There were only three of us at the start, myself, Graham B, and Trevor. The ride would take us to Princetown via Pork hill and Merrivale. The first port of call was Knightstone at Yelverton, where we had our coffee outside. Finishing our coffee we took the Crapstone road to Horrabridge and the steep climb to Plasterdown where the usual display of model aircraft were flying high above us. 
On  reaching the main road to Princetown it was the long slog up Pork Hill, however, on electric bikes apart from Trevor, it wasn't too bad. On reaching Merrivale the boys were waiting outside the pub ahead of me, I  think all the hills took it out of them. So this was lunch and refreshments combined. We had to revive Graham after buying a  round of drinks and a sack of crisps, and I don't think we'll be calling there again, as it wasn't exactly Wetherspoons prices.  (The prices you pay for organic beer & crisps) I think we will leave that pub to the save the planet lot.
We soon reached our destination, Princetown, and noticed a distinct drop in temperature. By now the sun was shining, and we were soon descending into Dousland where we lost each other, as both of us  had taken different turnings for Burrator. Waiting patiently at Cadover Bridge, ahead of my two accomplices, they were soon to be seen and all was not lost.
Trevor suggested we should try an off-road route from Cadover to Wotter the first mile was do-able but got increasingly worse as we came closer to Wotter, where there was another pub stop. I declined as I  wanted to get home in daylight, if possible. Arriving home with 42 miles on the clock and in one piece, an enjoyable day!

Andy

  Five of us set off from Golitha Falls in wall-to-wall sunshine. Trevor, Dave, Graham, Andy & myself soon found our way down to the ferry at Bodinnick. Close to Fowey on the other side of the river of the same name. Whilst crossing over on the ferry, gulls were entertaining us by eating a crab at the front of the ferry. Soon underway again, Trevor leads the way along The Saint's Way, which managed to coat Trevor & my bike in thick mud. So we decided to go the original route to Lostwithiel. At Milltown, another section of rough stuff was encountered & Trevor managed to wash his bike & his feet whilst crossing a ford on route to Lostwithiel. On arrival in Lostwithiel, the only cafe open was found, with a long wait to be served, but good coffee.

Now refreshed it was off to Lanhydrock passing the Lostwithiel bowling green & Restormel castle en route. Now on rough stuff again, we entered Lanhydrock by the back gate (Tradesman's entrance). Soon we came to a metalled road which took us up past Lanhydrock House. Then shortly after we arrived in  Cardinham Woods & Trevor navigated a route through with his sat-nav. I believe everybody enjoyed this rough stuff section. Soon we arrived at the exit point. But I did notice Trevor not taking the ford option. Not like him. 

Now on metalled roads again, we climbed through Cardinham village & on up to Mount & managed to do a 1 in 5 climb en route. Trevor must have been enjoying himself because we stopped at the London Inn in St Neot & he bought us all a drink.

Soon underway again & with only three climbs remaining, we soon found ourselves back at Golitha Falls. Looking at my cyclometer, I had 41.7 miles on it. Now that was a surprise.

Larry

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  The usual four of us were at the Ridgeway plus John D from Tavi making five in total. Today's ride would include Sparkwell, Cornwood and the long drag up to Lee Moor, Wotter, Cadover Bridge etc. At Cornwood Trevor decided he'd call it a day, having just recovered from an ailment requiring hospitalisation, so we bade our farewells making our way up dragon's hill and Wotter.
Wotter would have been coffee stop 1, however, because of the air display at Yelverton it was to be Knightstone instead. Arriving at Yelverton the heavens opened so on with waterproofs and heads down heading towards Knightstone, arriving there  we were informed it was full. Having a quick look round vintage cars, motor bikes and various WW11 memorabilia we decided we would have coffee in the Game Larder instead of Knightstone which we did.
Refreshed from coffee stop 1 Dave had further business to attend to, so again it was goodbye to Dave, leaving the 3 of us "To carry on Regardless".
Heading towards Walkhampton and Horrabridge we decided to call it a day because of the weather, so it was goodbye John as he headed home to Tavistock.
Leaving just the two of us, it was decided to take lunch at Pound Corner, overlooking Dartmoor with its spectacular views. Suitably refreshed it would be Crapstone, Buckland Abbey turning left and making our headway through the narrows to Roborough Down crossing the A386 and downhill to Bickleigh and once more rejoining   the Plym Valley trail, arriving home earlier than usual with 30 miles on the clock. A good day regardless of the weather.

