Saturday morning and myself (CRF250L) and Lee (AJP PR7) arranged to meet up and explore some of the lanes local to us in East Devon.
We met up at my place and had a look over the map and decided on a very rough route - at this point I should add that I'm new to both motorcycling and trail riding and Lee although an experienced motorcyclist is also just starting out on his trail riding adventure.
We headed out through the village of Rockbeare towards Marsh Green and then dropped down into West Hill, after a quick study of the map we were at the start of 192-100. A nice way to break us both in - the lane was a little slippy in places but nice and wide giving us plenty of options to pick out the best lines. Once we'd safely reached the main road we headed over into Tipton and 191-109. We decided not to take this on - it was quite wet at the farm end and looked like it could get quite steep towards the road end so instead we opted to ride round and took the main road up towards Sidmouth.
Just before the Bowd Inn we took a left and then the next left and followed the hill all the way up to were 192-214 meets 192-110. Again we studied the map and decided that having walked the area around Bulverton Hill that this might be a better option for us.
Having turned off the main road we were straight onto 192-125 down to the bottom of the hill and then headed left before taking 192-146 down to the ford. The river was running fairly high and quite quick and obviously we were out of our depth (no pun intended) to even consider making the crossing.
Heading back the way we came we rode back up 192-125 and once at the top we parked up and had a quick walk up the beginning of 192-127. We were in two minds about riding it when we were joined by a couple of other riders - a very nice Montessa 4Ride and a KTM. After chatting with the riders for a few minutes and explaining our lack of experience they kindly offered to lead us up 192-127 and then onto 192-224. We made a couple of stops along the way and at one point I found myself suffering from a little bit of bike envy - the 4ride is a lovely looking bike. At the end of the lane and back on the main road we thanked our new friends for taking the time to show us around and Lee and I headed back in the direction of Rockbeare.
We had a great couple of hours and survived without major incident.
It would be great if anybody could suggest any other fairly easy lanes in that area or if anybody fancy's showing a couple of enthusiastic amateurs around that would be great too !
Run Report filled in and sent to John Leah.
-- Edited by Scott Harris on Sunday 16th of January 2022 08:08:44 PM
It was great to get out...even though it did cost me a handguard in a fall. newbie eh! . I think as new starts, we (I) tend to be a bit cautious when out. Maybe its my age as I dont bounce anymore. If those 2 guys hadn't come along would I have gone up those trails? not sure. It could be construed as pier pressure that made us do the trails (back lane & around to bulverton), but unless you have something/someone to push you on you don't improve. Yes I came off, winded a bit, pride dented & £ damage, but survived. Soft ground/ruts = risk.
I think that trail in the end was more tricky than the farm one we passed on earlier.
Sometime you can do more than you think...but you have to have a go!
I ride with some gents who are far above my capabilities and I certainly wouldn't do some of the lanes I do with them on my own! But like you say it's good to be pushed and find those boundaries and improve. I'm more than happy to show you some easier lanes Lee / Scott as and when you want and help you on the journey of finding your limits. I only live a few miles from you anyway.
On a side note I invested in some Barkbusters Lee, but only after replacing my clutch lever for a third time! :)
-- Edited by Dibble098 on Monday 17th of January 2022 12:28:54 PM
. I think as new starts, we (I) tend to be a bit cautious when out. Maybe its my age as I dont bounce anymore. If those 2 guys hadn't come along would I have gone up those trails? not sure. It could be construed as pier pressure that made us do the trails (back lane & around to bulverton), but unless you have something/someone to push you on you don't improve. Yes I came off, winded a bit, pride dented & £ damage, but survived. Soft ground/ruts = risk.