Riders-Bonny, Dave, Graham, Trevor & myself. Weather-Sunny spells, Windy on the Moors & finished in Drizzle. Location-Layby at Plusha.

  Nice to see Bonnie at the start. She was out on her first ride with me as ride's leader. Soon underway, we sailed through Alternun, then climbed up onto Bodmin Moor. Just before the hamlet of Bowithick Bonnie, Graham & Trevor went sailing through the ford in the River Penpont. Soon after we all raced across Davidstow Moor (Or rather I did) to turn left & go through a heavily wooded area, then passing Crowdy Reservoir on our left (Looking rather nice with the sun glinting on it). Now we all enjoyed quiet lanes pleasantly undulating all the way to Churchtown for a refreshment stop outside the Village shop & pub called the Old Inn. 
 Underway again, we all now enjoyed a nice downhill section, all the way to Tresarrett. Soon after which, we all turned left & began the long climb up to pass through Whitecross, & then over the relatively new bridge across the A30. Soon after, dropping down now to go through the picturesque village of Millpool. Then on up to the crossroads (With its granite-based signpost) & then turned left to go through Mount & on to St Neot to take refreshments at the London Inn, (Seated outside in full sunshine enjoying the lovely Rhododendron shrubs in the church grounds). 
 We were on our way again, we had a lovely undulating route all the way to Minions & stopped here to see the damage done to the pub (Which burnt out in a fire last December). Now we passed along familiar lanes to North Hill village, then on to do some much-needed rough stuff just before the finish at Plusha (Here Bonny showed the boys how to go right across the ford in the River Lynher, not once but 3-4 times). 41.2 miles on the clock & I knew I had done it.

Larry

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    There were five of us at the start, they were myself, Brenda, Dave, Graham B and Rob all on E bikes. Heading through the old  Plympton St Maurice and tackling the steep climb to the Ridge it was a left turn as we headed towards Wiverton making our way to Yealmpton.
  Arriving at Kitley another left as we travelled to the bottom crossing the bridge and the long haul to the summit, once there it was a right towards Newton Ferrers, where we stopped for coffees on the green.
  We were in luck as everybody had decided to partake in the lovely Spring  weather by sitting outside  and having the last table available, coffees by courtesy of Brenda and Rob.
  Once replenished after the usual  photo shoot it was Noss Mayo and Stoke beach where we had fabulous sea views accompanied by the old St. Peters church and lovely coastal walks in both directions. 
  Once we had climbed out of this sheltered honey spot it was the usual lanes passing through Battisborough Cross and Holbeton arriving at the A3121 where it was a right turn  as we made our way to Ermington.
Passing through Ermington towards Ivybridge we decided to give Endsleigh farm shop a call, however, it was closed, so we decided to have lunch there anyway, sat outside again in the midday sunshine.
  Refreshed once more, the homeward journey took in Cornwood through the lanes leading to Plympton, where we said are farewells. A  pleasant day with 33 miles showing on the clock.

Andy 

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  5 of us meet at the station car park on this amended ride, as had to cancel yesterday because of weather. Today was overcast with more promise of showers, although better forecast than Sunday. The riders were, Myself, Sue, Andy, Dave O. & Bonney, she made an impressive entrance by throwing herself off her bike in front of us, but no damage done to herself or bike, she dusted herself down & was ready for the off.
​   We made our way to the outskirts of Filham, joining the lanes & heading for the ridge road, here we carried on passed Ludbrook Manor to the turning for Shilstone Manor. Myself, Andy & Bonney stopped by the lakes to discover we had lost Sue & Dave, my phone went off & it was Dave asking where we were. They finally rejoined us after much chuntering from Sue, so gave them something else to moan about by taking them off-road on a climb up to the next lane. It was then up to Hangman Cross to join the undulating road down to Aveton Gifford. Here we took a detour through the park before joining the main road to cross the river Avon, then turning off on the estuary lane for Venn. We carried on this well tested route to the garden centre at Avon Mill for our first stop.
   This was quite busy with bank holiday Monday trippers, but we found a table under the outside canopy to enjoy our drinks & cake, with the local bird population hopping around the tables looking for crumbs. They didn't have much luck at our table, as all the cake & crumbs were scoffed down.
   Dragging ourselves away from this nice stop, it was out to tackle the steady climb up to Woodleigh. We now encountered the first drops of rain, so it was on with waterproof tops. Carrying on along this nice road towards Preston, except for a small diversion along a quiet lane with grass up the middle, away from this sometimes busy yellow road. From Preston, it was on the long downhill stretch to the Gara Bridge road, with an abundance of Bluebells to admire. They are now out in full bloom, & we passed lots of Bluebell woods in their splendour. From Gara Bridge, it was the steady climb up to California Cross, to join the  busy road to our second stop at the Ring Feeder farm shop/cafe. This again was busy with lunchtime feeders, but we grabbed a table in the outside Marquee. More coffee & cake were consumed, and now the heavens had started to really open up. But a lovely place to sit and wait it out till it abated somewhat.
   With the rain now eased off, it was time to tackle the final leg, & the busy road heading towards the Ugborough/Avonwick road. We turned off into lanes again before hitting this road, welcome relief from all the cars flashing by. I took all the well-tried lanes back to Ivybridge to say our goodbyes to everyone, & for Sue & I to tackle one last hill to get back home. We had cracked about 30 miles & not got too wet, but in good company.

