Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Route: WP, Diner, Horrabridge, Walkhampton Inn, HQ.
Riders: Jude, Gidon, Colin, Greg, Keith, Martyn, Dan, Nick, Neil, Simon (not Dunlop), Stephen, Steve B, Paul, Alun, Lawrence, Ben, James, & Ian.
Depart WP: 19:40
Arrive WI: 21:10
Arrive HQ: 22:15
Depart HQ: 23:35
Distance: 15 miles
Consumption: 6 gallons
Weather: Near Perfect

Exactly six years ago to the day Colin invited five of his neighbours to join us on our regular Tuesday evening ride. We did a fairly gentle loop of old railway and rescue car park then stopping off at the Burrator Inn for some beer. Not much has changed since then except all the bikes, all the gear and the addition of some new faces.

Some gents had got out of the habit of joining in the Tuesday rides and I felt it timely to try to reignite their interest and remind them that the ethos of the GOWCC is more about having a ride and a beer with friends than breaking Strava records. There have been many occasions when the 'halfman' option has been deployed and there will be again.

On a near perfect evening I rolled up at WP to be greeted already by a good number. It soon became apparent that the previous record of twelve was going to be shattered. We set off with fourteen, enjoyed the grassy rolling slopes of Roborough Down before crossing the road at the diner where three more joined us straight from work. As we headed north we soon reached eighteen with the last arrival tagging on.

Onwards via Horrabridge to the Walkhampton Inn with the Meister in his familiar old position up front setting the pace (despite having to get out of his sick bed to join us) where 32 pints were downed accompanied by the free chips. The plan was to return to HQ, but most seemed to have settled in for the night. Eventually we did get going again, losing three to homeward trips but picking up three more at HQ. The race of the second group up Binkham Hill was fun, Colin missing a gear just as he put the power down, the Meister going too soon with his spluttering chest protesting near the summit and Neil and Gidon disappearing at speed!

So for a second time we settled down for the night in a pub in the best GOWCC traditions. Not surprisingly we spent a record amount, breaking through the £150 barrier. It was past 11:30pm before leaving and it should be recorded that Dan and Jude went the extra mile by cycling back to Tavi and I expect that with Jude going up Down Road, he didn't get home until Wednesday!! Long live Tuesday nights!

Reporter: Keith