Despite a torrid forecast - heavy rain and strong winds - there were several of us willing to get out and play in the lanes today, and it was definitely worth it. Aside the first hour which saw pretty heavy rain the rest of the day was free from rain aside the odd little bit of drizzle which was easily bareable ...... but there was LOTS of water about!!! (Which always makes things interesting)
Russ, Damian and I rode to California Cross (via Whoo Hoo) to meet Nick and Ricky. We had no route planned, just following our noses. Nick led to begin with taking us to Coursewell - where the 4x4 playground was barely visible given the extent of water! - then to Wheeldon and then the slippery climb at Ashcombe Bridge. From there it was on to Boreston Farm and the tricky descent then Halwell and the trio of lanes. We then dropped into Harbertonford and Rolster Bridge and Englebourne where we bumped into a busy Greg Veale playing on his farm machinery. Onwards to Belsford Farm - which is getting trickier these days - then the big puddle by the reservoir, which is never as deep as it used to be, thankfully! "Submarine Alley" was next - which did have a relatively deep puddle, so much so Nick sent Russ in first - and then Peak Cross exiting into the main road into Totnes. Onwards to Ashprington and Bow Bridge where the river level was way to high to cross the ford! Onto Middle Washbourne which was boggy and with a big puddle - dont often do this lane cos of the gates in the middle - then Corkscrew at Tuckenhay and Gitcombe/ Allaleigh where we met our first tree down but we were fortunately able to pass. It was then onto Dittisham and Old Mill lane - always a good one this - but there was also a small tree down here too. Easy for the bikes to pass under by ducking whilst riding but a no go for 4x4's. Lunch stop at Dartmouth petrol station.
Ash and Hansel were first stops after lunch but here, at Hansel, we met another massive tree down that forced us to take the alternative route - which Russ had decided to take anyways to be cheeky and head us off at the pass (so to speak) Did he know there was a tree blocking our route. Hmmm, spookey. Alston next - riding many of these lanes in the opposite direction to normal which was interesting. Boggy at the bottom of Alston as usual. Harleston/ Start lane did not disappoint as usual - great lane this. Going down the slab rock at the western end was rather treacherous especially with it all cover with greasy, wet leaves!! The road running parallel to the river that feeds Slapton Ley was flooded which saw Ricky's bike need a few restarts and Nick drained his carb as his bike was spluttering a bit after this.
From here we were well and truly in Nicks back yard so we were here there and everywhere around Chillington, Kernborough, Dunstone, Kellaton, South Allington, West Prawle - some lanes out that way we dont ride that often but we should as they were great! Estuary crossing near South Pool was pretty much the last lane of the day before saying our goodbyes to Nick and Ricky at Chillington and a road burn in the fading daylight to the jetwash; me at Brixton, Damian at Tesco Lee Mill and Russ at Ivybridge.
Absolutely cracking day fellas, glad we braved the forecast cos it was a fantastic days riding. Until the next time.
-- Edited by wackyracer on Sunday 1st of January 2023 09:11:34 AM
Looks like a great day out Geoff and thanks for taking the time to do a write up to go with the pictures. It takes a bit of effort to do a report but really shows everyone what is out there.
Thanks all for your kind words regards the report. I like writing them and sharing the experience so it's nice to hear they're appreciated. And in answer to you Russ, yes I think we all had a brilliant day, especially Damian. Great to have him back out with us.
Happy NYE all and here's to a great 2023 with lots of riding involved.
