Dartmoor Classic 2010

The day from my perspective

Having registered on Saturday afternoon, Vicks and I arrived at about 7:30 and joined the loo queue. Ladies had to queue for 2 mins, gentleman 20 mins. My top tip – bring your own loo roll. Pockets were stuffed with all manner of goodies to keep energy levels up during the day.

Off to the start we met up with the rest of the gang. Good to see Rich there, another multi-skilled biker, plus there were friends of Stephen’s, Andy and Nick, and Steve Pritchard, a physio friend of Greg and Vicks, who had acquired a shirt from somewhere. We joined the pens, with Vicks sneaking in the one ahead of us so she ‘didn’t get passed by you lot straight away’. Good lucks were exchanged, tackle adjusted and adrenaline was pumping.

We finally got the go at about 8:40, the last pen to go. Leaving the sports ground, I heard an immediate ticking noise. A quick stop revealed it to be the speed sensor but by the time I’d adjusted it, everyone else was gone. I was secretly pleased as this meant I could ride at my own pace without feeling the peer pressure. By this point of the morning it was already 18+ degrees with a promise of ‘the hottest day of the year’ and pacing was going to be all important.

Heading out through Kingsteignton and onto Bovey is a great warmup before the first big climb up to Manaton. I managed to tag onto a group but once the hill started it was really everyman/woman for themselves. The heat was already causing problems as I passed a few riders on the wayside having to stop already. My bottle of water shoved in the back pocket came into its own being used as a shower on the move. At the top of the first hill there was a short descent into Manaton itself, where cream teas were being served later that day. What a civilised thing to do on a Sunday! The ride then climbs again up round Hound Tor and by Kitty Jay’s Grave. It was about here I caught up with Vicky…and surprise, surprise, she’d found someone to chat to. Honestly, every ride she comes back telling me about the chat’s she’s had.

Anyway after a quick chat wit’ wife, and being called back to listen for a noise, I set off again up towards Hemsworthy Gate. Then I stopped to rearrange my waterbottles etc., at which point Vicks overtook me again. We met briefly at the gate before the Pear Tree descent. This is one of the fastest bits of the ride and I left Vick behind, overtook Julian, who I thought was Colin. Sorry Julian. After dodging horseboxes we arrived at the bottom of the hill of hell. Or Holne as it’s probably correctly called.

For the uninitiated this is a hill that’s starts steeply, moves to bloody steep and ends overhanging. I’d already decided that I wouldn’t push and so I pushed it for a small section. (Do you see what I did there?) Back on the ascent, I spotted Colin fixing his (first) puncture and, in the time-honoured way, checked he was OK while peddling away as fast as possible. Julian now reappeared by my side and we stayed pretty close together till the end. The climb up to Holne, down to Vennford reservoir and then back up to Hexworthy is a long one but wasn’t as bad as I’d remembered. The descent past The Forrest Inn is a scary brake tester, especially when cars are coming the other way too. Greg noticed there was a skid mark going straight off the edge at this point. Being a good Samaritan he didn’t bother checking.

Onto Princetown and the food station, passing the massed GOWCC supporters en route. There was some great food lined up here and drinks, gels etc. Great organisation on the part of MDCC. Julian and I only stopped for 5 mins before hitting the road again and in no time we were passing the supporters again, heading through Postbridge and then on to the delights of Warren House Hill.

This was the hardest part by far due to the blistering heat. It was a real slog and somewhere along here I lost Julian. As it turned out he was only a very short distance behind for the rest of the race. Finally cresting the top of the series of hills, we hit what has to be the best bit of the ride. The swooping undulations and bends of the ride down to Moretonhampstead allow for full speed and a bit of a relax. Managed to get 48.5mph somewhere along here! Riders beware though as I also witnessed someone having a very close shave with a car coming the opposite way.

One last major climb left. Exiting Moreton’ and heading east, the road ascends up a series of switchbacks. Having managed the first section without problems, my heart began to race and legs began to cramp so I had a 20m walk and stretch and got back on to finish the hill.

From the top of this hill, down towards Dunsford and along the Teign valley is a great run allowing to recoup the speed you’ve lost over the previous hills. The last 10-12 miles fly by and before too long, we flew into the depart village.

A great event, great support from families and friends and great weather. Hope to see more of you next year.

Reporter: Martyn