Date: Tuesday 9th August 2011
Route: WP, Earthquake, Scout Hut, Nun's Cross, Stone Row, Deancombe, Handrail, HQ.
Riders: Sam, Gidon, Keith & Colin.
Depart WP: 19:45
Arrive HQ: 22:00
Distance: 14.5 miles
Weather: Perfect

What of the Residents?

Only four gents tonight with just the one Resident. Despite having just got home from work, Colin was keen to get out as he will be on holiday next week. Of the other five residents, Stephen's bike was feeling very sorry for itself after the Meister's road bike had enjoyed two trips to the continent and thousands of miles. As a result of this road bias it had decided to seize it's breaks up! Mrs Hambly informed us from a first floor window that she was on call, so Paddy's pink chit remained stubbornly unsigned on the mantelpiece! Julian's car was in the street, but all was quiet at number eight. Greg (with paint brush in hand) brazenly strode down airing his bollocks!! They do have a very relaxed dress code in WP! And what can we say of Simon? "Who is this mystery man"? is what we hear most often.

As for the ride, we decided to head high and hope to see another great sunset. Up Earthquake, Scout Hut, Eylesbarrow then a surprise. Sam was out front, I thought I was second with Colin and Gidon behind me. But what's this? Colin is suddenly in front of me coming towards Sam!! As I closed in I realised that the blue GOWCC jersey was actually on Martyn's back, not Colin's. He was out on his own regaining his confidence and fitness after his layoff. Riding off road alone on a Tuesday must have contravened one of our unwritten regulations, but as Paddy was absent, we didn't find out which one! After a brief exchange we agreed to meet at HQ at 10:00pm.

From here we did a left at Nun's Cross and headed for the Stone Row and Cuckoo Rock. We stopped for a few moments to discuss the meaning of these ancient monuments, then again at the top of the hill to take in the view over Burrator after the sun had gone down. Stunning again. After a quick decent and a blast down Deancombe we added the Handrail for fun. It was here that it became apparent how the evenings have started to pull in. Apart from the fact it was mild (but not warm), it was dark enough and wet enough to feel like winter.

At Burrator Gidon showed the mental fortitude to decide to go directly home without stopping at HQ. After a little debate Colin and I decided to follow him on road. As Sam had plenty of energy left he took the track to Meavy. Colin and I caught Gidon up at Woodman's Corner, I blasted past them both to pull them up the hill, Colin then blasted past me (as always) just before the 30mph sign, but then Gidon did us both and disappeared out of sight for his early bath!

So four of us joined Martyn at HQ, myself and Colin, then Sam and finally the Routemeister trundled up for a couple of jars. Another great evening for a ride and it was good to see Martyn back. Now what are the odds on seeing the returns of Alan, Paul and Simon? Slim I would think, but life is full of surprises!!

Reporter: Keith