Date:
Wednesday 25th November 2009
Riders: Martyn, Nick and Keith.
Departure time: 19.40
Arrived HQ: 21.10
Distance: 12 miles
Weather: Mild, moonlit evening with one shower.
Three Men On Their Bikes
Wednesday night began cloudless as the three riders meet at
WP, accompanied by the social gathering of Paddy, Stephen and
Colin. They waved us on our way as we headed up to the cycle
track towards Clearbrook. Dropping off the track down the grassy
slope to the Skylark, the ground was ominously slippery and skittish,
following the high quantities of rain over the past few weeks.
We then joined the Plymbridge trail, via the
rocky ‘Please
Dismount’ track, before cutting back under and taking the
track leading around the Dewerstone. Sadly, the Scout hut there
is now closed (anyone fancy buying it?) and the windows were
all boarded up as we squirmed our way past. It was then the death-defying
drop down the rock cobbles to the bridge. We all managed without
incident, though I have to admit we all played the safe card
on the very last step. We crossed the spated River Meavy, before
joining the road and heading back up to the Plymbridge trail
and on towards Bickleigh.
Heading up the hill off the track and past the
barracks, I now have to confess that I might not have plotted
in my GPS points
quite as well as I might have. The plan was to head off towards
Hele before taking a new route through the woods, bringing us
out close to the Roborough Café. However, after a couple
of u-turns, I eventually guided us on to the right track which
turned out to be the wrong one. This meant us slogging up the
road past Lower Upperton. Sorry chaps!
Once back on the flat and regrouped we headed
back towards Clearbrook, following the leat. Arriving at the
back end of the golf course,
we had a group discussion and decided to chance our arms against
the weather, with a short loop through Hoo Meavy, entering Yelverton
by the backdoor (Oooh Matron!). I say we. Actually Keith suggested
and Nick and I were foolish enough that we didn’t argue.
Sure enough, halfway up Little B’stard hill it began to
rain. Still we plugged through it, enjoying the plunge down the
hill and, wondering where your speed goes, hating the climb back
out.
We arrived back at HQ after 90mins and 12 miles
and helped subsidise Christmas. No punctures, no broken kit
and me, very pleased with
my new light. I must award Keith on the way he cruised past on
the uphills and my thanks go to Nick for taking my normal backmarker
place up those hills. Can we go out on a ride together again
please?
Reporter: Martyn
President's footnote: We did wonder if it was just coincidence
that the WOW book club always meet when the forecast is bad!
We were under the impression that they met at HQ, but unless
they all dressed up as men or were watching the football, they
were no where to be seen!!!!!
