Devon TRF Group Forum

We parked the vans, unloaded and kitted up then rode the short distance to Jacks Patch Otter Nurseries for our 9am meet. Everyone arrived on time, we said our festive hellos and with a brief outline of our planned route from Trevor we departed for our first lane which was Ashwell at the back of Bishopsteignton (192-212). We then headed up Three tree lane (192-206) with a short little diversion into 192-207 as we neared the eastern end of the lane - I'd never done this short section before, or I dont think I have ever. Hmmm. 
Left out of Three tree lane and on to 192-205 at Luton. Onwards to Hamblecombe Lane (192-202) the the nice gradual rocky climb that was Haldon Lane (192-215) which proved a little tricky for Hamish with a few occasions of some wheelspinning seeking traction on the rocky, rutted path. This then led to the gypsy camp near Ideford Common and lane 192-216 and 192-289 exiting onto the roundabout. 
From here we descend into Chudleigh then over the A38 heading west towards Huish Cross and the lovely 191-078 which was a tricky little lane with large rocks to negotiate. A short stop at the exit of the lane and Chris had a little play with his drone while we waited for Hamish. Left here at Five Lanes and on to another great lane, Little Johns Walk (191-077) (heading downwards - for the second consecutive time of me riding this lane but fortunately on this occasion no ABS to forget to switch OFF as was the case previously on the Tenere 700).

Exiting the lane we crossed the A382 to Morten Hampstead and continued to head in a North westerly direction towards Wreyland and the lovely 191-076 which was muddy and slippery along the top then a tricky descent to exit and cross the River Bovey then head to the entrance of 191-075 taking us through Houndtor Wood. After the bridge and gate mid-lane and as we started to ascent the switchback climb I came to stop as Dave had taken a wee tumble, stalling the bike due to being in the wrong gear. Easy away again and exiting the lane at Manaton village we hang a right and head towards Clapper Bridge where Russ took the wee detour through the water spalsh - I wasn't quite quick enough to get my camera out for a piccy. Hanging a left at Barnecourt is 191-069 and the Ford at North Bovey. The water was relatively high but I rode through first and took up a decent spot on the opposite bank to take some pics. Everyone managed to cross without issue. A short breather and Chris again got his drone out for a little play whilst we had a chat and a choccy bar. At this point it was starting to drizzle. Onwards to 191-068 which is a fantastic lane. Onwards to 191-073 across the open moor then back through Manaton village heading south towards 191-080 at Leighon which I've not ridden for a long time - last time was maybe with Pete Bull? At the gate Russ gave us an education as to the OS Benchmark sea level height marker engraved on the granite post by the fence. 

From here we headed towards Bonehill Down and the lovely 191-083 where we met a few families walking with their kids and dogs and who all were smiling and waving at us. At the gate at the northern end of the lane Hamish took a wee tumble on the rocky downhill immediately after crossing the threshold of the gate. We blamed Nick who was holding the gate for knocking him off, ha ha (only joking Nick). We quickly got him upright again and continued to descend to the exit of the lane where we hung a left and headed for a brew at the cafe at Widdecombe in the Moor, or so Trevor had promised us but upon pulling into the car park it was clear to see that it was shut. We were all bitterly disappointed and gave Trevor a bit of a hard time for promising a nice open fire with tea and cake only to fail on delivering that for us (we were jibbing him). We continued up over the moor which was a very drizzly affair (much worse than the pictures show) at which point, when I was waiting at the gate on the top of the moor before you descend the rocky descent two of our riders failed to appear in quick succession to the rest - it was Hamish and Dave. This was due to Daves bike having some fuelling/ fuel pump issues. I could see their headlights in the distance across the moor and eventually they got his bike going again and we all made it down to the road at the bottom. Hanging a left we headed south towards the lane at Broadaford (191-086) then we looped back through Widdecombe in the moor - double insult at the closed cafe, Bah - then across the wet and windy open moor past Haytor Rocks and Haytor Vale then hanging a right down Green Lane towards Ilsington and 191-090 Tipley Hill Lane the dropping into 191-091 the back up 191-092 (which I've never ridden!) then down into Liverton and towards the M&S fuel station near the Heathfield industrial estate FINALLY for fuel, food and a coffee.

The coffee and sausage bap was lovely as to was the company and chat. At this point it was about 2pm (from recollection) and Hamish and Dave peeled off leaving five riders to continue on. From here we headed towards the lane at the back of Trago Mills (191-097) which was very slippery on entry that saw Chris directly in front of me lose his rear wheel suddenly but he managed to save it - good effort - and then the same again just as we exited the bend before the shallow climb up the lane - good reactions again Chris, well done. At the top we hung left and headed to Holbeam Lane where Chris said he would depart as he lives a few hundred yards over the creast of the hill. However, he was obviously having such fun - as we all were! - he decided to continue on with us. 

The very short 202-008 was sloppy as it always is then we headed south towards the lanes surrounding Channings Wood prison which didn't disappoint regards the deep puddles, the last one of which (in 202-048) nearly saw Chris come a cropper but yet again he managed to save it (although I got a pic).

Onwards through Denbury then cutting back towards Two Mile Oak and at Ipplepen we had a quick spalsh-and-dash for Trevor who hadn't filled up at M&S as his fuel gauge read near half but that then registered significantly lower as he rode away.  The short 202-073 was followed by Windmill Lane (202-074) the followed by Saturdays Lane going down, which I must admit I normally ride up so it made a nice change (202-082). Onwards to 202-069 at North Whilborough before crossing the main road in Kingskerswell and up Coffinswell Lane (202-060). Continuing east to Daccombe we then rode 202-061 then 202-051 then 202-032 then cut back through Middle Rocombe and up the switchback in 202-053 know as Slippery Sam and used in the Exeter Trial then onto the adjoining 202-346 before exiting into Stokeinteignhead before descending 202-019. At this point there was the option to head back to our start location but being in the vicinity of many-a-decent lane it would be rude to not take in a few more lanes so we tracked back up 202-020 where Chris hit a false neutral (I think?) which stalled his progress as we entered the tricky, rocky rutty part of the lane so I overtook and gave chase to Trevor ahead of me. We hung a left into 202-388 which was convenient as there was a bunch of teenagers slightly ahead of the junction in the lane. We exited right then peeled left into Butterfly Lane (202-022) before dropping into the final lane of the day 202-299 which now has a deep gulley along the middle of the lane which makes it quite a challenge to remain on either side. At the bottom of the hill Chris peeled left to yead home and Trevor, Russ, Nick amd Myself headed over the bridge and back to Bishopsteignton and to the vans.

A total of 134.8 miles amd what a fantastic day. Thanks Trevor for leading and thanks to the other guys for the company. It was great to get out and just what I needed before the onset of Christmas and a full-on schedule of hosting family and friends over the festive period.