Ride Reports
Instow Youth Hostel and Tarka Trail 2
Heat shimmered off the rails as British Rail whisked us through a four-train relay without a hitch, setting the tone for a smooth run to the estuary and an evening walk on Instow beach. Next day a few stalwarts probed the unfinished Tarka Trail while the rest took the easier road, trading sightings from hedgerow vantage points. Young Tao’s determined ride despite illness drew quiet admiration as we rolled into Eggesford early.
Spitchwick and the Anaconda Run
The evening was defined by discovering a new track from the River Dart Country Park, a relentless climb that brought us out above Gallant Le Bower and later became a club favourite in reverse. There was still time for the Anaconda tube slide and a rope jump at Spitchwick before Hembury Woods.
Lannacombe Beach via Stokenham
To maximise beach time, we took the fast route to Stanborough then the lanes through Stokenham to Lannacombe Beach, where Jenny Quick and her two children joined us for an hour lazing in the sun. Nobody wanted to leave, but we headed back via Slapton.
South Devon lanes with Torbay CTC
Only two turned up at Marldon, so the ride became a joint outing with Torbay CTC at Kingskerswell, turning a thin start into a sociable spin through the South Devon lanes. A modest evening saved by good company.
River Avon dip at Shipley Bridge
On a sweltering evening we headed to the river at Shipley Bridge to cool off, the slippery green rocks turning into a makeshift slide— even Dave Humphreys waded in up to his knees. Then past the Avon Dam and over the quiet moor for the favourite grassy descent to Cross Furzes.
Littlehempston and Ipplepen café
A gentler day at last, with cooler weather and a dry Littlehempston–Redpost track, saw Jenny Quick make a welcome return and a restorative stop at Pick ’n’ Park. A chance meeting brought news of Matthew Jago’s crash, while young Robert impressed on his first ride.
Cold East Cross via Ashburton and Druid
A leisurely evening ride through Ashburton to Cold East Cross found the moor at its most enchanting. The return descent explored a new lane through Druid, a pleasant alternative to the usual Ausewell climb.
Kenn valley and Dawlish Warren
A day heavy on main roads was redeemed by a rule-breaking dash to the sea: swims at Dawlish Warren and a breezy walk/ride along the sea wall. Earlier, Martin Luke's odd crisps divided opinion; later, the Old Bakery cafe owner greeted us with thinly veiled disapproval.
Hood Manor in the rain, Star Trek
Rain began at 6.45 and set the tone, so we cut the ride short on Colston Road; a keen few pushed on to Hood and back via the main road. Everyone regrouped at Michael’s for Star Trek: The Next Generation videos.
Whooping Rock and Widecombe
With many staying home to prepare for tomorrow’s 12‑day Scotland tour, Dave Humphreys led a smaller group to Whooping Rock for lunch, returning via Widecombe. They got damp, but the outing was still enjoyed.
Highlands, Skye and Hebrides 1990 12
Cloud spilling over the Old Man of Storr set the tone for a tour that, remarkably, ran like clockwork across Skye, Raasay and the Hebrides. Sixteen riders were whisked from train to ferry without drama, even when Mr McAskell lashed their bikes to a tiny boat between North Uist and Harris. Evenings shone: dune-jumps on the silver sands at Morar, then a quiet, golden sunset at Achmelvich.
Hembury Woods loop via Holne
With the Tartan contingent away in Scotland, a smaller group took a short ride up the Hembury track and back via Holne. They even returned before dark—a rare thing with Michael—prompted by the discovery that Simon had no lights.