Date: Tuesday 17th June 2014
Route: WI, Railway, Great Mis Tor & back to Walkhampton Inn
Riders: Keith, Sam, Gidon, Sam, Simon (not Dunlop), Rob, James, Steve B, Paul, Alun, Gary & Lawrence
Depart WI: 19:50
Arrive WI: 22:00
Distance: 14 miles
Weather: Very Good

Forecast was good, light was good so it was time for our annual pilgrimage to the highest point of SW Dartmoor, Great Mis Tor. As we made our way up the church hill there was a strange metallic grinding sound, but more about my hip later!

With the Dartmoor Classic five days away I was hoping the relatively boring slog up to the summit might attract some of the entrants and indeed there were more on mtb than road bikes this evening. We gathered at Walkhampton with fairly small numbers, but by the time we reached the top, gents had ascended from all directions and Martyn even made it on foot!

We got there early and being up high in a very fresh northerly wind made the early sweat disappear. With wine gums all gone some of us started to descend early, passing Steve B on the way who had left Meavy at 8:40, needs Strava verification)!

There was plenty going on with the descent, apparently. Paul lost his gloves and after many accusations found them in his helmet on his head. Gary hit 40 mph on the first descent. Dan had a puncture changed in record time. Lawrence had an off. We had to squeeze past a platoon of Marines by Fogging Tor as the Sergeant Major barked out "check your rifles men".

As I passed the Walkhampton Inn's window it looked busy inside, as indeed it was as there were twelve of us settling down for our pint and chips! Yes, twelve which equals our Tuesday all time record turn out (although that was only because I threatened to fine anyone that stayed home)! Strictly speaking in my book this constitutes as a record for two reasons because 1. Martyn made it thirteen on Great Mis and 2. I made no threats!!

I'm beginning to think I may have worn out my new (although nearly nine years old) replacement hip. I'll keep going as long as I can, especially in this lovely weather, but I could become the Halfman king!!

Reporter: Keith