​Trevor

   Riders-Myself, Trevor, Dave O, Dave N, Rob & Brenda. Weather-Sunny spells with showers around Bodmin.

  Nice to start with a good number of riders out. Soon underway, we did some lanes in reverse to the last time we did them. Then on to do some steep climbing to Goonzion Downs. Then downhill to cycle alongside the river Bedalder, & coming out at Pantersbridge. On up to pass through Mount, Cardinham, Milltown before entering Cardinham Woods. Here Trevor, encouraged by me, tried to go through the Ford. So three-quarters of the way through he came to a halt, a bit deep(Nice one Trevor). By now it had started raining, so as we left the woods I stopped to don my rain jacket (Good for a sauna). Here, Rob & Brenda, decided to high-tail it back to Dobwalls. It was here we started to encounter many runners involved in the Marathon-"The Bodmin Way" (Beacon Beast). As we headed into Bodmin, Trevor showed us the way with the help of his smartphone, on a cycle path, route 3, thus avoiding the dreaded main roads, & roundabouts. Soon we found ourselves seated at the watering hole in Bodmin to dry out a little.
  When we came out, the rain clouds had disappeared over the horizon. So soon underway, it was out of Bodmin & along the Camel Trail with a cycle-friendly gravel layer, to help us maintain a good speed, & to leave it at Tresarrett. Trevor was soon reunited with the pub in Blisland (He & Sue had spent one Xmas there).
  Suitably refreshed, it was onward & upward to cross the A30 on top of Bodmin Moor. After the village of Temple, we got sidetracked by Trevor, who had spotted many fish heads (Very puzzling) from the bridge crossing the river Warleggan. Shortly after, we managed to do some rough stuff with Trevor leading the way & arrive at Colliford Lake. Here we took the usual way back to Dobwalls without incident. Lovely ride & company with 37 miles done.

Larry

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    ​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

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​    Following the disappointment that Rob and Bren would be unable to make this ride, we were delighted to hear that Bonnie was planning to join us! Trev, Larry, Bonnie and myself set off from the free car park in Callington with a following wind through the quiet lanes via Stoke Climsland, Rezare with its village green and fontaine and on to Launceston for coffee at Tesco. We are always guaranteed a decent coffee there and enough time for a good chat and associated banter! 
For the next leg of our journey, Larry ably led us through the backstreets and then on up the steep hill to the adjacent village of St. Stephen's where we turned left in the direction of Egloskerry. For the first mile or so this minor road was quite busy due to Sunday lunchers and golfers but, however, as soon as we turned off through Langore we didn't see another car for twenty minutes or so. By the time we had left North Petherwin we were cycling briskly along the northern bank of the River Ottery thanks to a roaring tailwind which took us very quickly to the rather aquatically named village of Canworthy Water. There is actually the afore mentioned river here, but no lake! Since Larry has been known to have dined here, we decided to eat our sandwiches in the shelter of the levee.
  After more chat and bike maintenance we turned to head home and what a shock as we faced a really strong wind coming from a south by south-easterly direction. This was especially highlighted as we climbed up towards the A395 on the edge of Coldeast Moor. We had a short respite as we headed down through the trees to the picturesque Gimblet's Mill and up the steep climb to the ridge road where, instead of taking a left to Polyphant, we went straight across (sp Alturnan 1 mile) now we all agreed that this must have been a Cornish mile because it seemed to take us an age to reach the pretty bridge beneath the massive parish church! Up the hill into Five Lanes, where we decided to try The King's Head pub. It was a lively hostelry, and we've decided to add it to our repertoire! 
The final leg of our journey was standard fare - back lanes to Plusha, five miles of the B road through Congdon's Shop and Coads Green and then lanes again through Linkinhorne, South Hill and Maders and back to the start. The return journey was particularly tough due to the wind, and we were all glad to be back in the car park. We had 42 miles on the clock and a 4.30 finish! Good company and a good day, thanks everyone!  

​Dave

  Riders: Myself, Trevor, David  

 At the start, what I was looking forward to was having a ride, confident that my bike is now A1 after having a full service!

