With Christmas soon approaching and the weather forecast set to be cloudy, not icy or wet, noso I figured a ride was in order, Matt had fitted some new shoes on his KTM690 so was keen to test them, Stephen originally said no but his circumstances changed and decided to join us.
Thought Russell would join us but I think the threat from Geoff for him to do this run report was maybe too much for him.
Stephen parked his van at my place and soon got unloaded and ready, just a short wait for Matt to arrive so we got off for a 9am reasonably early start.
First heading for Plymouth hill to take on the first lane of the day 201-097 a relatively steep climb with branches here and there to TRY and miss, stopping at the exit of the Lane Matt stated "these tyres are a game changer".
With the main lane to Brixton closed due to Sherford village construction for 18months we had to bypass around for access to the dead end lane of 202-408 then to continue to 202-217 with a very cautious exit onto the tarmac at the top heading for Noss Mayo to 202-230 then dropping down 202-231 for I believe Stephen to check ground hardness, something that should always be checked on a regular basis!.
We continued to the next dead end lane of 202-226 to meet several trail riding Santa's with their Wheeled sleighs. Once they moved off we descended to the Erm River view at the bottom with the only thought in my mind of Matt and the mighty 690 and logs lying everywhere, we moved the logs and with a bit of pushing the 690 and Matt reached the top and continued with a small Badger brake check on the tarmac, taking in Back Ford Lane, 202-195, 202-196 then off to Modbury for Runaway Lane and up Rogues Roostvel Lane (202-209) towards St Ann's Chapel to take on the dreaded rut of 202-235 (should be changed to lane of pain) of which I found a badger (out of sight from my companions I think) and Stephen unhappy with his struggling until he looked up to see me in the same predicament plenty of Octopus legs in all directions but at least what I think would be the worst lane of the day.
On to most of Aveton Gifford and Loddiswell UCR lanes for the direction of 202-227 a long lane that I rarely use as it is a bit out of the way, with time getting on and Matt's stomach wanting food we hit the tarmac through The Mounts to take in 202-214 and the rut of 202-206 before a short stop for fuel and food at Totnes Cross.
Matt's belly sorted, off we went for Lane of pain, all Corkscrew Hill had to offer, Cornworthy down 202-201 to Old Mill Creek.
Ready now for the long bumpy climb through the woods of 202-200 only to come to an abrupt stop by a large tree of which tyre tracks at the trunk on the edge of the track where visible.
Dilemma time, do we risk lifting bikes over so close to the edge of a drop or get the saw out.
I opted cut off one limb we should then be able to get under it although once Stephen offered saw to tree he soon uttered saw is a bit small!
But a relay between the 3 of us soon got through it and another dead tree to form a chicane for us to continue on our journey for a great splash at Clapton 202-199 towards Allaleigh heading back for a loop at Ashprington and off to do Lane of pain again in the opposite direction noticing the darkness was seemingly falling at 2:30pm?
Taking a right to drop down the field of 202-183 for the run around 202-198 as I didn't fancy Matt's chances for the climb and really didn't want to push again, reaching Farleigh 202-197 with the way blocked by a van loading logs or something, he eventually moved so we could very tightly squeeze by, moving on to 202-181 then to Wheeldon Farm, Coarsewell, Devils Steps (without taking on the steps) back through Ivybridge for the trip up 202-158 and 202-140 now heading for Cornwood to wash the bikes in the running water of 202-136 with what I was thinking the last lane of the day until we reached Hemerdon and just couldn't resist the short lane of 202-458 within spitting distance of home we soon arrived back in one piece with no breakages.
105miles of fun for all of us.
-- Edited by NeilM on Monday 18th of December 2023 11:47:11 AM
Cheers for leading Neil (and the push up from the Erm) a great route and ride.
It was relatively un-eventful by recent standards and we definitely made the most of the daylight.
I definitely "enjoyed" the muddy ruts (lane of pain) more with the michelins.
I'll let the media officers comment on the ride report
Cheers for leading Neil (and the push up from the Erm) a great route and ride. It was relatively un-eventful by recent standards and we definitely made the most of the daylight.
I definitely "enjoyed" the muddy ruts (lane of pain) more with the michelins.
I'll let the media officers comment on the ride report
