Date: Thursday 18th October 2012
Route: Walkhampton, Railway, Short Cut, Brewery & back to The Walkhampton Inn.
Riders: Keith, Gidon, Alex, Alun, Paddy, Stephen, Colin, Chris, Greg, Martyn, James, Dan, Alan & Steve B.
Depart: 18:00
Arrive Brewery: 19:10 - 19:29
Distance: 16 miles
Weather: Perfect dry clear evening

Dartmoor Brewery Tour

Interest was high for our second trip to one of our sponsors, Dartmoor Brewery, to the point that we even managed to get Alan Cade out of his comfy chair and slippers for the first time since.......probably 2010?!

We set off from a number of different locations and by the time we got to the short cut, we formed into a group of eight for the last stretch up the railway. Arriving at 19:10, we were soon joined by Martyn, James and Greg who could only make it by car, Dan who had cycled alone from Whitchurch, then finally Alan and Steve B who had cycled up the road.

Dartmoor's Mark Shackleton informed and entertained us for an hour or so before we had no choice but to sample their selection of beers. Some of the gentlemen were very good at this. Last orders were called at 9:15pm, but by then most had decided it best to get nearer home first.

As we headed off, we wobbled down the little short cut next to the brewery and the Meister failed to get between the two gate posts at he end, straight into the left hand pillar!! We made a brisk, nerveless descent back down the old railway until a totally unplanned stop occurred at the Walkhampton Inn!

After the first round we bade farewell to Steve B (whose alarm was set for 5:15am) and Alex (who had the tortuous trip home, about 50 yards). As the glasses were emptied the intent seemed to be to go home, but there was some wavering in the ranks and with very little arm twisting glasses were refilled quicker than you could say "The Gentlemen of Willowby Drinking Club"!! Now I wasn't counting, but I think it's fair to say that some managed to consume five pints, probably a record for an official GOWCC ride!

A good night for the GOWCC, but I suspect productivity levels in West Devon dipped a little on Friday!

Reporter: Keith