Devon TRF Group Forum

A cracking ride yesterday around East Devon, started at Tedburn St Mary looping clockwise around Crediton, Cullumpton, Honiton, Sidbury and Clyst St Mary. 128miles door to door for me - with a short commute from Plympton to Ivybridge and back for my lift - thanks Damian Steer 

The weather was set to be a grey day with some light rain and the forecast was pretty accurate with us managing to stay dry for the major part of the day. And it was warm/ muggy, especially when riding in the literal closeness of some of the lanes. Goggles and visors were definitely steaming up!

It's been a number of years since we've ridden this route (about 4) so when we rocked up to the village hall where we've previously left the vans there were new signs saying overnight parking was not allowed and that when the village hall was not in use the carpark would be locked. There were a few elderly folk in and about the hall who were staring at the three vans that had pulled up - one of them a pick-up truck with the bike on full display. So as not to potentially upset the locals Russ went over to speak to them about leaving the vans there. Turns out the local farmers market was on today in the carpark so we up sticks and moved to a different location just down the road ........ only to upset a woman whose house we'd parked outside. She decided to make her presence and discontent know by bringing her bin out, opening her posh wooden gates and saying that she'd be leaving soon and the vans were obstructing her view up and down the road so somewhat politely but also with a touch of annoyance asked us to "move the vans down a bit", which we did so all good. Right, finally ready for the off!! 

After some roadwork the first lane had a nice litte watersplash which I remembered. A good first photo opportunity. We shortly arrived at Crediton and as we traversed the railway level crossing one of the Huskys decided to die - literally cut out as Will was riding. We pulled over to the side of the road to take a closer look. The bike was turning over on the starter but it wouldn't fire. Thoughts turned to the spark plug so we borrowed a new plug from a car mechanic garage opposite where we'd pulled in. Seems we had no spark so possibly something electrical related that we weren't going to fix there and then. The other Will in our group rode back to collect his van to recover the dead bike then dead bike and owner Will (too many Wills!) departed for home. One down so early but we continued on.

Exiting a lane as we dropped into Bradninch there were two young girls with hi-vis vests on and a radio. They were marshalling a running race so as we rode into the village we were cautious of the runners which surrounded us. There were all types from the seriously committed to families with young kids. Good effort to all involved. As we stopped briefly in the village to check the route there was a house which was heavily decorated in support of watersports and the RNLI which looked quite unique.

At Lower Tale we stopped for a choccy bar at the head of our first river crossing - this route has several significant water crossings on it, much to Nicks delight! (he doesn't like water!) Everyone successfully through the river without issue and onwards we continued.

A nice set of lanes at Payhembury/ Lower Cheriton then led us into Honiton for a fuel and lunch stop.

At Afington we rode Summer lane towards Westgate Hill which at the eastern end had a large tree down so we had to scale the bank to avoid the obstacle which added a bit of additional excitement to an already great lane. Immediately after there was a rather deep puddle to negotiate but we all cleared it without incident.

Next was the stoney descent through Core Copse where - despite being a fully legal County Road as clearly marked at the top of the lane - dog walkers seemed annoyed as they had to gather their loose dogs as we filtered past. Im sure they wouldn't let their dogs roam freely on a tarmac road but they seem to think just cos this road was in the woods and consisted of a stony path it wasn't a road. Hmmm, how uneducated!! We also received a stoney glare of discontent from another dog walker who was on the footpath that runs parallel at the top of this lane. Oh well, cant say we were at all bothered as we knew we weren't somewhere we shouldn't be!

At Northmostown we did the lovely cris-cross of lanes around Bulverton Hill with its fist size flint stones kicking out the front wheel ensuring concentration was maintained. A nice if modest challenge.

From here we were at Tipton St John where many of the lanes remain signposted as closed due to the flash floods from over a year ago. We spoke to a friendly dog walker who by her own admission ignores the signs and continues to walk those lanes as the council are seemingly doing nothing to repair them. We showed her our planned route and shes gave us insight and warnings as to what the condition of the lanes ahead held, challenging would be a fair summary but we didn't get to venture past the road closed signs.

At The Warren on Woodbury Common we diverted off the road and tracked through the long grass - a great little lane this with the almost invisible gulley you ride usually full of water but it was predominantly dry this time. Next was the lane that tracks down through Nigel Mansells hotel and golf course, Woodbury Park, exiting at his (former?) personal residence at the end of the lane.

The penultimate lane of the day was another fun river run behind Crealy Adventure park. 

Homebound now as we commuted through Countess Wear and Alphington industrial estate before the final lane of the day, another river splash in Crabb Lane. From here it was a short A-road blast back to the vans to load up and head home.

A fantastic day in the saddle. Thanks to everyone for the company and giggles. Until next time.