Our start from Ashburton was delayed by wondering where George was. There was his car in the car park but no George and no bike. We never did see him or catch up with him. Just four of us for the ride; Andy E, Graham B, Phil and myself. The idea had been to recce the first half of the Dartmoor Devil for those of us who were going to ride it the following Sunday. An easy ride to Bovey Tracey (the start of the Devil) followed by an undulating ride up the A382 to Moretonhampstead where we had coffee. We delayed our departure due to a heavy downpour but eventually dragged ourselves out into the maelstrom. Then we followed the Devil's route up over Mardon Down descending to Clifford Bridge. Narrow lanes to Drewsteignton; pot holes galore, mud and grit in the middle and autumn debris everywhere. From Drewsteignton onto Castle Drogo - Andy wanted to see the outside so we cycled up only to find we couldn't get near without paying. (It was wrapped anyway!)
More lanes, pot holes, grit and junk. The route now took us to Bughead Cross and down to North Bovey only to climb again onto the moor with such delights as Jay's Grave, Hound Tor, Bonehill Down and onto Cold East Cross. More gales. Phil was heard to say that he'd not had so much fun since he trod on a nail and it went right through his foot! Next a huge descent into Ashburton. Tea and cakes were found in a town pub. 70km on the clock and 1400m of climb. Roll on next Sunday.
More lanes, pot holes, grit and junk. The route now took us to Bughead Cross and down to North Bovey only to climb again onto the moor with such delights as Jay's Grave, Hound Tor, Bonehill Down and onto Cold East Cross. More gales. Phil was heard to say that he'd not had so much fun since he trod on a nail and it went right through his foot! Next a huge descent into Ashburton. Tea and cakes were found in a town pub. 70km on the clock and 1400m of climb. Roll on next Sunday.
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