Date: Tuesday 11th August 2009
Riders: Keith, Paddy, Paul, Sam, Martyn, Nick & Greg
Distance: 17 miles
Weather: Dry, mild, sunny start then cloud.
Time: Departed Willowby 19.30, arrived HQ 22.00. (Well some did!!)
The night of the pump!
Unfortunately Julian could not join us tonight,
but he had a very plausible excuse! Congratulations on the
birth of your
son. So we set off and headed out to Walkhampton and turned
right past the pub and up the steep hill to the dismantled
railway, at this stage Sam & Greg were in their usual position
(in front) followed by Paddy then the rest of us following
up the rear. A quick breather at the top before heading towards
Princetown. Rather than going around Kings Tor we cut up the
steep path to join the top part of the railway and around North
Hessary Tor to Princetown. Past The Plume of Feathers we headed
out on the path around South Hessary and the descent to the
Scout Hut at Sheepstor. The downhill sorted the men from the
boys with Sam & Greg leading the way and it was supposed
to be a great downhill run for most of the route until the
first of the punctures occurred. Why do they always happen
when it’s getting dark and not in daylight? Sam was
the first to stop and repair (with much help from Greg),
but at least it was a photo opportunity for Keith to get the
whole
group
together!
By now
it was getting
dark and we were heading back past Eylesbarrow Tin Mine when
Martyn (second puncture in as many weeks) Woodbridge-Harris
had to flag down Nick, Keith, Sam & Paul to direct their
lights on his rear tyre so he could mend his puncture. Unfortunately
his rear brake pads were loose and consequently could not be
refitted. By this time Paddy and Greg were probably in Dousland
but at least Paddy was able to phone Keith and find out what
was going on, nice one Paddy! Well at least they were able
to get to HQ and order the beers in advance. So Martyn rode
home with only his front brakes working but we all took the
most direct route via Lake and the B3212 to HQ, arriving back
at approx. 22:00 hours. As the beers were already on the table
it seemed to encourage us to drink even faster & consume
three pints before closing time rather than the obligatory
two (but don’t tell my good lady, as she only thinks
I only ever have two pints!!).
Given the number of stops during the last
couple of weeks (my chain and numerous punctures etc.) I
think
Greg’s
idea to have a recommended toolkit on the website is great,
certainly for a novice like me it would be very beneficial.
Reporter: Paul
President's footnote:
Quote of the night by MWH, after some time fettling with many
tiny parts from his disc brake, 'Where's my wheel?'
