Date: Tuesday 7th June 2011
Route: WP, Meavy, Earthquake, Cadover Bridge, Handrail Clay Pits, Hemerdon, Drakewalls, Newnham Woods, Cann Woods, Plymbridge, Clearbrook to HQ1.
Riders: Colin, Keith, Stephen, Sam, Nick, James, Gidon, Fraser, Neil, Dan (new rider) & Richard (Guest Rider)
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:15
Distance: 22 miles
Weather: Mild with slight precipitation in the air

What a turn out? Eleven Gents departed from Willowby Park. Neil and Fraser were welcomed to their first ride out this year; Sam introduced Dan, a PE teacher at Hele School and Neil brought guest rider Richard - a course tutor who was lecturing at Ambrosia and staying at the Arundel Arms in Lifton (and he gave up the quality food fayre for a ride out, keen or what?). Actually Richard, from Stoke, had ridden out with us last year. Paddy voiced his excuse on account that his bike was in even more pieces than it was last week, Greg had the sh!ts (or some technical form similar to it) and Julian, although dressed for cycling, had just cycled home from work but was still 'on call'.

I was nominated as Routemeister for the evening and decided that an assault up "Earthquake" would warm people up. Unusually I led out and early on in the ride, I must have been in some unique woolly zone. I spotted a large stag beetle wandering across the road, I wondered what the odds would be that he would not succumb to at least one of the 20 gnarly tyres that would soon be crossing his path. On looking back from Meavy Bridge, I spotted a Heron making a graceful take off. I thought then I was in for a good night - and it was.

Earthquake always tests whatever the condition. Fraser flew up it like a gazelle, Sam and Steve gave good chase...this was a trend that was set for the rest of the evening. From Ringmoor Cott, we raced to Cadover Bridge and then up to the Clay Pits below Shell and Trowlesworthy Tors. As usual the view was stunning...perhaps not quite such a clear view to Plymouth Sound but the Clay Pit ponds shone brilliantly with a deep azure hue.

The run back to the Lee Moor/Cornwood road was as good as it gets (for this section) The deep ruts had been flattened a little, and the granite descent thereafter had been sanitised a little. Be in no doubt though there were still plenty of areas where it could unsettle the less aggressive riders - it did me! Mind you James was in his element as he pushed his full suss to the limits.

The featureless, except for the rainbow, ride up to Hemerdon mines was followed by a speedy descent into Drakewalls. Steve remarked that despite riding here many times, it was the first time he'd seen what was actually about - Drakewalls has some interesting residences. For some reason I always get the music of 'Deliverance' into my head.

A short road ride including a very speedy descent - look out Dan - into Newnham followed and then another energy sapping climb skirting Newnham Park ensued. Often unrideable this ascent also had it's teeth blunted by the very dry conditions. With dusk falling we rode through new paths in Cann Woods. All eleven riders made it down to the kissing gate, Gidon was rather keen to get through it with another rider.

At this point, I heard one or two comments about being slightly pooped - so of course we took it easy for the trip up the track home. Did we buggery! Fraser and Sam shot off like Fabien Cancellara and David Miller...... the peloton struggled to make any headway on them. In fact by the time Goodameavy was reached, I think the 'Peloton' measured 1Km from tip to tail.

Neil made a quick exit to go home and help settle his new baby, Samuel. Thus ten riders returned to HQ1, all feeling well exercised. Much Legend and Jail was drunk - the bill might have been the highest yet.. two tenths being paid for by Fraser's sponsor, Dad...aka Nick. Keith was caught sending suggestive texts to Debbie..... none of which was true, I can assure you! As always - a great ride....no blood spilt....bring on next week.

Reporter: Colin

President's Footnote: Record bill for a Tuesday ride stands at £101.90 set on 20th April 2010, which if we'd got back to HQ at a similar time, I'm sure we would have surpassed! And I have to admit to sending a text to Debbie telling her we were all exhausted after being on 'Westy's big one'!!!