The planned ride today was to show Damian Benwell around our wonderful countryside on two wheels as he's got himself another laner (small one this time, DRZ400) but unfortunately Damo had to cancel due to something urgent that needed his attention. Bob Wilkinson was also lined up to join us and he was still keen so the two off us set off around the South Hams. I wasn't cheating taking the 450 when Bob was on his T7, the 450 needed a run out and that was always the plan for today and boy have I missed riding that bike. Feels like a BMX compared to my 950!
We set off in overcast and drizzly conditions and it wasn't long before we got our first overgrown lane and come the end we were both soaked!
We stopped to take a look at weir at Yeo Park but it looked too deep to risk, especially at the start of our day. We then headed towards Devils Steps via Worston, Whipple's and Back Lane. At the top section of Whitmore Lane (Devils Steps) I lost the front on the soft edge of a rut, so soft it was powedery dust like Fesh-Fesh (so Bob said ). We then headed to Coarsewell, Gara Bridge, Wheeldon Farm and Moreleigh Mounts. We decided to miss out Preston Coombe based on my daunting description to Bob of the rocky climb from Topsham bridge Boreston, Hallwell, Bickleigh, Totnes Cross, Grimpstonleigh followed and then on to Loddiswell where Bob tucked the front on some wet, slippery grass. The rear brake lever took a bit of a battering but a tyre lever has more than one use Onwards to Kingsbridge, South Milton, South Huish and West Alvington. The intention was to stop at Kingsbridge for lunch but the fuel station had ZERO fuel (petrol and diesel) so we continued on to East Charlton via the lanes where we stopped for fuel amd lunch. Sun was long since out by this time and it was glorious. Fed and watered we headed to South Pool and the crossing at Waterhead creek. The route up the steep path from the creek to the road was REALLY washed out. Would have been easier to ride on the wider grass path, aside having to park the bike on such a steep gradient to open the gate near the top. Onwards to Chillington and then one of my fave lanes at Start. Nice little water spash to cool us off. Bit of a road burn back to Totnes Cross then lane of pain, Harbertonford, Harberton, Peak Cross, Blakemore Farm as we headed homeward. Culverlane then dropped into Avonwick and headed towards Sign of the Owl and rode Whoo Hoo down. Road burn through Bittaford and Ivybridge then two more to finish off; Lee Mill - with lots more crap dumped in the lane since last time we were there, inly a week before! and finally Cadleigh.
A full day in the saddle, 8 odd hrs and 109miles. Cracking, cheers Bob, great day and see you next time for sure Damo.
Onwards to Kingsbridge, South Milton, South Huish and West Alvington. The intention was to stop at Kingsbridge for lunch but the fuel station had ZERO fuel (petrol and diesel) so we continued on to East Charlton via the lanes where we stopped for fuel amd lunch. Sun was long since out by this time and it was glorious. Fed and watered we headed to South Pool and the crossing at Waterhead creek. The route up the steep path from the creek to the road was REALLY washed out. Would have been easier to ride on the wider grass path, aside having to park the bike on such a steep gradient to open the gate near the top. Onwards to Chillington and then one of my fave lanes at Start. Nice little water spash to cool us off. Bit of a road burn back to Totnes Cross then lane of pain, Harbertonford, Harberton, Peak Cross, Blakemore Farm as we headed homeward. Culverlane then dropped into Avonwick and headed towards Sign of the Owl and rode Whoo Hoo down. Road burn through Bittaford and Ivybridge then two more to finish off; Lee Mill - with lots more crap dumped in the lane since last time we were there, inly a week before! and finally Cadleigh.
