Date: Tuesday 30th November 2010
Route: WP, Long Ash, Double Waters, Grenofen Bridge, Magpie, North Plantation, Martyn's Track, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Paddy, Colin, James & Martyn.
Depart: 19:45
Arrive HQ: 21:45
Distance: 12 miles
Weather: Sub Zero, Arctic wind.

It's All in the Mind

As I put on my third layer whilst watching Spotlight, David No-Braine was explaining how a temperature of +1°C actually feels like -5°C with the wind chill factor of a 20mph wind. Given that our forecast was for -1°C and gusts of up to 30mph, with a quick bit of mental arithmetic, I worked out that it would be bloody cold! With this I added another layer and actually had on pretty much every bid of cycling clothing that I own!

This wasn't a night of speed or distance though, it was all about getting over that mental barrier of actually going out of the front door and getting on the bike, an achievement made by five gents. After a wait as Colin had to replace a flat, we set off with a plan to get some protection from the Arctic wind, so we headed for Long Ash then down Bast**d Hill to Double Waters.

We carried on towards Grenofen Bridge over what was quite a tricky section with the sound of the Walkham raging to our right. The bogs were part frozen, part bog, which to cycle through was a new sensation that I think caught us all out at some point. We crossed over the bridge and tackled the even more tricky route the other side of the river to the switchbacks.

Here James displayed his huge understanding of all cycling sounds as he declared that Paddy had snapped his chain before Paddy had even stopped pedaling! And this gave Paddy the opportunity to display his chain repairing skills, done and dusted in 4mins 53secs, which I think must be a record for the GOWCC in sub zero temperatures.

From Magpie it was all uphill, we went under the viaduct then picked up Martyn's Track beside the A386 to Leg O' Mutton. We had talked of doing a Golf Course loop, but HQ must have turned on the magnets and all five bikes just made a bee-line for the pub! We were joined by three members of the GOWDC and there was one startling revelation that Paddy has entered a road race, next year's Dartmoor Classic!! Maybe this is an opportunity to raise some money for charity with the ceremonial shaving of the legs by the Ladies of Willowby!!!

Reporter: Keith