for such a good run. I just loved the Cornish/TRF route discussion lingo, complete with whistle and hand gestures - you had to be there!!!! And not forgetting Nick who introduced a number of us to the delights of toasted Marsh mallows, yum yum.

Couldn't have asked for a better bunch of blokes to spend the weekend with. Thanks guys, I've had a great weekend. Still can't get over Harty bringing a full size fredge with him.

Nearly forgot, I had 2 badgers, a slight altercation with a hedge, and one stoppage in a rather large goey puddle of mud when second gear wasn't enough to power the TTR through - sorry to Mark directly behind who I could cleary hear swearing as he was also forced to stop as I held him up.

Well you sure picked the right weekend chaps....

Anyone else notice that Harty is in almost every picture that features the cooking food he looks kinda hypnotised in one of them.........

SteveGT wrote:

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Until I learn how to ride proper and get some good body armour, I'm going to leave this sort of lane to the TRF warriors. Bloody good attempt by Nick and Brownie... you do realise that you're just a little bit nuts though don't you?

-- Edited by SteveGT on Tuesday 12th of April 2011 08:34:20 PM

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 TRF warrior

Someones just got a new nickname

Cheers Steve

brownie wrote:

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The pics/vids don't really show how steep it is.

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 They never do 

RichT4 wrote:

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Nige wrote:

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I'd love to give that Pink Panther a go.

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 I'm not sure you'd have been so keen if you had seen it in the flesh

Also Martin & Peter said that it was the driest that they had ever seen it, go back another time and odds on it'll be wetter & harder.

 

-- Edited by RichT4 on Wednesday 13th of April 2011 08:20:16 PM

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  I'm sure it's worse than it looks but I do like to be pushed now and again.