Date: Tuesday 10th July 2012
Route: Meavy , Burrator dam, Sheepstor, scout hut, Eylesbarrow, boneshaker (AKA widowmaker), Single track through woods to Norsworthy bridge , Handrail, Dam, HQ.
Riders: Jame H, Alun, Paul, Keith, Colin, Gidon, Julian, Paddy, Glen & Alex.
Distance: 14 miles
Weather: iffy

Departed from WP at just after 7.30. The pack descended swiftly to Meavy and then via the footpath climbed up through the valley to Burrator dam. Turning right across the dam and out through Sheepstor and onto the scout hut via the road. The hill out of Sheepstor worked its usual magic separating the group nicely which then regrouped at the hut.

We all acended up the Nuns cross motorway regaling each other with stories of our riding prowess and abilities. After a brief pause to compose ourselves after the climb, it was full ahead to the top of the Boneshaker. Across the top of the moor through the tricky rocky valley section, soon after this the pack became spread out on the approach to Nuns Cross.

Upon my arrival at the cross it became apparent that there had been an incident with one of the riders behind. Unfortunately the details remain sketchy, however in the fading light I could see many riders stood around looking at something on the ground!!! I believe there had been an altercation with a drainage ditch, needless to say the ditch won and Paul arrived at the cross with the obligatory battle scars looking slightly puffed and rather flushed. (Bike undamaged)

Onwards to the cross roads near Peat Cot, making a swift left turn at the start of the Boneshaker. The full sussers at the front made a blistering decent, all regrouping at the lower end before turning right down the track towards Leather Tor Bridge. Another sharp left into the woods and down the slippery single track back to Norsworthy Bridge.

It was beer o clock and decision was taken to do a quick lap of the Handrail, then to beat a swift retreat to HQ for a debrief and refuel.

After almost loosing it navigating the corner outside the Burrator Inn I realised my front tyre was a tad soft. The final ascent to HQ saw my front tyre give up completely and I walked the last ½ mile to HQ. Thanks to James for the moral support.

Reporters footnote – Apologies to Paul as I must confess to knowledge of the said drainage ditch / deep puddle as my brother in law had a similar incident some two weeks previous.

Reporter: Alun

President's Footnote: It was good to see Paddy back on a mountain bike, I was worried that he had traded his mountain bike in for a road bike. And not that I make a habbit of sitting in a pub looking at mens legs, but I can confirm that the hairs on Paddy's legs have fully grown back!!!!