Date: Tuesday 23rd November 2010
Route: WP, Shaugh, Pipeline, Cadover, Earthquake, HQ.
Riders: Martyn, Greg, Rob, Steve B, Sam, Nick, Alan. There might have been someone else too but I can’t remember.
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:10
Distance: 11 miles

Despite suggestions to the contrary, seven riders got out tonight but there was a distinct lack of WP until Greg put in a last minute appearance. With the routemeister playing hard to get, we had no route and so set off directionless. A quick scoot across the smooth lawns to the south (who put that sand there) before dropping back onto the cycletrack and then off road to Clearbrook. We joined the cycle track again before going under the bridge and then up to the Dewerstone.

Once at the bottom, which way? Let’s face it neither way is exactly flat. In the end we went up towards Shaugh Prior, turning off up Pipeline. This was the point where I inadvertently set my balance and skill button to off. It doesn’t help when you can hear a raging torrent in the dark, somewhere below you. Sam tried to experiment at this point by removing his gear lever from the bars. It doesn’t work so well he found out.

Eventually we got out of the woods and up to Cadover. Someone, I was too far back to see who, headed the group up the road towards Meavy. We then threw a right over Ringmoor Down to the cottage before charging down Earthquake. Yeehah! The slightly slippery conditions were rather exciting and so much clenching of sphincters went on, that fears of faecal incontinence are now a thing of the past. Sam disappeared at this point, presumably he went home. Anyone heard from him? Then everyone else disappeared leaving Nick and I panting up the hill. A quick ride back to HQ and it was beer o’clock.

Reporter: Martyn