Date: Sunday 3rd July 2011
Route: Bellever Forest, Postbridge, Soussons Down, Challacombe, Warren House, Soussons Down, BBQ.
Riders: Colin, Keith, James, Steve, Alan, Nick, Fraser, Sam & Julian.
BBQers: Parriss's, Thompsons, Wests, Reads, Horlers, Whiteheads, McDermotts, Bradfields & Cades.
Children: 22 (estimated)
Depart: 10:40
Arrive BBQ: 13:00
Total Distance: 16 miles
Weather: Hot & sunny

Annual Summer Ride & Family Barbeque 2011

As well as making Tuesday evenings good for riding, the weather Gods smiled on us again with a glorious sunny day for our ride and family BBQ. Just a week after the early morning gathering of riders in WP (for the Dartmoor Classic), there was a more casual assembly of gents at a far more sociable hour.

For those that had been this way before, the ride was over a good familiar route through the Soussons and Challacombe Downs. It was fairly incident free and after a couple of hours we were approaching Bellever with the intention of appearing as silhouettes at the top of the hill above the river before sweeping down as 'The Magnificent Nine'!! Thankfully, our families didn't see our far from magnificent descent!

As last year, Paddy's BBQ turned up without it's owner, I'm sure the Hamblys are delighted that the investment they made is proving so useful! We made camp next to the bridge, Stephen and Debbie got the barbee fired up and on went the bangers, burgers and kebabs. As the food was cooking the children (young and old!) made their first foray into the East Dart. Refreshing, is how I would describe it!

The afternoon hours passed away with sun bathing, paddling, swimming, dinghy riding, cricket, frizzbying and for some, sleeping!! A very successful day and as always many thanks must go to the ladies for making the day so enjoyable.

Reporter: Keith