Date: Tuesday 30th August 2011
Route: WP, Lake, Burrator, Handrail, Cuckoo Rock, Deancombe, Burrator, Lowrey Cross, Railway, Walkhampton, HQ3.
Riders: Stephen, Nick, Julian, Keith & Sam.
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ3: 21:35
Depart HQ3: 23:30
Distance: 14 miles
Weather: Dry, cool & dark

House Warming Ride

Another Tuesday, another dry and pleasant evening for the gents to stretch their legs. But, at the risk of sounding like the M in L “the nights are well and truly drawing in”. 20:30, was the official exposure lighting-up time.

At the President's request, we headed dutifully towards the reservoir, via Lake and Iron mine lane. Then the steep drop down to the hard dam, all riders stopping and taking a moment to appreciate the stillness of the waters. Onward to the handrail and at this point it was noticeable that tarmac-thompson was struggling, complaining of fatigue and a “sore arse”; a long season perhaps but he had been spotted leaving Yelverton tattoo parlour the previous night!

Julian it was then that suggested we skirt Sheepstor in the direction of Deancombe, beginning with boulders and then pretty hard going on sodden ground. Onwards to Norsworthy, across the road and then into the wood at the edge of the reservoir, I hadn’t done this enjoyable, flowing section since Carter jnr showed me around.

Popping out on the road and heading in the direction of Burrator lodge we were met by 3 individuals of the brummy persuasion. It was now dark, they had not one light between them and they looked as though they had possibly taken a wrong turn several hours hence. Needless to say we exchanged greetings and climbed the hill toward Lowrey Cross, peeling off onto the train track. Along to Peek Hill, through the numerous gates, taking the scenic route to Walkhampton. At this point Julian bailed out on account of 'home work' and an early start the following morning and Keith belted off back to HQ3 (the Presidential garage). Stephen then guided Nick and I back to Horrabridge via Knowle down.

On arrival at HQ3 we were welcomed by a fantastic spread laid on by Keith, bread, cheese and assorted nibbles. The challenge was laid down “the rest of that barrel of Legend needs to be drunk”. So, in a candle-lit Bedouin marquee, we discussed how we managed to cover only 11 miles, amongst other subjects. Several pints later we found ourselves in the sitting room watching Chris Moyles on the telly!? Martin staggered back to his house, ‘tarmac’ attempted the Horrabridge/Yelverton speed record and Nick and I were left to make our way slowly and unsteadily home, blinding!

Reporter: Sam

President's Footnote: Firstly, I must give credit where it's due and obviously it was Debbie who laid on the spread, the third time she'd entertained in four days! And I'd like to thank everybody who contributed to the task of emptying the barrel over the four house warming days, it's definitely been a case of 'mission accomplished'.