Date: Tuesday
22nd May 2012
Route: WP, Yennadon, Sha**ers, Leat, Routrundle, Kings
Tor Short Cut, Yellowmead, North Hessary, South Hessary, Boneshaker
or Nun's Cross, Stone Row, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Paddy, James,
Gidon, Dan, Sam, Paul, Rob, Martyn & Alun (the II).
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 10:15-10:30
Distance: 19 miles
Weather: Good
Oh dear another fine evening without a Willobean rider….. There
is now serious considerations being given to a re-naming, and, Gents
at Yelverton seems favourite. Meeting at the public conveniences between
chip van and church.
However, to bolster numbers, another new rider tonight, Alun arrived
fully kitted out, body armor and a bike to envy. After the pleasantries
and a short pit stop to pick up Rob it was onward to Lake. Iron mine
lane and the usual route to Lowery cross via Yennadon. Leading the
pack though, I again felt the magnetic pull of the leat below Lowery
Cross. Unfortunately, Paddy was already experiencing a droopy derailleur
and James doing the gentlemanly thing, the two became separated from
the remainder. I take the responsibility for the detour then, that
took us to shaggers’ (no van), along the leat, Peak hill and
up to the rescue car park.
James appeared from nowhere and explained
Paddy’s problems (to quote, "I held it in my hand and it was
floppy, at that point I knew Paddy had a problem")!!! Now along
the railway
heading north past Foggintor and Yellowmead toward
Pork
hill.
The plan;
to
attack
North
Hessary’s
soft north face.
This was to be our last laugh at Alan as we reached the summit, he
bombed down, whizzing past everyone. Through the bright lights of Princetown,
toward South Hessary. At the top of Boneshaker, most decided enough
was enough, approaching 10pm and thirsts were raging. The most then,
endured the rocks and rubble down to Leather Tor and HQ.
Rob, Dan and
I inexplicably vowed to keep on truckin’ and got as far as Nun’s
Cross before leaving the railway and heading for Stone Row. A slog
and legs were beginning to smart but still we three would not stop.
At Norsworthy we opted to go alongside the reservoir and again spurned
the
easy option moments later by taking one last off-road foray down through
the woods to Meavy. I for one was now feeling ‘the burn’ and
was glad to reach HQ. See you at the new start point on Tuesday.
Reporter: Sam
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