Decided it was time for a self induced beasting. Dragged the mountain bike out and rode down to Coypool to the start of the Plym Trail. For those of you not familiar with it its an old railway line thats been converted into a cycle/walkers trail. No vehicles allowed at all!
To cut a long ride short i made it as far as the old tunnel and stopped for a breather.
It was whilst having this break that i heard a screaming motorcycle approaching at speed. I didn't have time to get a photo as this "ratbike" sped passed. No lights, no reg plate, rider with no helmet and pillion with one. The trail was full of cyclists, walkers, mums with prams, dogs etc etc. and these pair of clowns didn't give a toss.
10 mins later a group of 8 walkers came out of the tunnel with a couple of dogs. approx 30 secs later i heard the "ratbike" comming back down the tunnel. Being an upstanding citizen and concerned TRF member i stood in the middle of the lane and attempted to wave them down. No avail, they slowed abit and then accelerated past me, mowing through the group of walkers and off into the distance.
Can you imagine my deep joy and the feeling of sheer terror on their part as a mile back down the trail i came upon a crashed bike and two little tearaways looking battered and sheepish!!?
In there haste to make a getaway they had overcooked a corner and ended up in the leaf litter. Bald road tyres with a punctured rear had them badger watching with a vengence. The helmetless rider trapped his leg under the bike and smashed his knee cap {nice and painfull!!) His face had road rash up the left side and a large contusion on his temple. His pillion didn't appear to have any injuries as he'd landed on his mate.
After giving them a bollocking and putting them right i offered some first aid advice. I took some photos of the bike but not of them as i was not sure of their ages and know it is illegal to photograph kids.
It really pee'd me off that these pair of donuts spoilt my day and got me thinking how the public percieve us.
The sad thing is the general public don't know the difference between legal riders and these little toads. Thus we all get tarred with the same brush.
I did report this incident to the police when i got back down to Coypool.
disclaimer:- No little scrotes were hurt badly in the making of this report, at least not by me!!
Good report Sonny, shame that had to ruin your day.
I too have seen trail riders on this track, two KTMs down near Plymbridge they then turned off into the woods towards Plympton. These both had number plates on and were certainly adults. It really annoyed me that they would do this in such a blatant way. Unfortunately for them the park rangers were parked on the bridge where they watch the nesting falcons and immediately gave chase but I very much imagine they wouldn't have got anywhere near them.
Good job too I say. Thanks for posting that pic of yourself Sonny. You're looking fitter and I know now that I'll be able to recognise you on Saturday. Mind you, there won't be that many big blokes on bogies- most of us are Orangemen .
I think the crash and my bollocking was punishment enough. To be fair to them both they listened to what i said, were in no way gobby or arrogant and were both very apologetic.
Young, dumb and full of come!! We were all like this once i suppose.
