Date: Tuesday
13th April 2010
Riders: Paddy, Martyn, Colin, Stephen, Greg, Keith
Route: Gratton, Cadover, above pits, split, HQ
Departure time: 19.35
Arrival time halfman: 21.30, distance 15 miles approx
Arrival time hardman: 22.25, distance: 21.45 miles exactly
Weather: Sunny start, cool breeze.
The Return of the President (with a new piece of gauze in
his left hip)
After four weeks of sick leave
and a week's holiday and despite
reading the Routemeister's planned route, I returned to action.
Having quietly emailed Martyn to suggest a 'halfman route'
six gents set out
for Cadover
going over Gratton Ford Bridge then up that testing little
hill. We regrouped by the clay pits to get a picture as the
sun was
setting. At
the path overlooking the pits we did a 'hardman/halfman' split.
The hardmen sped off towards Newnham (see report part 2 below)
to leave Martyn and myself to do some exploration work in the
other
direction.
We headed for Great Trowlesworthy Tor which meant a bit of
pushing
to
reach the summit. From there, with the last bit of
daylight, we could pick out our target, the crossing over
the Plym below Ditsworthy Warren
House.
A route was picked which proved quite rideable apart from a
few dismounts when crossing two streams and one leat (a great
route for Paul, I'd say)!! Feet had to be dipped into the icy
water to get across the Plym
and then a steep climb followed to get up to the house. Feeling
the effects of six weeks with no ride, I called a fuel stop.
My Tracker had passed it's best before date, but tasted bloody
beautiful!
With a time check of 9.05pm we (probably I) decided on a return
to HQ. There were some army personnel sneaking around Gutter
Tor and when a dozen suddenly came into view whilst speeding
down Edward's Path, I did literally jump out of my saddle!
In fact, their camouflaged kit obviously works really well
because
although only a few feet away from us, Martyn didn't see them
at all!!
The remaining gentle hills took their toll on me but we arrived
at HQ at the sensible hour of 9.30pm. Two pints and three quarters
of an hour later and having covered every current topic of
conversation,
there was still no sign of the hardmen! Just then, four tired
looking gents appeared in the bar in good time for the
regulation two pints. In conclusion, it's great to be back
and I think we're all looking forward to a great season of
summer rides.
Reporter: Keith
The ‘Ard Man Route
After the “Schism” round
back of ‘tut Pit,
Greg, Colin, Stephen and I dropped down the “no longer
so” challenging route from Penn Beacon to pick up the Cholwichtown
Farm track down to the Wotter – Cornwood road which was
duly crossed and we headed off road towards Lutton. Following
the hedge above Dartmoor Zoological Park we aimed to gently follow
the clay pits round and drop down to pick up the Wotter – Plympton
road…..except by then it was dark and Westy/Paddy had forgotten
where to go. Instead we followed an exciting track which wound
its way down to Drakelands (as Stephen had actually planned earlier
in the day).
From there the track led us to the Wotter – Plympton Road
and we dropped down that to Newnham Park where the aim was to
pick up the Bridle Path back up to the Paint Ball site where
Stephen was nearly taken out by another Badger (err….Badger
Alley 2???). After much “faffage” we eventually found
it and duly climbed popping out on a lane which led us to the
back of Cann Woods.
Once in Cann Woods, we followed
the usual fire tracks down to the bike path back to Clearbrook
and then HQ. Stephen and Greg
blasted up pulling Westy and I along with them (ugh!!!!). Never
has the sight of HQ been quite so welcome!!!!
Reporter: Paddy
Top Tip: When exploring the back end of Plymouth….take
Westy with you!!!!!!!!
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