Date: Tuesday 6th July 2010
Route: WP – Roborough Down – Maristow Lodges – Lopwell – Bere Ferrers Loop – Fishacre Woods – Denham Bridge – Top of B*****d Hill – Long Ash - HQ.
Riders: Colin, Keith, Paul, Paddy, James, Greg, Nick, Steve B, Neil & Neil’s visiting colleague Richard.
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:00
Distance: 17.5 miles
Weather: Cloudy, grey, damp but not wet.

Were the tide times right???

Neil brought along a new lamb to the slaughter visiting colleague who happened to have his bike in his car. So after a brief conference we departed WP after Westy was sent home to get into the right shirt. Across Roborough Down at Greg’s pace leaving the remaining 9 to puff, pant and bluster to catch up.

Then the lovely long rattle down to Lopwell, all the while knowing what goes down doesn’t continue going down!!! Thankfully I managed to get the tide times right after slight concerns when looking at the view down the Tamar and seeing water in the estuaries. Three unconcerned fishermen gallantly blocked our route across the weir ensuring everyone had to attempt the slightly slippery “water” route. Most made it (GOWCC Code of Conduct Rule No 11 clearly states “any formal GOWCC ride must arrive at HQ +/- 10% of riders that set out!!!).

Then up the challenging track to Vinegar Hill and puff pant up to the top. Hard left down through the farm (avoiding the chasing sheepdogs) and the run down the field and bridle way to the Tamar. The quick loop then took us to Bere Ferrers and along the river side, through as much muck and mud as Greg could find, back to the bottom of Vinegar Hill. Up again veering off into Fish Acre Wood this time and the lovely, slightly challenging single/firetrack up to Denham Bridge.

That hill with hairpin then awaited us but instead of staying on road we walked (!) up the footpath to Hatch Mill and on past Berra Tor to the top of B*****d hill at which point Nick ran out of jooce which necessitated the finding of a watering hole. Fortunately in the extensive planning stages of the evening, that had been accounted for, and we lugged our weary legs back past Long Ash, across the aerodrome to HQ where Nick was able to re(de) hydrate.

Stephen was now in his customary position outside ‘tut pub with Jail already in hand awaiting news of our arrival'. Is his committee position in jeopardy? Clarence seems to be old news!!!

Reporter: Paddy

(Not so) Hot Off the Press: There’s a smell of new carbon in the ‘Ella’s. Apparently it has been ridden (breaking GOWCC Code of Conduct Rule 12… “any new alloy/carbon IS to be introduced and ridden WITH “The Gentlemen” as a clear priority over all others prior to any other rides”. We all wish to the see (and if possible photograph) the first accident due in the first half hour of riding any new bike))!!!!!

President's Footnote: Having welcomed another guest rider I suggested that we should get some badges made with 'I rode with the GOWCC and survived!' A first run of two should be plenty!!