Date: Tuesday 11th June 2013
Route: WP, Lowery Cross, Peak Hill traverse, Routrundle, Short Cut, Kings Tor, Merrivale Stone Rows, Badger Alley, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Gidon, Jude, Dan, Colin & Martyn
Depart: 19:45
Arrive HQ: 21:55
Distance: 14 miles
Weather: From dryish to very wet

The forecast suggested we would be wet inside and out as we left HQ in the late evening rain. The first part was right (that's never been wrong), but the rain arrived much earlier than expected/hoped/wanted! Five of the very regular optimists started out plus we welcomed back Martyn, along with his gleaming new full suspension Trek, we were all very envious!

We took up Martyn's suggested route and although there was a hint of rain as we started, by the time we came out of the forest below Peak Hill, the strong wind had brought in the heavy rain and thick fog. I suspect everyone was waiting for someone else to suggest we aborted the planned route and headed back towards Burrator with the promise of some shelter in the trees, but there was no one strong enough (or weak enough) to speak up and in pretty quick time we were at the top of the short cut, all rather wet!

We turned back on ourselves and passed the Merrivale stone rows then decided to head for HQ ASAP so curtailed Martyn's route and just went down Badger Alley instead. This meant the inevitable race up Binkham Hill, a close fought affair with Colin again timing it just right to do the best Cavendish impression in the GOWCC! Then still in character he went straight home without even doing the press rounds!

Half an hour later he turned up in his car having showered, we were all very envious! As always it was good to get out for a ride, good to get to the pub for some beer, but the recent sunshine seems a distant memory! Will it return?

Reporter: Keith