Date: Tuesday 12th November 2013
Route: WP, Golf Course, Martyn's Bridge, Cann loops, HQ.
Riders: Gidon, Sam, Jude, Dan, Keith, Colin & Greg
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 22:00 to 22:20
Distance: 17 miles
Weather: Good

On a cold and clear night with a 3/4 moon, the consensus was stay low. The reason I think was to avoid the added wind-chill factor. A good night then to check on the new 4ish mile track through Plymbridge woods, accessed a mile beyond Bickleigh bridge on the Drakes trail. This was also going to test the recovery of our president's collar bone as we were then going to continue to Cann wood.

At a fair pace, in an attempt to ward off the cold we headed down the cycle track, then from Woodcroft, cutting up to the fence beside the A386. When anyone asks "do you ever get on the golf course" we can now answer in the affirmative. I enjoy avoiding the greens and finding the bunkers!

At the top of Clearbrook, the usual split within the group, fortunately we all reconvene at Goodameavy. Official - it is cold, more layers needed. Disappointment, the new track, opened a few weeks ago has been closed temporarily due to slippage, there was a polite request to hold off until it was repaired, we obliged 'cos we are nice fella's.

Straight to Cann then so through the kissing gates and a short way up home run, go left and then right before the peregrine cliff. Another climb to gain some height. 'Suicide' is a short downhill section which can take less than 1 minute or more than 20 depending on 'Commitment' as Alun would say. Burms, drop-off's, jumps of all sizes, they are all here. Keith and Col took the scenic route and came upon a particularly big ski-jump. A steep climb and then another blast through the woods to Blair witch.

Again Col and Keith had disappeared only to reemerge on the hair pins. After much buggering about we found ourselves back at Dan's dip, where both Greg and I had mini off's but no harm done. Home run again now and Keith sensibly opted for the long drag back up the bike track, taking Colin with him.

The remainder of us headed down to Plymbridge and along the west side of the Plym for a mile or so and then rejoined the drakes trail to try and catch up with our pace setters. Our plans were scuppered though as firstly Gidon picked up a puncture and Greg managed to twang his rear derailleur, leaving him with 3 available gears. 10pm now and the jail was calling. Strangely enough the conversation again turned to golf and the possibility of a gentlemanly round, it had been muted before but poo poohed. Anyone for golf?

Reporter: Sam

President's Footnote: I'd hoped for a ride with a simple halfman option, back to HQ by 9:30pm, one pint, home by 10:30pm and in bed by 11:00pm. As I set off back to HQ from the kissing gate at 9:30pm with that long slog back to HQ, I knew my hopes had long gone. Ten rideless weeks were taking their toll and my fitness levels had regressed five years! When I went up to settle the bill the clock said 11:25pm! It's going to be a tough winter.