Date: Tuesday 29th March 2011
Route: WP, Earthquake, Ringmoor Down, Ditsworthy Warren, Drizzle Combe, lost loop, Eylesbarrow, HQ or Nun's Cross, Down Tor, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Colin, Paddy, Sam, Stephen, Nick, James, Steve, Rob, Alan, Martyn & Glen.
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:00 & 22:30
Distance: 15 miles
Weather: Mild & misty.

Tonight was the night I'd targeted for a record turn out of gents to get our summer season of rides off to a flying start. We'd had double figures a few times, but we needed twelve to beat the record. I was second to arrive after Martyn and the lights just kept on coming until, at 7:39, I counted eleven. As the Routemeister told us of our route and we made to set off, one more light appeared around the corner and Rob ensured the record was broken!

So off we toodled to Earthquake. At the top we all realised just how mild an evening it was and layers were removed! Going over Ringmoor down it soon became evident that we were not alone, there were a lot of men with guns playing hide-and-seek! Whilst turning right at Gutter Tor, I very nearly cycled right over one of them and it was a little unnerving cycling right where his rifle was pointing!

Rob and Steve seemed to be out front confidently leading us up Drizzle Combe past the stone row beside the Plym. As visibility was worsening and Rob became less confident as to which way to go and Steve's satellite toy was about to run out of power, there was a hint of mild panic in the ranks that we may not get back to HQ before closing!! We then proceeded to spend fifteen minutes going around in a prefect circle!! The panic worsened as some of us were in danger of not getting home before the pink chits expired, a fate worse than death. Rob then said "I am just going that way, I may be some time". Not wanting to lose one of our men, we all followed and soon came across the Scout Hut to Nun's Cross motorway. Relief!

Stephen decided to take charge again and took eight men to Nun's Cross and back past Down Tor. Four of us decided it was time for HQ, and made a bee line arriving at the respectable hour of 10:00pm, telling the bar maids that there were eight more slower riders behind us! Half an hour later they turned up, delayed somewhat by a very bruising off from James. The scars and blood would be hard to hide when he got home.

A great ride, a record turn out and everybody looking forward to the summer season of rides ahead. And one or two will have made the Red Nose Charity richer for their non-appearance tonight!!

Reporter: Keith