Our friends from Essex were visiting again so a weekend full of riding was planned.
Day one was our Whiddon Down, Fish-and-Chip route, taking us up the east side of the moor to Widdecombe, Manaton, North Bovey and North Tawton.
With bike and gear prepped the alarm went off at 7:20 and I was up and out and on the road to pick up Russ for 8am. We'd then head off to meet everyone at Buckfastleigh fuel station.
Everyone arrived in a timely manner but one person was missing, Dave. He'd suffered a shoulder injury mid week but rather than cancel his attendance, and Steve's as they van share, he decided to come so as not to disappoint his friends. What a guy. Sorry I missed you Dave. Get well soon and see you next time for sure.
Bikes fuelled, a quick chat and a catch up over a coffee and we were ready for the off.
The lovely long lane at Shuttaford was deserted of any dog walkers which made a nice change. Onwards to Holne then across the open field at Stoodley. Our usual quick little stop at Lower Town was surprisingly clear weather wise as we thought it was likely to be thick fog/ mist clinging low in the valley ..... but that was to come later.
Even up over Widecombe in the Moor there was decent visibility.
As I squeezed pass the queue of riders at the gate by Bonehill rocks - the intention being to get ahead to take some pics - I later realised that the rock I clunked on my RHS actually smashed my foot brake pedal off. Great. DOH.
Up over the moor at Haytor this was like pea soup. Such dense fog you could barely see. Russ diverted sooner than the route planned to get down off the moor and this let to an opportunity to ride Simms which today was as tricky as it's been for a long time. Turns out Simms is not only Damians nemesis lane but Rickys too, ha ha, and today was no different as he decided to have a little lay down about half way up. Second attempt was also fraught with a close shave as he approached the top nearly not making it. He blamed it on his part used rear tyre saying he had a new one at home but decided "one more ride" before he changes it. Some decisions we regret, and this was possibly one of his, ha ha.
At the garage in Bovey Tracy I fashioned some sort of repair to my rear brake lever, just to give my boot something a little wider than the brake arm to press in. The fix seemed good.
Houndtor woods was great as always with lots of big puddle splashes and thankfully no walkers today.
At North Bovey ford we generally say, if the water is over the stepping stones then it's too deep to try, and alas today that was the case.
Continuing North the walled lane at Throwleigh Manor was a muddy, slip-slidey affair in places. Always fun this one is.
The climb at Rat Combe/ Langabeer (191-039) is beginning to become more challenging as it was some 10 or so years ago when I first rode it before they graded it. I reckon within the next 3 years the challenge will increase with each downpour. Well done mother nature.
As we approached North Tawton from the west the route made a left turn taking us to the Tarka Trail lane but I knew this would be in vein as the river would likely be too high to cross ..... and it was, so detour we did, but we made it in good time to the chippy. Whilst chatting after our food who should appear, none other than Andy Benney. Unfortunately for him he wasn't on his bike to join us but enroute to Barnstaple for work. Knowing our plan I guess he stopped in on the off chance and, what do you know, there we all were. Brilliant.
After lunch we headed towards Bow then started to make our way south again having reached the most northerly part of our route.
The water splash at Coxmoor (191-032) was deeper than it appeared but everyone made ot through without issue. The next lane end at Cullaford I thought would be awash with water so I got head of the entire group to find a decent filming spot. However, I'd ridden almost the entire length of the lane with practically no water. What the ...... Where had all the water gone, especially with all the rain we've had.
A quick splash and dash at Whiddon Down services - oh, and some urgent maintenance on the red bike ..... of all bikes .... that needed some chain adjustment, and we were on our way again.
Fingle Bridge always presents a nice challenge clinging onto the grips and using all of your upper body to wrestle the bike and hold on as you ascend the steep, rocky path. Lovely.
Another great climb is Bridford Woods near Dunsford. You quickly gain elevation on the lane and as you look out through the trees there's a fabulous view across the valley.
The lane at Trenchford Reservoir is always a nice challenge, going downhill this time, interesting with a makeshift rear brake pedal.
As we came back into Bovey Tracy I was conscious of the time having to be home by 5pm
I made the decision to peel off from the group so said my goodbyes and "see you tomorrow" whilst we sat at the traffic lights at Heathfield. The guys headed behind Trago to continue their route whilst I did a bit of an A38 road burn to Dean then took the back roads through lower Dean, South Brent, Bittaford, Ivybridge, Lee Mill then home, arriving at 17:10, perfect.
Total mileage today was 153 miles. Roll on tomorrow.
I did something similar to a rear brake pedal and used the big adjustable spanner to bend the last couple of inches outwards enough to be able to use it . It worked so well that it was a while before I eventually replaced it . I took the view that if I snapped it in the process, I hadnt really lost anything.
I generally write one every time I'm out (see the 'Run Reports - Public' area on the forum, and/or 'Away from Devon' area for times when I get to venture further afield) ...... I just dont get out that much so not that many reports from me, unfortunately
