Date: Saturday 6th October 2012
Route: Horrabridge, Plasterdown, Pew Tor, Vixen Tor, Merrivale, Fox Tor Café, Boneshaker, Leather Tor Bridge, Home.
Riders: James, Sam, Keith, Glen, Nick, Alex & Alun
Depart: 09:15
Arrive Home: 13:00
Distance: 18 miles
Weather: Windy, but sunny.

The President’s 50th Birthday ride

Debbie had ensured us that the birthday boy was going to be washed and dressed in time for his ‘surprise’ 9am morning call, he emerged from the back door wearing lycra and his lone ranger mask. We were still making route arrangements on the hoof as we tried to create a viable rendezvous for Alun. It was a beautiful, crisp autumnal morning and so we decided to head up to Plasterdown, via the lane beside the Old School B&B, Keith telling us that he had spent a term here 43 years earlier and still has the mental scars to prove it (terrible school dinners).

At Grimstone Manor, there was an impressive amount of water gushing off the hill and the whole area was 6” under. At the top of Jordan lane, over the cattle grid and off to the right, heading directly for Pew Tor. It was great to be able to see and appreciate our surroundings now that the Tuesday nights have well and truly drawn in.

The pace was certainly more leisurely than usual but it was good to be able to catch up with some of the gents who have been unable to get out recently. James was again trying to contact Al and it was decided that Fox tor café was the safest bet so we headed past Pew tor cottage for Vixen tor. The open moor was sodden and it was slow going as we headed into the valley and out the other side toward Merrivale.

We opted for the long trawl up Pork hill by road as it was going to be our only way to squeeze in bacon butties and still get home for midday. The head wind climbing toward North Hessary was tough and it was great to see James riding in the slipstream of an unsuspecting roadie. Alun looked shell-shocked when we met him at the caf, having struggled up the train track in that northerly wind.

After a welcome pit stop and a half hour rest, Nick decided to take the direct route home and headed straight down the railway. The rest of us set out for Nun’s X and there were great views across the top. Alex had a comedy off at one of the drainage ditches, his front wheel disappearing into a mud puddle, throwing him over his bars. At the top of the boneshaker Alex pointed out Rame head and Fowey? (It was that clear). We could also make out Alun, ½ mile back fixing the first of his three punctures. The full sussers were first to descend the boneshaker and all but Alex (vanishing into the distance) were perturbed to see Alun’s front tire come away his wheel and he was now riding metal on boulder!! At this point I decided that I had had enough excitement and was in jeopardy of risking future pink chits, therefore making a break for home.

A great ride in honour of Keith’s 50th and now all we had to do was get ourselves hosed down and sorted for the big 50 shades party.

Reporter: Sam

President's Message: Started the day with a hard slog into the wind up to Princetown, finished it with three hours sleep and being woken up in a house with five children in it!! It's going to take a while to recover, especially at my age!!

Unbeliveable effort by Debbie and all her helpers to put on the party. I would just like to add my thanks again to everyone for all the help given, for coming to the party and for all the gifts. A night I will never forget.