Date: Tuesday 22nd December 2009
Riders: Keith, Neil & Colin
Departure time: 19.45
Arrival time: 21.45
Distance: 13 miles
Weather: Dry, calm, crystal clear skys. Temp
-2°C.
With the weekend's snow still on the ground and now frozen
and the forecast
of sub
zero
temperatures a small turn out was to be expected. Neil was prepared
to make the ride up from Devonport so I felt somewhat committed
to join in the fun! Westy seemed surprisingly keen to go
out.
With the minor roads
treacherous in places we decided to take the main road to Dousland
then picked up the old railway below Yennadon. The ride along
here and through the woods with our wheels crunching the snow
was a new, enjoyable experience.
We then couldn't avoid a bit of road to take us to the 'Shaggers
van'.
A lesson was quickly learnt here. Westy had a minor slip as
he tried to turn onto the road too sharply. I was progressing
up hill on dry tarmac which in an instant became sheet
ice! My bike just disappeared from under me and I landed heavily
on my 'new' hip. Ouch. I had to slide on my backside to the
hedge to get back to my feet.
Not to be deterred we pressed onwards through more snow covered
wood tracks looping back to Norsworthy Bridge then up the Deancombe
track. After pushing our bikes up 'Greg's Hill' Colin gave the
'lights out' order and we spent a few minutes looking at the
stars contemplating whether we'd make it back to HQ and
if so, how many pints we'd have!
The next stretch towards Sheeps Tor was made easier with the
snow and ice instead of the usual bog. We took a right and descended
towards the reservoir, staying off road for as long as possible.
At this point I realised that the ice had frozen my front shifter
and I was stuck in the middle gear.
We tentatively took the
road back from Burrator to HQ to be greeted by Greg and Sam
who had lined the beers up for us. Neil's better half arrived
to
not just pick him up, but to pay his bar bill as well! After
much chatter we departed for home where Greg and Sam noted the
'President's Shroud' covered in
snow on the front of my bike!!
Having been at HQ for over an hour, hitting the cold air made
everything seize up and I found it extremely difficult to get
my leg over!! For the first time ever I took the main road home
and once inside the yard tried to hose down my bike. I can confirm
at this point that it was a sub zero evening, my hose had frozen
solid!
So, in conclusion, great conditions to be out for a ride, as
long as you can avoid the black ice.
