Riders : Me, Brownie, Adamski, KwakaGeoff & Rich + we picked up another 3 en-route.
Time : 08:30 departure, home at 5pm (in driving rain)
Brownie & I had been discussing a route as far down as Plymouth and taking in Lopwell and heading up the Tamar valley (between rivers Tamar and Tavy). I planned this long route and day was set, despite threats of adverse weather.
Departing Totnes at 8:30 sharp we took in a good few lanes en-route to 202-158, nr Ivybridge where we met Geoff.
Then Cornwood bound we took in a few lanes including 202-137 which was massively overgrown and a nightmare to get thru (think last time we went nr here with Pete he simply went up and down 136 and gave this lane a miss) - coming down 136 was as fun as always. Then off to Shaugh Prior and then a fuel stop at Roborough. Lanes down to Lopwell were all excellent, but when we got to Lopwell it looked a little daunting as the water was flowing quite fiercely through the weir. And to make matters worse, there were 3 other bikers down there who were pushing there bikes across. I had the pleasure of the first crossing, and did so with 1 leg pretty much skimming along the top of the wall. Was a pretty fierce crossing and despite an aching hip, I got across boots still dry. Geoff came next and I think pretty much rode it all the way and then Brownie, Adam and Rich paddled all the way across. All bikes and riders still present and correct! The other 3 lads (possibly Elliot, Matt and Dave on KTM450(ex SM), KTM350 4T, and Husky410) asked if they could tag along. We agreed and they stayed with us for the rest of the day.
Bere Ferris thru to Bere Alston next and taking in all the lanes up to Tavistock. A quick fuel and feed and off to the infamous 201-038 (nr Grenofen). Geoff got up pretty well, I stalled after front wheel slipped out a little, but got going through to the top. The rest had a bit of a mare, not helped by lots of Mitas CO2s being used for the day. It was at the top of this lane I had news from the bottom that we'd lost a rider. Adamski backtracked and it was close to 40 mins before we were all together and all at the top of the lane. Then backtracked thru Tavistock taking in lanes en route to Milton Abbot. It was just before here on 201-017 I made my (only) route mistake. I thought this was a thru lane and it wasn't . Half of us got through before the resident of the house stopped the others. After appearing initially angry the resident did calm down, explained it wasn't a thru lane and also provided evidence of this. The group were forced to backtrack and we all met up again soon after.
Chillaton and Lydford conquered and as we reached the A386, the 3 lads we'd met at Lopwell and Geoff said their goodbyes and headed off home - by now the weather was getting dark and the rain coming in. The remaining 4 of us filled up at Sourton before a long road trek home in a darkening sky and some pretty heavy wind and rain.
The route did have more lanes planned on way back, but the time spent at Grenofen and few other shorter delays meant we didn't get in about 15% of the planned route. But considering the shortness of the day, made worse by the adverse weather we had an excellent day and I rode lanes I hadn't seen for several years (when I used to ride with TVTR crew). Probably rode the best part of 140 miles.
And to think my little 200 2T leading a bunch of thumpers all round this route. How long will the taste of Motorex 2T oil remain in their mouths
Didn't get much photo opportunites - but here's us at Lopwell. Brownie should have some good vid coming soon.
Went across Lopwell this morning as well our group was 7 in total. We cross the river about 9:45 and I must admit I nearly pooed my pants the river was taking the rear wheel and the bike was slipping all over I was glad to get off that crossing
Cracking days riding. Thanks to Mark for leading and the other guys for the good company.
Thanks Russ, twas not me. Like Mark said, I rode across Lopwell and wasn't gunna stop mid damn for a piccy that's for sure! The water was pretty strong and slippery under the wheels!!
Charlie, I saw lots of MT43 tracks on some parts of our route, so it was you guys hey ;0)
HaHa, I went into disgruntled customer mode and put my work head on and yeah forgot to say a big thanks to Mark for the run, I did not get chance to say it to you when we got separated by the lights near Penn Inn. And everyone else for there patience when I decided on my usual, lets get lost routine and especially Adam for coming back to get me and having to go up that hill twice, sorry bud! I owe you both a pint .
Thanks Mark, an awesome days riding with great lanes and good company.
Lopwell dam was interesting. The lower crossing looks like it could be fun when the waters a bit lower, anyone got any pics of earlier crossings?
And well done to Rich for calming a potentially nasty encounter with the home owner on the restricted byway to a point where everyone was smiling.
Hells bells - one slip on lopwell when it is like that and you wont stop until the dockyard- a brave bunch for sure. This is the lower crossing at lopwell
And the other side
The river has to be relatively low to get accross. The changeable bit is the depth of the mud on the far bank- it can be DEEEEP. The sort of stuff that sucks your boots off!!
The river has to be relatively low to get accross. The changeable bit is the depth of the mud on the far bank- it can be DEEEEP. The sort of stuff that sucks your boots off!!
The lower crossing looks like it could be fun when the waters a bit lower, anyone got any pics of earlier crossings?
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