​Andy
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   Leader Graham Black  David Newman and Andy Prideaux

  Driving up to Brent Tor, I  had to have my wipers on full due to the heavy rain, so it did cross my mind that there may be nobody turning up at the start! On my arrival at the car park the rain started to ease, and I was pleased that Andy and David soon arrived and the rest of the day was enjoyed good weather.
From Brent Tor we headed to Chillaton, Portgate via Sydenham going over the river Lyd, then to the cafe at Roadford Lake reservoir which was our first stop with good views of sailing boats making the most of strong winds.
After our drinks we made the way north of the reservoir to Tillislow, Quoditch and Stowford but on the way we had a photo stop at Halwill Mill where there was an old bridge and a thatched cottage.
Now east side of the reservoir, we had the second stop with a picnic table enjoying views of the lake, continuing on and going under the A30. Then with a left turn we went along a lane to Way Barton farm with good views of the north moors in the distance.
The route back then took us to Watergate dropping down to Lyford and from there passing by the Mucky Duck ex pub back to Brent Tor car park.
40 miles covered and well-done Andy on his steam bike.

Graham
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   I managed to persuade Karla and Neil to join us, so it was just the five of us who set off along the cycle route. As we were just passing Louis' I thought that it would be nice for Neil to experience the top of Kit Hill. The visibility was not great, but we did meet a small group of ramblers from Derbyshire who were quizzing us on the local area. As one would expect, Trevor sought an alternate descent whilst Karla and I took the road and met up with him, Neil and Graham at the turning for Downend. We seldom use this lane, but we were soon on our more usual lanes through Stoke Climsland, Beal's Mill, Rezare (where Graham pointed out the ancient well) at Lawhitton before joining the very busy road for half a mile into Tesco for coffee.

  We sat outside and enjoyed our refreshments in hazy sunshine. My original route was to head northwest towards Canworthy Water but, as some of us needed to be back early, we opted for those lanes to the west of the A388 through South Petherwin, Trebullett, an assortment of tiny lanes to Bray Shop, South Hill and Maders. We arrived back at the car park just before 1430. I felt that it was a particularly pleasant ride through some delightful lanes. There was a good deal of friendly banter, and we missed a torrential downpour by about ten miles!!

  All in all, it was a good day out with 27 miles on the clock & with a fair smattering of steep hills.

David
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    The usual gang of 4 assembled at Ivybridge station car park for today's ride, myself, Dave N., Graham B., Andy P. Weather was over cast but dry with a slight morning chill, but a promise of brighter & warmer weather later.
     So it was the usual slog up to Wrangaton, then joining the lanes towards South Brent & Aish. From here I decided to introduce a couple of new lanes for a change, then it was through Harbourneford & on to Dean Prior. We swung a left on a back lane to pass through Upper Dean & on to Coxhill cross, turning right, then I lead them through the up market area of Buckfastleigh passed some lovely council houses to arrive on the main street passed the shops. Joining the `B` road towards, "The Salmons Leap" cafe, which is now all closed up, another casualty of lock down, with an under offer sale sign outside. It was then on the back road to Ashburton & taking a right for Pridhamsleigh, then the long climb up to Five Lanes. Here it was some more new lanes for some passed Baddaford, then another long up hill climb on a lane with a road surface that would make road cyclist cry in their beer. Arriving at Higher Penn farm, taking a right for Thornecroft & on to the garden centre at Landscove & their cafe, the Hill House Nursery. We threaded are way through to the seating area of the cafe garden, passed some lovely Agapanthus, Geraniums, Ferns  & assortment of nice flowers, to arrive at their oasis of outside seating area.
   It was my turn to get the coffee in, Dave said he was peckish and ordered himself some cake, when it arrived it was huge, enough to feed a small army. So he sat there feeding his face, but had to admit defeat halfway through & put the rest in a doggy bag for later.
   Off we set again with Dave weighing twice as much as when he arrived, down to take a right at Church Cross for Tidwell. Suddenly we came across a real colourful sight, a group of Indian ladies in full regalia of lovely "Sari's", I thought is this the new walking gear on offer at "Go outdoors" or "Mountain Warehouse". Then we came across a field laid out for a banquet with long tables and a hoard of more Indian "Sikhs" & realized we had come upon an Indian Wedding party. Sorry, forgot to take any photos with the shock at seeing this spectacular sight, Graham said, they will never believe us now, that we rode to India & Pakistan today.
  Back on to the route we made our way to Green lane which lead us down to the main A384 & taking a left at Austin's Bridge to bring us back in to Buckfastleigh and the road to Dean Prior. Threading our way through Upper Dean again, it was on to Deancombe, then a long climb up to Reddacleave Kiln Cross. Then it was a short down hill before another long climb to Bloody Pool Cross. From here we made our way to Shipley Bridge & the tea wagon for a well-earned rest, the weather had turned really warm & muggy, so we were hot & sweaty, us on normal bikes more than the e-bike crowd. The area was smothered in cars parked all over the place with the Sunday day trippers.
  After a rest & some lovely coffee from Debbie & husband, we made our way back through Aish & back to Ivybridge. On the way, stopping for a chat with the St Budeaux crowd who were out in force and going our way. Then it was back to the station after a very enjoyable & hot ride, I had nearly 32 miles on the clock by the time I got home.

