Devon TRF Group Forum

Well, after a massive barrage of fellow riders wanting to join us this morning, 3 of us left Axminster just after half 9. Rupe was late as he had forgotten how to start the CRF as it had been nearly 5 months of no riding for him.

I made up a new route last night with a few Jura's in hand, and it worked out surprisingly well!

As I headed out of my estate, I saw Matt riding past, so perfect timing! Only thing was, I was trying "scrub in" my new tyre, which is very slippery on the black stuff.

We headed west from Axminster to the northern end of 193-012 where I start to walk the ford as I don't trust this one, the ford was fine, my sealskins need replacing though!

Then onto 046, 044, 042 and 041, all of which were great to ride as they have all changed. 0on 192-046 we met a lady walking her dogs ON A LEAD on a public road, wonders never cease.

South to 335, which really must be ridden east to west to make use of the humps 233 was the driest I have ever seen it, and ??? was cracking downhill, especially as they have graded a large rutted corner 100 yards from the bottom (north eastern end). When we arrived at the bottom, I realised we had to ride back up, so we did with due care over the corner which had been graded, (very boggy when you transfer back to the lane) as they have used top soil. Also, watch out for the muddy water diversion halfway up.

South took us to 074 and 068, and then onto 079 where there were no vehicles blocking the lane, but some ar$e has placed these logs next to all the piping, which I realised today, does not pipe anything, it's just been fly tipped.

Logs cleared, and the FMF letting the locals know what I think of them, we headed to the top, and broke a left to what I call church lane, 089. Great fun as always, but ridden quietly due to the time.

Northwest up 088 & 087, then 071 and down 066, and into 065, which is brilliant now, one long slippy wide rut.

South to Tricombe which is 235, and I am pleased to say that the hardcore is disappearing, and the support mesh is starting to show, along with some deep 4x4 ruts. I knew they had their uses

084 and 086 - where Rupe tried to fight against a branch in his spoke, and lost 192-094 has a "bridge closed" sign, but we don't use the bridge, so rode the shallow ford and then diverted round the HUGE tree that has fallen - easy to ride round so does not effect us.

098 and 112 were excellent, a long time since I rode these lanes southwards/uphill, and it has to be the only way to ride them. Down into Beer for a Woozies pasty, and then we had to say goodbye to Matt T as he had to head back.

The fact that the Branscombe TTRO's had been lifted enticed Matt to stay on for a few more lanes....

192-131 & 130 took us to the cracking 122, but the farmer did not look too happy as he had to hold the gate open for us!

Down 121, which holds some gloopy mud at the northern end, and up the now uneventful 120, time will make this a good lane again. Thanks to all involved in getting these open again.

We said goodbye to Matt, and headed back to the southern end of 128, 119 has new gates and a sign saying beware of the cows, but as normal they were harmless!

The track on 119 is now a muddy trench and good fun, no more the boring wet grass.

West on the A road took us to 126 & 125 which is still good fun to ride. We were now out of my comfort zone area for leading, so the RA took over like a UPS, and led us on to 145, after which I showed Rupe the ford at 146. Needless to say he was not tempted!

We played around the mix on lanes new CR, mainly 144, 162, 141, 139, 138 and then 123, which I have never ridden before, next time I will ride uphill, (southwards) as it is a cracking lane with a great climb.

As I ride a KTM, a fuel stop was needed, so a fill up south of Aylesbeare and the up to 105 which I found to be a tad hard work, washed out at the bottom, loose pebbles all the way up, brilliant.

192-100, 102 and the rooster lane which is 101 was very dry compared to when I last rode them, in fact, most lanes were lacking a certain amount of wetness.

Up 109 and into 114, dropped us into 110 and 237, which we worked on a couple of weeks ago. We met the Wackmeister here with his family, working away on the lane for us ALL to enjoy, so how about we all get together and help to finish this one off soon?

Great to ride 237 again, but as time was getting on, we headed up 097 and back down 090 before hitting 092, 260, and one of my favourites, 093 with the tree cleared!

192-082 was next as we had to head East as Rupe had told his SWMBO he would be back by 3!

Blasted north to 063, then back to Axminster via the A35 to end a cracking day.

Thanks to Matt for coming along, good to see you again.

Cheers to Rupe for pushing me into getting the bike out.

101 miles, loads of lanes, no badgers, which was surprising as all the rocks were covered in brown leaves!

I must say, very pleased with the MITAS 644 rear tyre, once it has been scrubbed in a bit.