Date: Tuesday 1st September
Riders: Colin, Stephen, Keith, Sam and Paul
Distance: 16 miles
Weather: Clear evening skies, 12 degrees C, almost full moon.
Time: Departed Willowby 19:40 - Returned HQ2 - 21:50
Stephen and myself developed this route on
Saturday - a day when fine clear conditions following a warmish
day dried out the tracks a little with the result that we
enjoyed a spectacular ride. It was one that wanted to share
the demands of, albeit we wouldn't be able to share the scenery
of the day.
The Famous Five - four in the gowcc green
and maroon, started at speed across Harrowbeer Airfield to
Bucktor via North Plantation. Ending this stage effectively
at the top of B'stard Hill from Doublewaters, we continued
downward into the Tavy Valley riding over moorland down,
some country lanes, an open meadow and single track to the
apex of the hairpin on 'Murder Hill'.
This section varied slightly from Saturday's
ride, where Stephen and I entered a public footpath at Hatch
Mill. Appreciative of the country code, we dismounted and
pushed our bikes parallel with this picturesque section of
the Tavy. (Recommend this walk for all - its got loads of
interest in a short distance).
Anyhow back to Tuesday's route, after dropping
quickly to Denham Bridge in incidentally fading light, we
steered in to one of the lower tracks in the wood. Two to
three miles of strenuous climbing ensued on a variety of
surfaces..... wide fire track, boulder strewn sections and
plenty of rutted muddy mudded forest tracks. Lungbusted,
nicely dirtied, blinded (by Paul's retina popping rear light)
and technically challenged we eventually exited the woodland ¾ of
the way up Vinegar Hill. A left turn, down the hill and we
were on our way at speed once more heading for the track
to Lopwell. Paul burnt rubber at this point as he broke sharply
in order not to overshoot the left turn into the track.
Another very testing descent ensued - I found
this much more difficult than Saturday's ride - and then
we popped out for the moonlit Lopwell Crossing which was
traversed by all riders without incident. Ah what a wonderful
valley....aaagh what a blinkin climb out! Eventually we entered
the 'provencal plains' of the Maristow estate on route to
the final miles return back to HQ2. Sam showed great restraint
by forgoing the water stop and Keith took himself off to
reintroduce himself with measured decorum to the late working
barmaid. Judging by her subsequent manner however, it appears
we may have effected more than a little more concern, as
we arrived first outside of the club with lights blazing
having crossed the car park onto the after decking. We closed
the evening with the usual; rehydration fluids - Jail and
Stella; fortification - Burt's Crisps and bonhomie - discussions
relating to the forthcoming weekend events at the Brewery.
Doesn't get better than this does it?! A great
run tonight, succeeded Saturday's classic.
Reporter: Colin
President's footnote: The hill out of Lopwell
will now be referred to as 'B'stard Long'!
