Devon TRF Group Forum

I must apologies for not doing this report sooner as I've actually been busy recently for a change.

Sprocket (Pete) of Dorset TRF advertised a run a few weeks ago which looked interesting as I'd been wondering what lanes lay to east of us. It was on a Friday but I was due some time off for good behaviour, and Brownie was also suitably tempted so that was arranged. We hitched up early that morning and were over in Dorset and ready for the off by around 9:30.

Pete wasted no time in impressing us with some lovely long lanes, I think the first one of the day also had a nice little but deep river crossing - very nice!

Pete's KTM didn't seem too impressed with this as it had obviously forgotten it's speedos. After spluttering for a short time it was back up to full power and so we were off - this would come back to bite Pete later.

This is us on the first break of the day.

After this we were whisked off along many more lanes and then we were introduced to the longest ford I have ever seen or ridden.

I took some photo's and video with my phone but for some reason only the video worked, and mainly only the video taken by Brownie - seems I don't know how to work my own phone any more (probably should google it).

Unfortunately 2/3rds of the way across Pete's KTM decided enough was enough with this water game, and stopped - wet feet for Pete then.

We cracked on from here and experienced some lovely long forest lanes, some technical, some long and dusty with suitable lumps and bumps that could loft your front wheel if you weren't careful. Then on one particular lane one the biggest badgers of the year (for me anyway) jumped out and ran away with my front wheel. I went down hard but was unhurt, Brownie helped me pick my bike up and get back on the trail and in no time I was back on track.

It's amazing how heavy a bike is once the handle bars are lower than the wheels

Later that day I would witness many a near miss from myself and Brownie, even dry those lanes can be surprisingly slippy, I bet it's interesting in the winter..

Only really problem of the day was our lack or preparation - we really let the side down. Brownie picked up a pinch puncture in his rear and neither of us had puncture kit with us, Pete runs mooses so no need of puncture repair kit for him. Luckily Pete new the area and had connections. Eventually we got Brownie to a bike shop in Bridport and an hour later we were back on the trail and had had lunch - good stuff!

In fact I've just remembered one in particular that made me chuckle. A point blank launch from the tarmac that drops you about 2 foot straight into a stream with a bank ahead of you, and goat path to follow. When I realised what was in front of me I had no choice but to carry the front on the throttle and hope for the best. I made but when I stopped on the other side I lost my footing and nearly did a Delboy straight into the stream. Then it was Brownies go - he'd already stopped at this point and rather than take a run up he just did an amazing (but funny looking launch). A one footed, seated wheelie launch after which he landed on his back wheel in the stream and then carried on up the bank and out to the goat path. I'm not sure his front wheel touched the ground much during this manoeuvre but it sure looked funny, and did the job.

A few more lanes from here were done and then Pete showed us Chisel, which had been a lane I'd wanted to ride to ages.

This is us having a little chat break before riding the shingle at the start of this lane. Brownie seemed to be experiencing some difficulties on this new terrain and couldn't seem to stop him self going sideways.

Many thanks to Pete for showing us around and putting up with us.

Dorset has some very cool lanes so I'd urge anyone who's mobile enough to jump on run over there and check out them lanes. There's a bit more road work but not a load more than you might experience out in east Devon.

Cheers, Rich.