Trevor

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   ​

   ​The usual four were at the start of Sunday's ride on the Ridgeway, these being Graham B, Dave N, Trevor and me,  Andy P. 

The ride would cover Milton Combe. Buckland Abbey, Buckland Monachorum, Sampford Spinney. Burrator, and beyond, a total of 36 miles.
For a nice change it was wall-to-wall sunshine and a blue sky. Taking the usual route to Plymbridge, it was over the bridge climbing the steep hill to the summit at Estover carrying on to Roborough turning left at the Plessey roundabout for the lanes leading to Maristow and Milton Combe.

Passing through the tranquil village of Milton Combe it would be another climb up the hill, by now getting used to hills, and our first coffee stop of the day at Buckland Abbey.
Refreshed riding through Buckland up onto the Moors at Pound it was noticed that 'Long ash' was closed and the gates  covering the entrance were shut. 

Onwards and upwards to Horrabridge and Sampford Spinney it was a left turn at the cross roads leading down to Huckworthy Bridge where lunch was taken overlooking the river and watching a couple on the water  practising their boating skills.

Having finished lunch it was back on our trusty steeds and  making our way to Burrator where we crossed the dam and rode our way up to the top of Sheepstor and Cadover Bridge which was inundated with scores of people like flies  scattered around a honey pot

Further along we came to Wotter and the Moorland Hotel which beckoned us to a well-earned pint, sheltering from the mid-day sun. Refreshed once more, heading towards Cornwood, Trevor suggested that we could look in at the Delamore Estate which was like a sculpture park set in beautiful surroundings.

The rounding off of the day, the three of us bade our farewells to Trevor & we headed back to Plympton and 36 miles on the clock, ending another Sunday ride in good company.

​Andy

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   When I turned up at the start at Certini Trevor, Dave O, Graham B & Andy were already there & I was the leader. Re- scheduled to a Tuesday because of weather. Then just before setting off Dave N arrived. 

Now in wall-to-wall sunshine on route to Hatt, we managed to hold up all the main road traffic for the most part, till we arrived at Hatt. Here we took the usual route to New Bridge via Amy Tree. Trevor got there first, so got in some practice for the photographer of the year award. Soon regrouped, we got over the main Callington to Liskeard road in one piece & headed through quiet lanes towards Golberdon. On arriving at Golberdon we all turned left & headed downhill & across the River Lynher. Then turned right to begin the long steady climb on a lane that they had not been on before. Through Caradon Town not really a town more like a hamlet with a duck pond. Soon after, we arrived at a Trevor T-junction. Turning left we soon arrived at the farm shop come cafe just outside Pensilva. Here Dave N, Trevor & myself decided on a more challenging route straight up & over Caradon hill.

Everybody seemed to rise to the challenge, with Dave N & myself walking the final few hundred yards to the Caradon radio TV mast on top, at 369 meters above sea level. Here we all took in the views before setting off down the other side on a metalled road to Minions. Now it was downhill all the way to Sibleback reservoir. So whilst skirting its southern shoreline we took in the views across the water towards the moors in full sunshine. Soon we passed the dam & arrived at Redgate. Trevor now found himself on the motorway & heading towards Dobwalls. But was pleasantly surprised to find himself in a narrow lane, & yes with grass in the middle. I thought he needed a rest from the motorway traffic. After a short while, we crossed the A38 and Trevor knew where he was now so lead us all into Liskeard for a refreshment stop in Wetherspoons. 

So, after much banter, it was time to take the usual route back to the start. Unfortunately, after Tilland we all ended up in two separate groups of three. Never mind, we all meet up again at the finish with 40miles on the clock.

