The temperature had risen slightly of late as Larry and I headed towards Callington for the start of today's ride. We were greeted by Trevor, Graham, John O'Rourke, Andy and Steve. {Dave O and Yolande sent their apologies that they were feeling the effects of recent activities}. I was particularly pleased to see that Andy had shaken off a nasty chest infection in order to join us in what promised to be a pleasant ride. We were soon climbing the col between Kit Hill and Hingston Down and then the rapid descent (250m in 1.25 miles) into the small village of Luckett. There was barely time to change down the gears before ascending again before another steep drop to Horsebridge and, of course, into Devon. The lanes through Sydenham Damerel were pleasant as they gradually took us up to the B3362 and the 200m contour! We headed towards Milton Abbot and I hardly had time to apologise to Trevor before we turned north past the delightful village school and up another 120m onto the ridge which runs roughly parallel to the main road. both the surface and views were superb.(we even encountered a small group of cyclists coming the opposite way), especially the steep descent to the ancient Greystone Bridge. As coffee was beckoning I opted for the most direct route which involved another mile or so on the 'B' road. Our coffee stop was Tesco in Launceston which was quite an event. Steve came to the rescue with the NHS app but the bubble containing Larry and myself were told off by an elderly couple for being too loud!
After refreshments Larry led us down by the edge of the town and into the lane which leads to the start of the steam railway. We saw the shiny locomotive which, apparently, hails from the slate quarries of North Wales. Our tiny westward lane followed the same valley (River Kensey) and we saw the massive disused quarry from which the railway once transported building stone. We left this particular valley just before Egloskerry and headed south to wards Pipers Pool and Trewen. The latter was especially attractive with it's cluster of neat cottages and small church. The road down to the River Inny was steep and once we crossed the bridge we encountered our first real mud of the ride as we headed up onto the ridge took us along to Polyphant and the "cows on't green". After the usual photo opportunity we negotiated the tricky crossing of the A30 dual carriageway before climbing up to Lewannick. We once sheltered here in Archer's Arms and found it most accommodating so we thought that we would give it another go! We enjoyed the experience so much so that I got over excited and knocked my drink over! The final leg of circuit was fairly uneventful on the B3257 through Congdon's Shop and Coads Green and then the lanes through Linkinhorne, South Hill and Maders arriving back in Callington by the fire station. With hindsight I wish that I had opted for the tiny lanes through the hamlets of Newtown and Lanoy instead of the faster route. It would not have added much distance but would have prolonged the day for another half an hour.
Thanks everyone - it was most enjoyable. Only 36 miles but a fair few hills!
David
After refreshments Larry led us down by the edge of the town and into the lane which leads to the start of the steam railway. We saw the shiny locomotive which, apparently, hails from the slate quarries of North Wales. Our tiny westward lane followed the same valley (River Kensey) and we saw the massive disused quarry from which the railway once transported building stone. We left this particular valley just before Egloskerry and headed south to wards Pipers Pool and Trewen. The latter was especially attractive with it's cluster of neat cottages and small church. The road down to the River Inny was steep and once we crossed the bridge we encountered our first real mud of the ride as we headed up onto the ridge took us along to Polyphant and the "cows on't green". After the usual photo opportunity we negotiated the tricky crossing of the A30 dual carriageway before climbing up to Lewannick. We once sheltered here in Archer's Arms and found it most accommodating so we thought that we would give it another go! We enjoyed the experience so much so that I got over excited and knocked my drink over! The final leg of circuit was fairly uneventful on the B3257 through Congdon's Shop and Coads Green and then the lanes through Linkinhorne, South Hill and Maders arriving back in Callington by the fire station. With hindsight I wish that I had opted for the tiny lanes through the hamlets of Newtown and Lanoy instead of the faster route. It would not have added much distance but would have prolonged the day for another half an hour.
Thanks everyone - it was most enjoyable. Only 36 miles but a fair few hills!
David
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