I was really surprised there was anyone at the start (95% chance of rain, it said): Bryan Richardson, Anna Bryant, Andy Easton, Dave Newman and Nycci. Trevor Bradshaw joined us at the Hunting Lodge. I had worked out a basic route, which the Section had taken time and time again. I asked Trevor if he would lead the ride and lead us into pastures new. He readily agreed and off we set.
Trevor consulted his smart phone and said that the weather should be cloudy from 10:00 am onwards but not wet until later that evening. Not a bit of it. At 10 o'clock it started pouring down with rain. The route to Averton Gifford was along Route 28 and included many hills. Dave, on his tandem, was struggling on the longer drags and left us at Mary Cross for a quieter return home. The rest of us struggled on in the pouring rain until we got to Loddiswell. Trevor's alternative coffee stop on the main road was - to our amazement - shut - so we headed toward the garden centre. We'd already done a fair number of miles and in the atrocious weather we had already proved our mettle. Replete with cakes and coffee, we decided enough was enough and headed straight back via the main road to Ivybridge, taking the less busy route near the Owl Sanctuary.
When I got home, I had 37 miles on the clock and a good average speed. Since Andy Prideaux and Trevor left us in Ivybridge, I was able to put Andy Easton through his paces. He was like a greyhound after a rabbit. He was on my tail the whole time, but the extra power I had in my motor meant that I could keep ahead of him, especially on the last bits on the hills. Well done, Andy! You may make the Olympics yet.
Trevor consulted his smart phone and said that the weather should be cloudy from 10:00 am onwards but not wet until later that evening. Not a bit of it. At 10 o'clock it started pouring down with rain. The route to Averton Gifford was along Route 28 and included many hills. Dave, on his tandem, was struggling on the longer drags and left us at Mary Cross for a quieter return home. The rest of us struggled on in the pouring rain until we got to Loddiswell. Trevor's alternative coffee stop on the main road was - to our amazement - shut - so we headed toward the garden centre. We'd already done a fair number of miles and in the atrocious weather we had already proved our mettle. Replete with cakes and coffee, we decided enough was enough and headed straight back via the main road to Ivybridge, taking the less busy route near the Owl Sanctuary.
When I got home, I had 37 miles on the clock and a good average speed. Since Andy Prideaux and Trevor left us in Ivybridge, I was able to put Andy Easton through his paces. He was like a greyhound after a rabbit. He was on my tail the whole time, but the extra power I had in my motor meant that I could keep ahead of him, especially on the last bits on the hills. Well done, Andy! You may make the Olympics yet.
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