On arriving at Ivybridge Park and Ride I was met by five cyclists eager to get away, they included Trevor, Sue, Dave, Rob and Brenda. Five on electric bikes, including myself, out of the six of us. The destination was to be Holne via Shipley Bridge, However, after discussion it was decided that coffee would be at Buckfast Abbey.
It was quite a pleasant day, but with a cold wind to boot. Passing through Bittaford, Wrangaton and the sleepy village of South Brent coupled with the climb up to Higher Beara and Harbourneford. Once out of Harbourneford it was a breeze, freewheeling down to Dean Prior, cutting through the centre of Buckfast and terminating at the Abbey.
Brenda and Rob kindly bought the coffees, whilst sitting outside enjoying the peacefulness of the surrounding gardens and Abbey, which were unusually quiet for an Easter Sunday.
Having put the world to rights and bading our farewells to Rob and Brenda, who were still suffering from the after effects of a bad dose of Covid, the ride was to continue with just the four of us to Holne itself, a scenic route almost traffic free. Having arrived there not knowing if it was open or not. The village community shop was thriving, luckily we managed to get a table as a couple were just leaving. Refreshed from lunch and even more liquids, the return journey took us on an alternative route, thanks to Trevor.
Previously having ridden up the steep hill to Hembury Woods we rode down it at a number of knots passing countess cars parked up enjoying picturesque walks through the surrounding woods.
Arriving back at Ivybridge, we had clocked up 30 miles, a good day in good company.
Andy
It was quite a pleasant day, but with a cold wind to boot. Passing through Bittaford, Wrangaton and the sleepy village of South Brent coupled with the climb up to Higher Beara and Harbourneford. Once out of Harbourneford it was a breeze, freewheeling down to Dean Prior, cutting through the centre of Buckfast and terminating at the Abbey.
Brenda and Rob kindly bought the coffees, whilst sitting outside enjoying the peacefulness of the surrounding gardens and Abbey, which were unusually quiet for an Easter Sunday.
Having put the world to rights and bading our farewells to Rob and Brenda, who were still suffering from the after effects of a bad dose of Covid, the ride was to continue with just the four of us to Holne itself, a scenic route almost traffic free. Having arrived there not knowing if it was open or not. The village community shop was thriving, luckily we managed to get a table as a couple were just leaving. Refreshed from lunch and even more liquids, the return journey took us on an alternative route, thanks to Trevor.
Previously having ridden up the steep hill to Hembury Woods we rode down it at a number of knots passing countess cars parked up enjoying picturesque walks through the surrounding woods.
Arriving back at Ivybridge, we had clocked up 30 miles, a good day in good company.
Andy
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