Album - South Dartmoor Cycling Club

South Dartmoor CTC Album

Reports

Sunday 12 July 1987

Day ride (With Torbay CTC): Treasure Hunt

Fine

14 Participants: Richard Burge, Julie Collings, Paul Hamlyn-White, Richard Hopper, Simon Hopper, Toby Hopper, Philip Humphreys, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Warren Masters, Graham Moates, Mark Moxham, Luke Rake, John Stuart

With eighteen riders signing up, Luke's efforts in preparing our 1987 Treasure Hunt were not in vain (unlike one of the clues). Four teams of enthusiasts followed well-chosen routes through the Coombe and Rattery areas, collecting various artifcats along the way and noting the answers to the sometimes cryptic clues. Those who struggled to find the answer to the clue "a tea-stop frequented by Luke" had only to note the name of a nearby house "Wayside".

There were extra points to be gained for the teams bringing back the longest bramble, largest holly leaf, largest pine cone and largest cowpat (these youngsters do have strange ideas). The winning team was Paul, Michael, Philip and Mark, but only by a whisker ... and anyway, everyone enjoyed themselves, which was the main reason for taking part. There were, as usual, refreshments for all at Crofters by way of compensation.

Friday 17 July 1987

Evening ride: Hockmoor Head

Showery

6 Participants: Simon Barnes (10, Buckfastleigh), Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Luke Rake, Andrew Simmons, Neil Welles (10, Buckfastleigh)

A few showers and Luke's puncture together gave us sufficient incentive to return to base after only a short spin through the moorland lanes.

Saturday 18 July 1987

Weekend ride: Beer Youth Hostel
Day 1

Mixed

15 Participants: Richard Burge, Richard Hopper, Simon Hopper, Philip Humphreys, John Iles, Brett Jamieson, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Warren Masters, Jason Morris, Mark Morris, Mark Moxham, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart, Jeremy Weston

The weather looked rather threatening and the forecast had not been promising when the first six set off from Buckfastleigh. Along the way to the ferry at Starcross six more were added to the party at the agreed points and we arrived there in good time - 12:20. Lunch was consumed while we waited, and the appearance of the diminutive craft reminded those of us who had been on the Scotland tour (1986) of the 'ferry' between North Uist and Harris. It was a squeeze to get us on, with the master rather concerned about his paintwork, but at 80p per bike he couldn't really complain. It's worth noting that he left five minutes early, so a last minute dash for the ferry might not be worthwhile.

At Budleigh, Jason was the last to join the group, and Michael let the youngsters play on the beach for a few minutes - the weather had held so far. On to Sidmouth and the Mocha cafe, where 'Patrons are requested to keep their dogs leashed and on the floor'!

Over the river Sid and British Gas jokes, up the worst hill of the day for the delightful sight of the hostel. It now started to rain. We realised how hard when Graham, Jackie and Matthew from Torbay dripped in an hour later. Further entertainment was provided partly by the warden, who had a fire drill at 10.30, and partly by Brett, who was annoyed to find that he had put some holly in his own bed.

Philip Humphreys at Sidmouth weir

John Stuart and Jason Morris, climbing Salcombe hill from Sidmouth

Simon Hopper, Richard Hopper, Philip Humphreys, Andrew Simmons and Jason Morris in Branscombe

Gary Johnson, Mark Morris and Warren Masters at Branscombe

Branscombe. LtoR: Gary Johnson, Richard Burge, John Stuart, Mark Morris, Simon Hopper, Richard Hopper, Philip Humphreys & Brett Jamieson

Richard Burge follows the group through Branscombe

Sunday 19 July 1987

Weekend ride: Beer Youth Hostel
Day 2

Wet start

After a late start the rain cleared almost instantly and we all set off for the famous Buttered Scone cafe. Here we bumped into Exeter A-Section and we all sat out a short bout of heavy rain. After lunch at Woodbury Castle we proceeded to Dunchideock in the hope of finding the day riders.

