Date: Tuesday 5th July 2011
Route: WP, Roborough Down, Woolwell, Plymbridge, Cann, Cann, Bickleigh or Pipeline, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Sam, Nick, Paddy, Dan & Fraser.
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:00 or 22:30
Distance: 14 or 16 miles
Weather: Cloudy but nice

The President Has Spoken

The President has spoken “Tuesday night is hallowed, gents ride their bicycles off-road only”! Craig David had said the same, who is going to argue with either?

Enough said; skirting Roborough Down, golf club side, we headed toward the Dartmoor Diner, some gents chatted, others attempted to keep up with Fraser, the teenager. Down the hill, past the Lopes, through Woolwell and into the woods above the Plym. The overgrown brambles testament to little action in these parts, Keith keeling over sideways, unable to unclip before disappearing into the thorns. Dan was quickly brought up to speed by Paddy regarding GOWCC etiquette, ‘no sympathy should be shown to fellow riders’.

Down the hill, we arrived at the usual crossing place at the river, we found the bridge crumpled and impassable. We tiptoed across the stepping stones, scaled the timber ladder, where now a tree has fallen, providing another testing obstacle. At this point we were able to pick up speed and race alongside the river, eventually arriving at Plymbridge. We crossed over the river and headed toward the kissing gate and Cann. Climbing up via our usual route and descending through the woods, great fun and no one was able to stay with Fraser as he flew down the hillside. Such good fun in fact, we climbed back up the hill and did it all over again a second time.

With one eye on the time, certain gents were thinking about a well earned ale. A gentle blast along the track brought us to Bickliegh bridge and a split. Half-men, making their way back to HQ along the opposite side of Roborough Down, fair play to them. The remaining three, with something to prove, continued to the platform at Shaugh and onwards to the pipeline. Again it was a case of keeping up with the yoof, as good uphill as he is down…. Reaching Cadover, we decided “in for a penny” and headed towards Earthquake. Again, great fun as we bombed down and arriving just short of 10:30 in the pub. Make that just before last orders in Paddy’s case. Respec.

Reporter: Sam

President's Footnote: There were some disappointing trends set tonight. I can understand Colin wanting to start his Dartmoor Classic training 51 weeks before the event, but why on a Tuesday evening at 7:30pm and where was the GOWCC jersey? Why not follow the Julian mantra and train at 5:00am, or Rob's, and cycle to work and back every day!!!