Date: Tuesday 25th September 2012
Route: WP, Recreation Ground, Horrabridge, Gem Bridge, Grenofen Bridge, Julian's Loop, Double Waters, Bas***d Hill, Long Ash, HQ.
Riders: Martyn, Gidon, Paul, Sam, Keith & Martyn.
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 21:35
Distance: 12 miles (or 100 yards)
Weather: Wet, but no rain.

Short Report

Got on. Fell off.

Reporter: Martyn

Full Report

You saw the crescent
We saw the whole of the moon
the whole of the moon
through Martin’s chin
yeah, yeah

It wasn’t the shortest ride ever, many gents have pushed their bikes away from Willowby having realised that their steed was unfit for purpose. Tuesday though saw a definite first. As the five hardy riders already agreeing on a ‘half-man’ and turning right heading toward Burrator, I think it originally was. There was the sight and sound of ‘the big man’ going down on Meavy Lane and his vain attempts to untangle his frame from his frame. The possible reasons for his untimely off were later discussed and a new cassette/old chain slippage issue was one theory. There was also the close proximity of a white van (the fencing guy from Horrabridge) that spooked Martin. The three of us tried to work out what was going on with his injury, where are the facial/dental consultants types when you really need one?

When Martin decided he needed a sit down, I really knew it was time to whizz back and get my van, this man needs TLC (sorry Paddy). We agreed to meet back at ‘the bridge’ after depositing Martin, spookily the fencing guy passed us again outside his house.

We quickly decided on a new route and headed up on to the track at the Old Station and over Gem Bridge. Turning left down to Grenofen and the usual sodden (but enjoyable) path along the river. Atop the cinder track we turned right for ‘Julian’s loop’ and descended towards the Tavy, as ever slippery but fun. Out to Double Waters and a chance for the President to recount his own abandonment story from a few weeks ago “I lay there looking up at the stars……”

Paul set the pace up b***ard hill and the rest of us did a good impression of blokes who had never been out on bikes before, wobbling, running into the back of each other and at one point I was sat in a thorn bush. We discussed and agreed that Martin’s experience had unnerved us all and this was blamed for our riding deficiencies. The usual route through the woods and over t’moor staying well away from the road. I peeled off at this point and picked up my van whilst the others made their way to HQ.

On arrival, Martin informed us by text message, that Vicky had sent him straight to A&E, she didn’t like the look of that injury and ‘the Great British bake off’ was on TV. Alun, James and Greg joined us in the pub, where we discussed high speed ‘offs’ and hoped that Martin would not still be sitting in the waiting room at Derriford when Greg arrived to start his shift the following morning!

Reporter: Sam

President's Footnote: I do remember Paddy twice not getting his bike past the 'Children at Play' sign at the start of Willowby Park, but that was due to mechanical issues, not physical ones! And credit to Martyn, although his chin was wobbling, his upper lip stayed resolutely stiff!!