Date: Tuesday 24th January 2012
Route: WP, Horrabridge, Buckland Monachorum, down to the Tavy banks, Buckland Monachorum, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Dan & Sam
Depart: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:01
Distance: Somewhere between 10 & 15 miles
Weather: Dry, mild, boggy.

Gentlemen of Willowby 0 Rest of the World 3

A first me thinks……Not one of the esteemed fair (weather) gentlemen of Willowby ventured out on what was a cloudy but rainless evening. After the President put out the tentative emiether “anyone out tonight”, there was a distinctly unenthusiastic response. Only Sir Paddington of Hambly even bothered to reply and he no longer qualifies as a Willobean after his transfer to the ROW squad. So Dan and I had arranged to meet Keith at the old railway, Horrabridge.

The writing was on the wall as the short journey inside the fence to the bridge was in some areas un-rideable on account of the mud. After a brief conference, I convinced the others that I could guarantee a mud-free ride!? Direct then toward Long Ash, reaching the road, turn left and then the F***path to Buckland. Yet again I attempt to turn a walk into a bike ride. After too many stiles we finally arrive at the back of the Drake Manor Inn.

Up the hill, turn right and left, then right toward Denham bridge. At the 6’ fence with PRIVATE, KEEP OUT signs, stop and climb over. From here, along the river on what were in fact relatively mud-free tracks through the woods. Good riding and would be very picturesque if it were not dark. After reaching the edge of Abbey land, we then took a parallel track back toward the afore-mentioned fence. Dan was having problems with his granny and didn’t feel confident about anything other than the road back to HQ. On arrival, at 10:01pm, we were met by Colin and Gidon who had spent the evening in a small, white-walled room, playing a game called ‘squash’, whatever next?

Reporter: Sam

President's Footnote: In fairness to the Meister, he did respond to my email, I quote, "Count me out, I’m being a big girls blouse"!!