Ride Reports
Dartington and Totnes loop
On a warm summer evening we climbed Bigadon Hill, where high spirits turned costly: the ritual throwing of chippings saw Gary chip a tooth, then he head‑butted a travellers’ truck on the descent. After a precautionary check at Brutus Bridge, the ride flowed on via Dartington Hall to a calm reunion at Huxham’s Cross.
Cool off at Staverton weir
Oppressive heat turned our Littlehempston plan into a river stop at the Staverton weir: by the time we reached the bridge Luke was already in, and most followed, while Michael and Richard H stayed dry. We then took an unhurried return via Barkingdon Manor and Green Lane.
Lud Gate to Chalk Ford and Scoriton
On a fine evening we climbed Wallaford Road to Cross Furzes and out to Lud Gate, then crossed the moor to Chalk Ford before looping home by Scoriton. Gary located the only bog, a brief bank of cloud came to nothing, and we finished with a cool descent past Hawson Court.
Coombe and Rattery treasure hunt
Luke's Treasure Hunt sent teams through the Coombe and Rattery with cryptic clues and odd errands, from longest bramble to largest cowpat. The 'tea-stop' riddle was cracked by spotting the house called Wayside, and Paul, Michael, Philip and Mark edged the win before refreshments at Crofters.
Showery ride to Hockmoor Head
Cool, showery weather and Luke’s puncture cut this easy evening ride short, sending us back to Buckfastleigh after a brief spin through the lanes around Hockmoor Head. Newcomers Neil and Simon had a taste of the moor before the retreat.
Beer youth hostel via Starcross 1987 2
A diminutive ferry at Starcross squeezed in the group and bikes, its master fretting about his paintwork: the tone for a weekend of close quarters and quick humour. The rain finally found us on the climb beyond Sidmouth, yet spirits held through a 10.30 fire drill at the Beer hostel and Brett’s holly prank, which ended with holly in his own bed. Next morning the sky cleared as we set off, sharing shelter with Exeter riders at the Buttered Scone before long views over the Teign guided us home.
Broadhempston: squealing brakes
A routine evening ride to Broadhempston turned memorable when Neil badly dented his rear wheel and lost his rear brake; the piercing squeal of his front brake on every descent haunted the group all the way round.
Mothecombe Beach, Erme Mill cafe
On a dry, grey outing to Mothecombe Beach, the highlight proved to be the excellent new café at the Erme Mill Centre near Ermington, discovered on the way back and sure to feature again; sandcastle building added a light-hearted pause by the sea.
Holne Chase loop via Scoriton
Our younger riders coped well with the stiff climbs through Scoriton, where the now familiar dog awaited us. The prospect of another fruitless cuckoo chase at Venford was too much for Richard, so we turned for home via Holne Chase and made it back before dusk.
Avon Dam and Abbots Way descent
Sunlit moor turned a familiar off-road outing into a joyful charge past Avon Dam and over the Abbots Way, capped by the fast, grassy descent to the ford below Cross Furzes. As ever, a few tried to ride the Dean Burn and keep their feet dry; not all succeeded.
Beaston Track chaos and lost pedal
An exploratory run through Caddaford, Abham and Sparkwell gave way to a chaotic return: a lad on a horse tore along Beaston track, tipping two riders into the hedge, and later a tractor sheared young Colin’s pedal near Well Farm. He pushed to Chuley transmitter and we still made it home in good time.
East Allington camping weekend 1987 2
An awkward start at Higher Pool Farm saw implements treated as scrap and scattered, before contrite hands found every piece. Michael supervised from the car; the campers cooked on a Trangia, then sunshine led them to Ellender Cove, where cliff-top views lured some into the water while others watched. They ended with two café stops and a discreet detour around Corkscrew Hill.