Date: Tuesday 24th July 2012
Route: Peter Tavy, Hill, White Tor, Wall, Scary Woods, Stiles, Road, PT Inn.
Riders: Paul, Keith, Colin, Gidon, Paddy, Alex, Stephen, Martyn, Sam & Greg.
Distance: 10 miles
Weather: Perfect

Away Day

Tuesday saw a number of gentlemen go abroad to Peter Tavy for a ride. It was a glorious evening, my suntan still smarting from Sunday's BBQ, when Keith and I arrived at Peter Tavy church to find Gidon, Paddy and Paul already there. I can already announce that Paul has won the most expensive accessory prize having bought a van. His excuse is that this is for the family but... Steven and Greg arrived shortly afterwards and we were ready for the off. Unfortunately Colin, Alex and Sam were delayed, so in time honoured tradition, we thought sod it, they can catch up.

The road climb - Black Lane - up to the bridleway to Stephen's Grave was horrible. Steep, unrelenting and hot. And its only a category 3! We pushed on with me manfully hanging out at the back, until we joined the bridleway which was easier than the road. The path levelled out a bit allowing time to look at the view which was stunning. A quick regroup then we carried on to White Tor with still no sign of the others. At White Tor we annoyed some cows and decided to wait to see if the others would arrive. After about ten minutes three heads popped over the horizon and soon Colin, Alex and Sam were in the fold.

From here on we were under the direction of Paddy who kind of knew a route. 'Follow the wall' he said. So we did. Eventually the wall ran out in the middle of the firing range. Luckily no red flags were flying. Now it seemed we would be heading back downhill. HURRAY! Actually no hurray. It was a pick your way through the tussocks and hoofprints kind of ride. We then headed across open country trying to find a path. There wasn't one really. Stephen had a lovely slow motion head over heels. It amazes me how the human body tries to prevent this sort of thing. You could see his butt cheeks clenching the saddle as he tried to throw himself backwards while he furiously pedalled backwards in a vain attempt to engage reverse. Needless to say Paddy and I gave him comfort in the usual fashion.

Eventually, after more tussock dodging we arrived at the range hut. A plan was hatched to head down to the Tavy via Bagga Tor on a path of dubious nature. This took in the delights of Coffin Wood too. By this time dark was descending, leaving Sam wishing he'd eaten more carrots as he was lightless. We felt our way down to the river, crossing via stepping stones and then over a number of stiles and through narrow paths until we eventually found tarmac again.

At this point the astute amongst us had worked out that to get back to Peter Tavy we needed to go back down to the Tavy and then UP to the village. It was therefore no surprise to find a 'cheeky' hill just after we crossed the river that tested our energy reserves. A nice run downhill then to the pub was our reward. Pints all round. Oh and the distance - 9.7 miles in 1hr 34 mins of cycling and over 1200ft of climbing.

Reporter: Martyn

President's Footnote: Alun sadly cried off at the last minute due to feeling a little sickly. It was rumoured by one gent that actually he won't be out again until he fits into his new GOWCC XL jersey!!!!