Larry
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   Leader:Graham Black, with Trevor Bradshaw and David Newman, for company

  Due to the weather, Sunday's ride was postponed till Monday

  The three of us set off from the Torpoint Ferry for the Rame peninsular by a back lane from Antony to St John with good views looking back to Plymouth. Then we made for Millbrook and up the hill at Edgcombe Park to Maker Camp cafe, only to find it closed on Mondays, so the plan B was the Cliff Top cafe at Whitsands via a route suggested by David, nice hill.
   At the cafe we had the best seats, sitting outside and looking out to sea, where we met more cyclist arriving on e-bikes, on our departure, Trevor on his steam bike pointed to his legs and said that they were still fully charged!
  My original plan was Seaton, but the threatening rain clouds in the west changed that, so we made our way back to the ferry whilst dry, but after a short time arriving back home the rain arrived around 3. 30, with 26miles for Trevor and myself and a bit more for David coming from Saltash.

Graham

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 The start of this year's "South Hams Challenge" got off to a damp start, it all looked so rosy at the start of the week, with bright sunny weather forecast. That all changed come Thursday with heavy rain & winds forecast for the Sunday, what's happened to what used to be a reliable long range BBC & Met office forecast? It seems to change hourly. I had predicted a turn out of 30-35 riders, but come Saturday, the wholly understandable cancellations started coming in.

  Turning up at Ivybridge station car park, I expected to be there on my own, although my Plymouth CTC marshals & helpers said they would be there. So I was pleasantly surprised to see a few hardy soles had turned up for the start. In the end, we had a total of 12 riders, that was with myself & 2 of my team as sweepers. "Yipeeee!!!"

  When we had everyone booked in, I gave the signal for the off @ 10.00am, at the moment the weather was dry but with a forecast of 90-95% chance of rain. But what did we care, as we made our way towards Bittaford & to take the first turn right after the tall railway arches, to join the lanes. Now away from the traffic in nice quiet lanes, I gave them a nice hill for starters and a climb up to the ridge road. With everyone now warmed up, we headed for North Huish and then Bickham bridge. It was now time to get serious with a long steep climb up to the Moreleigh road, and then on to the village itself. From there it was Blackawton, Bow, and a climb up to Cornish Post & the Strete road. Up to now, we seemed to have got away with the rain, just the odd spot of drizzle. So it was on to Strete, then the long scenic downhill to Torcross & on to the first check point at Stokeley Farm shop.

  Checking with my marshals, everyone was accounted for, a couple of riders had taken a wrong turn, but got their first, so no problem. It's  worth mentioning there was a father & son entry, Leigh Jackson & son Finley, who was only aged 12, and giving us a good run for our money.

   At the farm shop there was a long queue to be served, so we all stood by the marshals' car eating our nutty bars & sandwiches. Now by the seaside the rain had caught up with us, and the heavens opened. With it not being pleasant just standing there in the rain, we didn't hang about and set off again, heading for Stokenham. Then on to Sherford to start a series of climbs to Fursdon Cross, where the riders in front of me missed the turning. I didn't catch them till Cole's Cross, but no harm done, we took an alternative lane to rejoin the route. We then passed through Goverton, Ledstone & across the Kingsbridge road, then down some narrow lanes and to our second check point at Avon Mill garden centre.

  Again checking with my marshal's everyone was accounted for. They had done some alterations here during lockdown, & the outside seating area was now all covered in. So we could all cuddle underneath out of the rain, which had been with us since Torcross, this had alternated from heavy downpours, to steady rain. By now we were all fully rinsed, so it was nice to sit there in the dry enjoying our drinks and snacks. In our little group, Bonny had bought a couple of packets of biscuits for us all to share, which was very thoughtful. Sitting there listening to the rain beating off the over head canopy, we thought of stopping there till the sun came out, but as this wasn't due till Monday, we thought we better man up and brave the last leg. At least we couldn't get any wetter than we already were.

  So we headed for the estuary road to Aveton Gifford passed Knap Mill, at the start of this lane, the river Avon had overflowed, so we had a bit of a river crossing, in fact the whole lane has deteriorated, with lots of standing water & potholes. After Aveton Gifford it was a long steady climb up to Hangmans Cross, then down past the Thatches holiday park & through the lanes to Ermington. Now it was on the homeward stretch back to the start & finish. My wife Sue was there to great us with some cartons of fruit juice, which she had in a cool box & also some cereal bars. A perfect end to a wet but challenging, enjoyable ride + everyone said how they enjoyed the ride. Better than sitting at home looking out the window.
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  Note: I would like to thank all that took part, for David Byfield making it from Liskeard, & Andrew Smerdon 
           from Lustleigh.
           Also, for my fellow Plymouth CTC members who acted as marshals

Trevor
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