Meanwhile, having found Gappah devoid of any sign of life, the damp duo who constituted the day ride (John Iles and Jeremy Weston) were soon on their way, enjoying the long descent past Mamhead before taking to the lanes to Exminster and Ide en route to the 'alternative rendezvous' at Dunchideock church. After about half an hour at this tranquil corner the first of the hostellers hove into view and the assembled throng was soon tackling the climb to Lawrence Castle.

The occasional gateway revealed extensive views over the Teign valley and it was possible to pick out the cyclists' spiritual home, Blackingstone Rock, on the distant skyline. The takings of the sweet shop in Chudleigh were boosted considerably as ample quantities of tooth-rotting stomach-churning 'goodies' (?) were purchased to provide sustenance for the homeward leg.

Tuesday 21 July 1987

Evening ride: Broadhempston

Dry / showers

11 Participants: Simon Barnes, Wayne Bolton, Richard Burge, Catherine Hopper, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, John Kettell (Adult, Devon), John Stuart, Neil Welles

Neil badly dented his rear wheel, making the brake inoperative, and the squeals of his front brake on the descents haunted us all the way round.

Sunday 26 July 1987

Day ride: Mothecombe Beach

Cloudy / dry

14 Participants: Nick Buchanan (Adult, Devon), Richard Burge, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Philip Humphreys, Brett Jamieson, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Graham Moates, Mark Moxham, Martin Olney, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart, Mark Williams

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of this ride, apart from the obvious pleasures of building sandcastles, was the discovery of the Erme Mill centre near Ermington. Open all the year round on Sundays this excellent new cafe will no doubt feature in more of our write-ups.

Friday 31 July 1987

Evening ride: Holne

Sunny

14 Participants: Simon Barnes, Graham Burge, Richard Burge, Tim Dolley, Catherine Hopper, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Mark Morris, Andrew Simmons, Neil Smith (11, Devon), Andrew Welles (13, Buckfastleigh), Neil Welles

Our younger members coped well with the stiff climbs through Scorriton, where the now familiar dog was awaiting our arrival. The thought of another cuckoo chase at Venford was too much for Richard, so a return via Holne Chase brought us home before dusk.

Sunday 2 August 1987

Afternoon ride: Avon Dam

Sunny

10 Participants: Richard Burge, Paul Hamlyn-White, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Mark Morris, Neil Smith, Andrew Welles, Neil Welles

Our usual scramble across the Abbots Way provided the anticipated excitement for all concerned, with the usual water splashing at Cross Furzes.

Tuesday 4 August 1987

Evening ride: Kingston House

Dry

14 Participants: Simon Barnes, Guy Colston, Paul Hamlyn-White, Catherine Hopper, Richard Hopper, Simon Hopper, Toby Hopper, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Julian Juste, Mark Morris, Andrew Simmons, Colin Smith (9, Devon), Neil Smith

The outward route through Caddaford, Abham and Sparkwell introduced members to some new and interesting routes, but it was the return route that proved most eventful. Firstly, a lad on a horse raced past the group along Beaston track and left a couple of cyclists in the hedge: he then rode along with us, causing havoc all the way. Secondly, a passing tractor managed to remove young Colin's pedal near Well Farm! He managed to push up the hill to Chuley transmitter, however, and got home at a respectable time.

Saturday 8 August 1987

Weekend ride: Camping at East Allington
Day 1

Sunny

6 Participants: Richard Burge, Gary Johnson, Michael Jones, Luke Rake, Andrew Simmons, Mark Williams

This year's camping weekend, which got off to a bad start when Michael was unable to accompany the youngsters on the ride to the farm, turned out to be somewhat disastrous: some of the participants seemed to think that the farm implements lying around the camping area were destined for the scrap heap and treated them accordingly. Fortunately the missing parts were later located, but it is hoped that the youngsters concerned will have learned how to behave on other people's property should they ever find themselves in a similar situation in the future.

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