Day 2 and what an awesome days riding today was. Russ had altered his 100 Lanes Challenge route that took us from Totnes to Newton Abbot then up towards Teignmouth, StarCross, Ashcombe then back down through Stokinteignhead. Not quite as long of a route as yesterday - although still nearly 100 miles - but with the density of lanes it was certainly a challenge, especially after a full day yesterday AND for me after a rather heavy night at the local rugby club with the wife and some friends to watch a band.
The alarm was set early, 7am, and after a restless night's sleep (too much alcohol and the wife who'd somewhat overdone it resulting in repeated false alarms of wanting to be sick) I was up and out the door heading to pick up Russ enroute to meeting the rest of the gang at Totnes. The commute was rather chilly and the one lane we rode as we entered Totnes was sloppy and slippy and my bike was all over the place. I said to Russ, "I don't think I'm ready for this!" Ha ha. After meeting the gang, me getting fuelled with coffee and a bacon and cheese turnover we were off.
To get us to Newton Abbot we rode all the familiar lanes but it was nice as they were all being ridden in the reserve direction to which we normally ride them.
Our first little detour came at Berry Pomeroy where there was a small tree down across the designated path meaning we had to drop down the bank off the upper section into the field below. There were two horses in the field but not in our way and they didn't seem the slightest bit perturbed by our presence.
Heading further north we reached Bishopsteignton and the new to me 192-328, which was a lovely short tree tunnel lane. Russ confessed that he'd come across this lane during his solo TET adventure back in the late summer and he too had never ridden it before.
Some deep puddles on Hamblecoombe lane took us out of Ideford and then up Haldon Lane (192-215) which we were again riding in the opposite direction which was a nice challenge with the deep water-carved gulleys towards the northern most end.
Some forestry work on the common made our exit from the woods onto the roundabout a challenge to find but we made it so onwards to Ashcombe where there was another first for me, 192-232, which despite being a dead-end lane was a nice little challenge.
On the nice long lane at Langdon Barton (192-250) We dropped into the spur that took us north towards New house farm and the groups lanes around StarCross. It's been such a long time since I've been out this way that all the lanes seemed new to me tbh. There was a lovely mixed variety of through the woods then slippery, snotty stuff (that also reeked of cow slurry, yuk!) to tight, twisty and rather technical included a deep muddy water wallow. All great fun!
Back on route and heading east towards Dawlish and our lunch stop at Teignmouth but not before the lovely technical decent into 192-199 (from the east). At the bottom by the river crossing Russ to the usual line to exit the river but got himself stuck on the bank. Lee had to assist to lift the back end up amd onto the riverbank. On seeing this we all took a different route ..... which was much easier. Sometimes it sucks being a leader. On to the lovely, technically climb on 192-208. I stopped on a corner wanting to get some footage but most of the guys rode past me before I could get the phone out of my pocket but unfortunately for Nick he stalled as he dropped into the deep gulley so I managed to film his as he got going again.
Over the bridge heading towards Stokenteignhead and lots and lots of ups and downs, all the downs which were somewhat of a challenge for me with my makeshift rear footbrake pedal. Middle Rocombe Barn lane was particularly trixxy as it was super slippery. My decent was neither controlled or pretty but I just about managed to keep the bike upright although I did suffer a footpeg to the shin which certainly smarted at the time!
At this point I've got to admit I was pretty knackered and feeling my energy levels were reaching reserve......but we soldiered on.
Coming up the lane at No Mans Land (202-029) We needed to get the Silky bandsaw out to despatch a thin tree trunk which was blocking the path.
A quick waterside stop on the River Teign then back through Newton Abbott and Coffinswell (jeez there's some big, posh houses there!!) then then lane taking us into Kingskerswell.
Marldon was next with a few long since ridden lanes before Glazegate lane at Barton Pines (202-125) which had many deep puddles - this lane is popular with the 4x4 and we did infact catch up with one.mid way in the lane but he was kind enough pull over amd let us through.
The final lane of the day was Fleet Mill Lane which we joined at the middle. This was perfectly time - seemingly - as two other trails riders exited the lane just as we were about to enter.
We pulled into a parking spot in the town and all said our goodbyes to our friends from Essex and also waved Nick and Ricky off as they headed back towards Kingsbridge.
A road burn back to Ivybridge for Russ and I where the jetwash was out of order so we said our goodbyes - after quick chat with Mark Watkins who pulled up in the garage forecourt, good to see you matey.
I stopped at Tesco Lee Mill to wash the majority of the mud off before the short commute home at which time the sun had definitely amd it was pitch black!
135 miles in total for.me today. What a fantastic day, absolutely buzzing after that ....... and aching like buggery too!
