Ride Reports
Spitchwick
On a sweltering evening, the long climb of Ausewell Hill was plagued by flies and Neil’s protests, but the river at Spitchwick proved irresistible; Tao eventually dared a jump from the lower bank before we rolled home via Hembury.
Puper's Hill
Threatening skies cut short the moorland plan for a Buckfast and Burchetts Wood loop, surprisingly dry. At the Holy Brook, Keir started a water fight that left Michael and two bikes soaked, before we split for home via Coombe and Cross Furzes or Oaklands Park.
Parkfield
An evening of off-road exploring from Pridhamsleigh to Parkfield, taking in new tracks and hedges riddled with fox burrows. Nettles floored Craig and Philip, their attempts to suck out the sting soon abandoned, and moments after a kestrel was spotted, Philip fell again, before we headed back via Green Lane.
Cold East Cross
An adventurous evening ride defined by discovering a new shortcut track to Buckland. High spirits brought a river jump at Spitchwick, while Keir’s boisterous run through Hembury woods ended in a puncture and a lift home. Craig rode especially well.
Lannacombe Beach
A seaside run to Lannacombe became a leisurely beach day, with three braving the water and doubling back after a missed turning. Later, Philip’s shirt was filled with pebbles during more beach fun before a steady ride home.
Landscove
A relaxed evening spin to Landscove via the riverside path, with a pause in the play park, turned lively: we unexpectedly met Ben Widger at Hood Manor, and later on the woodland track Jeremy punctured and Stan took a tumble, before everyone rolled home.
Beer 1995 2
A fast run to the Devon coast soon demanded improvisation. At Beer the hostel had moved our booking to the wrong night, yet spare beds saved the day. Evening games turned slapstick when Eliot lost two Frisbees down a drain. Next morning at Woodbury Fort a jump bent a wheel and triggered a swift bike swap, the group rolling on through climbs, showers and wide sea views.
Chalk Ford
The juniors tackled Wallaford Road in short stages, then pushed on into thick mist over the moor to Chalk Ford, picking their way across the bog and enjoying the descent. Craig’s spill and later blow-out provided the day’s drama, while Michael shadowed by car and on foot, meeting them at Scorriton.
Avon Dam
On a warm summer evening we headed to the ever popular Avon Dam, climbing via Dean Prior and Shipley Bridge and returning along the Abbots Way to Cross Furzes. Straightforward, sunlit miles that summed up why this destination remains a favourite.
Ten Tors event
Sunlit tors from Haytor to Honeybag—though Budgie’s SPDs foiled his summit—gave way to shock when Paul collided with a car near Shallowford. The air ambulance took him to hospital, a stark reminder that the club’s safety guidance is there for a reason.
Norway 1995 15
Summer snowbanks and hairpins plunging to a glassy fjord set the tone: Norway’s big scenery and quiet surprises. When Kieron faltered on the Aurland climb, a driver carried him to the top; the rest whooped down to the Sognefjord. A “no bicycles” sign at the Hoyanger tunnel forced a bus detour. Evenings gave small comedies – a boiled microwave meal, a hostel by a thundering river – and a rare sense of shared adventure.
Broadhempston
With Michael in Norway, Richard and Neil led a calm evening loop, neatly rerouting when the tide halted the Totnes cycle track. The group continued via Littlehempston and Broadhempston to Ashburton, then home by Pridhamsleigh.