Dates: Tuesday 15th, 22nd & 29th April 2014

This is an update of the last three weeks.

15th April - Seven set out on a clear dry evening. We got past the golf course above Clearbrook when Greg suffered a puncture. As he struggled with rim and tyre, Martyn decided his best option was to limp back home with sick rear shock. Down to six. Greg managed to get a new tube in but suffered a pinched flat. Now we started to feel the cold wind. Greg insisted we leave him behind and try and meet later on. Down to five.

We climbed up from Hoo Meavy and headed for Brisworthy. It was now my turn for a flat! This puncture was changed in a record time, but not in a good way! A car driver with bike rack offered a lift home, tempting, but he may have driven off with my bike! At this point the full moon made a spectacular entry, but it was getting late and we'd gone nowhere.

Over Brisworthy and down a very rutted Earthquake. Had to go cautiously, thankfully. Into Meavy then turned away from home and climbed to Burrator. Over Yennadon and settled down at HQ after a fragmented ride.

22nd April - Another record breaking ride! Last week we had the slowest ever tube change, this week we had the longest time as a percentage of the ride changing tubessss. I would estimate Rob spent 20% of the ride on his knees, but that was only 5% for each flat!!!!

The evening started off with the tough Earthquake, Ringmoor, Drizzlecombe climb. Some un-rideable bits (Rob was up front) then the descent down Boneshaker. It was on this section that Rob had his four punctures. We regrouped at HQ all pretty tired.

29th April - A lovely evening but over wet ground saw eight show up with three more already out on the road. Sam took on Meister responsibilities and lead us to his favourite play ground in Plym Bridge. We did a deadly loop through thick mud over lethal roots which I think some enjoyed! Not my forte!

We then headed back up the old tramway for another descent. Steve and me lost the pack and I ended up sliding down a 70% hill on my arse in front of my bike! Not text book and not pretty, but probably very funny for anyone watching!

Now all we had to do was negotiate the new trail without getting dizzy or tired. I managed neither and ended up going against the arrows back to the old railway. It was now approaching 10pm and we had the dreaded slog to HQ to go. Sam and Rob disappeared at speed and the rest followed leisurely. I took the low road to Clearbrook and got back before Steve, Gary and Jude. Reason being yet another puncture.

The Meister and Colin were there after a boring road ride. Back at HQ we saw Iron Legs who I think isn't in training to cycle across Spain, but working towards retirement taking in as many free lunches as he can! Also there was Ben so that made a total of 14 gents at HQ on a Tuesday night, probably another record.

The rides this month have been quite tough, but I would welcome back any of the "part time" gents and enjoy the halfman with them.

Reporter: Keith