Date: Tuesday 1st March 2011
Route: WP, Huckworthy, Pew Tor, Cox Tor, Stephen's Grave, Cox/Staple Saddle, Moortown, Horrabridge, HQ.
Riders: Messieurs Parriss, Bradfield, Thompson, Batson, West & Adrian.
Depart: 19:35
Arrive HQ: 22:15
Distance: 17.7 miles
Weather: Clear Night, 3 degrees C, little or no wind.

A relatively clear night, a relatively cool night with most riders still wearing the long johns and plenty of layers on top. Steve spotted the natty freeriding shorts of Alex. I noted the woolly pully of one imposter to the group of riders. Paddy was still pretending that his bike was poorly, we know that he knew what 'the Routemeister' knew .... that we were in for a tough ride tonight!

As is often the start of many rides it was a quick sprint into Walkhampton, over Huckworthy Bridge where no doubt Glen, tucked up with his dressing gown, slippers and 'hot toddy', could hear the tyre wrrrr from the possee of 6 and then up to the 'West Moor' via Sampford Spiney.

Skirting Pew Tor and Feather Tor, we headed out over Whitchurch Common, crossed the B3357 and then circumnavigated Cox Tor. This is never an easy ride, not technical, it's just numbingly draining. Patches of firm ground were enveloped in watersoaked moorland. Keith last week was described as a man riding like a rat up a drainpipe. He rode equally well this week and was joined by other rats aka Steves B & T. Wedlake Farm and Stephen's Grave were the next milestones. My legs were beginning to burn, surely no more major hills? Like bollocks. Up we went again in the lea of White Tor and then at last two notable descents with just one more notable stodgy climb through the saddle of Roos and Cox Tors.

At last time for the run home? Not if you are called the Routmeister, he was hoping to complete the return via, North Hessary, Eyelsbarrow, Lee Moor Spoil tips, Cornwood and Denham. Luckily the Social Secretary reminded us why we also like to ride in the evenings and almost to a man we agreed the fast return via Grimstone & Sortridge Leats to Moortown and Plasterdown, Jordan Lane to Horrabridge and the Rock aka HQ was the only option. It was a fast return, Adrian showed good speed riding his lightweight Specialized full suss, Alex on his Orange also made light work of the testing speedy descents. There was a split of riders here, Alex gave up on the sumptuous flavours of 'Jail Ale' for the warming bed at Walkhampton; a few raced the cycle track back - built for families! Whilst I chased the mirage of twinkling red lights back up the A386 to HQ. As it happened, I was first home, happy to get the first round in. No 'Legend' on draught tonight, we were back on the trusty Jail Ale - a welcomed pint post a tough ride, it again proved to be.

Reporter: Colin

President's Footnote: Quote of the year from 'Iron Man' Steve B "doing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile ride then running a marathon isn't as bad as it sounds"!!!!!!!!! I beg to differ!