Date: Tuesday
11th March 2014
Route: WP, Golf Course, Goodameavy, Urgles, Wigford
Down, Brisworthy, Sheepstor, Deancombe, HQ.
Riders: Martyn, Keith, Greg, Jude, James, Colin,
Dan and
Gidon
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive HQ: 21:45
Distance: 12 miles
Weather: Very good with a chilly northerly wind
I picked up my Bike from Rockin at 5:45pm
with the news that they had replaced the front granny ring, something
neither
James or Mat could
ever remember doing before! I did explain I spend most of my time going
uphill!
First surprise of the night was Colin
turning up first. I know we meet outside his front door, but well
done Colin, keep up this good time keeping! Second surprise was a new
(second hand) bike turning up with Sam aboard. His old one was considered
beyond economical repair. It also transpired this was the same reason
for Dan's absence. It's about time these manufacturers started testing
their bikes in the real world, on Dartmoor instead of California!
Perfect weather saw twice our recent
average turnout as we headed briskly around the golf course with Sam
and Greg pulling us along. We dropped
down under the old railway then began a climb that went on and on and
on!
At last a bit of downhill as we made
for Brisworthy and across to Ringmoor cottage. We dropped down into
Sheepstor village which meant another grueling climb
up to Sheepstor base camp. We
made north east to the big rutted drop. Greg had a bit of a moment here,
landing on his right thigh resulting in a dead leg.
After negotiating Deancombe we just
carried on to HQ as two fours. Greg was now riding on 50% power. Having
used his tow to Dousland, this provided
Gidon and myself with the once in a lifetime opportunity to blast past
him when we hit the hill. Not very gentlemanly, but something to tell
the grandchildren (although actually, I told the wife)!
Gidon went on to take the Binkham Hill
challenge unopposed (to add to the Peter Robinson Team Squash Trophy)
and we arrived for beer at 9:45 just as Dan turned up on his road bike.
Hopefully numbers will continue to increase as the summer beckons?
Reporter: Keith
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