Date: Tuesday 23rd April 2013
Route: WP, Horrabridge, Long Ash, Double Waters, West Down, Grenofen Bridge, New Viaduct, HQ.
Riders: James, Gidon, Keith, Colin, Alun, Paul, Greg & Sam
Depart: 19:45
Arrive HQ: 21:45
Distance: 11 miles
Weather: Good

As we gathered outside No.4 WP along rode the unmistakable figure of 'Iron Legs' Parlby. Reports had suggested that since he'd started his diet and Spanish training programme he was a pale imitation of his old self. I'd have to disagree!

As the Meister set off in a one man road peloton the eight headed down the fun track to Horrabridge. Not for the first time I lost my bottle down here, the water carrying variety that is! On down to Greg's Leap to pick up Dwarf's Run. With the benefit of some daylight and with tackiness under wheel even I found most of this manageable, the hardest bit was trying to look back to see if Westy was still there. Given that I'd lost sight of him off the rear of the group last week, twice might be considered ungentlemanly!!

We passed 'Gidon's Hole', which looks even bigger in day light. On three occasions I thought I was going to hit trees, shut my eyes but just managed to pass unscathed. I then came across Paul picking himself up after a little unwitnessed but admitted off.

Next came the highlight of the evening, possibly the season! Stood below the big bank beside the Tavy, James said "it's doable now the log has gone". A few seconds later I heard some exclamations and turned around to see James running down the side of the hill very quickly and slightly out of control, although I think his feet probably weren't actually touching the ground! Thankfully the landing was relatively soft between two trees and I assume his bike didn't end up on top of him.

We headed over the bridge then clockwise up Julian's Loop, the last bit being a very demanding steep section, but we all made it. Across the top for a change then down the track towards Grenofen Bridge. Here I performed a classic 'controlled off', letting my bike crash into the fallen tree whilst dismounting and jumping over the top in the style of Daniel Craig!!

Now we simply took the route of least resistance and picked up the cycle track from Gem Bridge to HQ. I took a detour back up the Horrabridge track and re-found my bottle! But in no time I was drinking cheap Jail Ale, yes you did read that right, there was a St.George's Day special on English beers!

Reporter: Keith