Ride Reports
Cheddar Gorge and Street 1991 3
Sun-baked Somerset took us from the flat Levels to the drama of Cheddar Gorge and the climb to Glastonbury Tor. Curiosity ruled: points for willow and ditches, caves explored, and the jousters on the Wells clock. Comedy came when Martin’s locked bike needed bolt croppers. Even late mechanicals couldn’t blunt things; we still reached Meare and the train.
Staverton via Colston Road, Abham
With threatening skies, we kept the ride short: Colston Road to Staverton, then back via Abham. The choice was vindicated when a torrential downpour hit on the return, leaving us soaked but glad we’d opted for the short loop.
Broad Rock Dartmoor off-road ride
On a glorious, rough moorland ride led for the first time by Martin, the bridleways were so enticing the group swept straight past Broad Rock. The tone was comic mishap: Andrew stalled mid-ford for the first wet feet, and Julian flew over the bars, toeclip refusing to let go.
Pulsford and Pick 'n' Park
Ken was keen to show his new racer, though few shared his excitement. Once Darren’s punctures were sorted we made for West Ogwell and ended with refreshments at Pick ’n’ Park.
Venford via Scoriton and Holne
An evening run to Venford was shaped by setbacks: Neil came off near Burchetts Wood when his chain slipped and headed home, then, with several riders lacking lights, we were forced to return at 8.45pm.
Lannacombe Beach and Torcross
We pushed to Lannacombe by the fastest route via Stokenham and arrived for lunch, only to find the beach less than fresh, so the stop was brief. Spirits recovered over refreshments at the Torcross café, and the group made swift progress home, in by 5.30pm.
Staverton riverside track
Once again several had no lights, including those who should know better, so the ride was cut short for an 8.40pm return; even so we took in Colston Road and the Staverton riverside track.
Haytor Tramway and Graetor ruins
A delightful summer traverse of Dartmoor via the old Haytor Tramway, lunching in the quarry before a rough drop to Becka Brook and a steep climb to the ruins of Graetor village; Hound Tor brought a welcome hot drink from the van.
Lake District lakes and passes 1991 8
Sunlit fells and youthful chaos shaped this Lake District tour. The riders crested Wrynose and Hardknott, then hurried past Sellafield under dark showers, their debate sharpened by a thunderclap and a puzzling tide of traffic heading the other way. Calm returned with boats on Grasmere, all despite recurring mechanical mishaps and the odd schoolboy prank.
Ipplepen via Kingskerswell
Threatening rain left both our group and the Torbay CTC thin on the ground, but after a dash from Marldon to meet them at Kingskerswell we shared a brisk run by Abbotskerswell to Style Park gardens near Ipplepen, Debora stoking the tandem, then headed home.
Lanes around Buckfastleigh
With Michael away on tour in the Lake District, Richard Burge led a breezy, dry evening spin through the local lanes, keeping largely to tarmac; a straightforward ride lifted by sunny spells and the easy rhythm of familiar roads.
Slapton Sands and the sea mist
A fine morning saw the ride switch to Slapton, only for sea mist to chill the coast on arrival. Lunch by the beach was enlivened by impromptu stunt practice halted by a wildlife warden, and the return began with the disappointment of finding the Blackpool Sands café gone, replaced by a kiosk.