Gentlemen of Willowby Cycle Club
No hill too steep, no beer too dear!

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!!!!!!!!

<<Previous ride

April 2010

  Date Route
 
Gratton, above the pits, split to Ditworthy Warren & Plym Valley, HQ.
 
Greg's Leap 2, Grenofen Bridge, Julian's Loop, B'stard Hill, Grenofen Bridge, Railway, HQ.
 
Double Waters, Grenofen, Pew Tor, Staple Tor, Merrivale, Badger Ally, HQ.