So, my first attempt at a proper advertised ride out, and I think it all went OK.Just the 4 of us - Mike, Simon , myself, and last minute addition Fred all arrived on time in Totnes, and after a brief chin wag off we went. I wont bore you all with too many gory details, mainly because it was all done from the map and I'm far too lazy to plough through and list lane numbers as we covered them. My revised plan was to head towards Buckfastleigh, going as far as 202-076 before turning left. Simons trials tyre made a big difference for him on this one - last time we went there he got properly stuck with his worn out knobbly , this time he breezed up it with no dramas. On through Rattery, towards Harberton, where Fred first filled his boots in the big puddle on 202 - 142, then had a brief lie down on the very next lane, choosing a particularly wet and muddy bit to take a rest. He leapt up and pretended nothing had happened, but you can always tell - the dripping red mud being a dead give away. Through Harbertonford, Washbourne, Ashprington. Looked at the ford by the Watermans Arms, but deicided the conveniently placed bridge right next door was a better option - far less risk of a dunking. Onwards to Dartmouth in a roundabout sort of way. Having discussed the lack of punctures earlier in the day, I obviously Murray Walkered myself into a flat front tyre. Luckily Mike is an expert tyre changer, so it only held us up briefly - many thanks Mike , if you'd made me do it we'd have been there for hours. As it turned out it wasnt a proper puncture, but a leaking patch on the repair I did after I pinched the tube putting the tyre on 2 weeks ago. Ooops. On the run into Dartmouth Mike spotted something interesting on the floor and decided to lie down to take a closer look. He actually offered me money not to mention this, but unfortunatlly not enough. Thats the second off in 10 years for him - standards are slipping. Was going to use the higher ferry but its shut - presumably having its bottom scraped,- so used the lower one instead. We passed a very large warship parked in the river - must have been tricky getting that in there, never mind turning it round in such a small space. On to Mansands and a quick look at the sea, then into Brixham for a pasty - I decided to ignore Andy's instructions for the pasty shop in Sydney, as Fred was low on fuel and I dont think Mikes tyre has enough tread on it to get him to the southern hemisphere. After pasty back through stoke Gabriel, into Totnes again then a short loop north, riding a new lane to me 202-119. We'd looked for this before but been unable to find the start of it, but after some discussion with Andy, and armed with fresh information we managed to find it and ride it. Time was getting on now, so we headed back into Totnes, via a few lanes on the way. Job done. 60ish lanes, 80ish miles, 1 flat tyre, 1 fox crossing the trail in front of me, and one very saucy girl on a horse who seemed to have a dramtic effect on Fred!!! So, all in all it went ok. Didnt get too lost very often. The lanes are perfect just now - lots of mud and water, and minimal growth - both under and over - to get in the way. Fred took a few photos - I dont trust myself not to ruin my camera - so hoefully he will stick them up on here soon.
Nice report Tim, I'm glad your ride went well. I was interested to read of your fox. I wonder if it was the same one that jumped out and startled Barney around 8.30 this morning near Callington? The lanes down here were also very wet and muddy, as you'd expect, but at least it makes the landings softer and we certainly had a few of those. Bob
A few yards from Fred's swim, ready to try some more
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Timus's unicycle.
....just give them a headstart and then use them for grip.....
No, seriously, its amazing the different sources of local knowledge and the willingness of some to share it with you when out on a ride. This one was no exception.
Most agreable selection of lanes Timus, lets do more.