The weather was a bit iffy, blue skies but with a cold wind and I think that this might have put some people off, and it was reflected in our numbers.
The three of us set headed for the cafe at Roadford reservoir and on the way we had a stop at the at Sydenham House where we explored a nearby bridle track. The house always since I first saw it had a look of mystery about it with its walled garden and how it was set in park land with the river Lyd nearby. 
At the cafe, sitting by the window, we enjoyed good views of the reservoir with its sailing boats.
After the stop we went along the lakeside track trying to avoid the dog walkers, ramblers and mud which Trevor managed to find, just to give us a bit of a challenge!
When tarmac was reached, we headed for an attractive village of Bratton Clovelly, then under the A30 making the way to Lydford along lanes with good views of the north moors, though before Lydford we had a roadside sandwich stop taking advantage of the last bit of sunshine.
In Lydford we had a stop at the rustic Castle Inn, but inside it was too warm, so we settled for sitting outside under a canvas roofed area with electric heater attached to the tent poles.
After being fuelled with beer and coffee, it was back to Brent Tor, now with cold grey skies, so it was very pleasant to have a warm drive back home. 
27 miles covered and well done.

Graham

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  Four of us made an appearance at the station car park, on this bright sunny day but with a cold ENE wind blowing. Riders, Myself, Graham B, Andy & Dave O.
  We set off towards Wrangaton into the easterly & turning off to join the lanes down to Avonwick then to Diptford with the steep climb, to be continued up to the Moreleigh road. Passing through the village of Moreleigh & onwards to cross the Kingsbridge road, joining the lanes to Blackawton. With a nice climb into Blackawton itself, passed the pub to swing a right & head for Hillfield & Bugford Cross. Here we turned left on Batchmore Lane which took us up to Hemborough Post & the main Dartmouth road. Taking a left and on to Gardentime garden centre & our first refreshment stop. We decided to sit outside as the cafe is in a greenhouse & was a bit warm, this was a mistake as it was blowing a hooley through the outside seating, but we persevered. A good job Dave Newman wasn't with us, as he would have had a good moan.
  On the road again & up to the Sportsman pub to take a sharp left for Higher Tideford. After a couple of miles, Andy came alongside me & said there is no sign of Graham, yes!!! He had got himself lost again. My phone rang, Graham asking where we were. He had turned left instead of right coming out the garden centre, although I had informed everyone we were going up to the pub. He finally re-joined us about 20 mins later, plus two more phone calls to stop him disappearing into the bright blue yonder.
  Forward again to skirt Cornworthy and follow the nice lanes to Tuckenhay & the Maltsters Arms Pub to grab a bench table by the river. The wind again was blowing a hooley up the river, but we managed to get a table behind a high sided van, which give us some protection, & to enjoy the wild life on the water. It was Beers & Ciders all round thanks to Graham, so we forgave him for the hold up.
  Dragging ourselves away from the beers, it was on to Bow Bridge, then taking the lovely lane down to Harbertonford. From here it was the tried & tested route back to Avonwick & onwards to South Brent & then back to Ivybridge. Saying our goodbyes after 35 miles of up & down riding on a beautiful day, pity about the wind, but we managed to stay out of it most of the time.

Trevor
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       Riders: Trevor, Dave, Graham, Jim & myself. Weather: Sunny all day, but cold in the wind.

 Dave & I arrived to see the other guys already getting ready for the ride. Soon underway, I remarked to Trevor how the forecast had originally given us a cloudy outlook. I did not think I would get another layer of mud on the bike, but I was to be proven wrong. The usual route to Golitha Falls was taken & soon we arrived for hot refreshments in full sun, with another cycling group in attendance.

 Fully tanked up, we headed up the road beside the River Fowey, on our way to Dozmary Pool. As we started the climb to Dozmary Pool, Trevor's chain decided to come off. Whilst he was sorting that out, Jim & myself found ourselves chatting to a lady walker at the top of the climb. During the conversation, she mentioned doing 20 miles a day when she was free of any injuries. Now that's what I call some walking (Or was she a good storyteller). Soon regrouped, we all headed round Colliford Lake with my favourite Highland cattle dotted around here & there. Then having done a long downhill section we crossed over the road at Wenmouth Cross to enter pasters new except for Dave who said he had played in the cricket ground here many moons ago. I think we all enjoyed the Trevor lane down to Ashford Bridge over the River Fowey. Here Dave suggested was an ideal spot to eat our lunches, out of the wind, & with the sound of the river in the background. 

 Lunch over, it was up a very steep climb to cross the main road & continue along with another (First time) narrow cycle lane to Dobwalls. After Dobwalls, we descended & crossed over the A38 motorway & entered another lane nobody had been on before (More brownie points). Then on through British Columbia to have refreshments in Liskeard.

 On leaving Liskeard, we all descended the road alongside the railway line heading towards Looe. Then we turned left to take the long climb to Horningtops. Then turned right to Bylane End. Here we enjoyed the route back to the start in reverse, which we normally sometimes take when setting off from Trerulefoot.   36.5miles on the cyclometer.

  Kind regards from Larry.

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     Four of us turned up at the Ridgeway for Sunday's ride to Weir Quay, these included myself, Graham B, Trevor and Dave. The forecast wasn't great, stating weather warnings, however, fake news once again.
The route was  to Plymbridge Woods, joining the Plym Valley trail to Bickleigh. On reaching the A386 and crossing it, it was a combination of up and down hills to Denham Bridge.
Having conquered the up hill winding narrows to the summit, we were soon in Bere Alston. This is where I took a wrong turning and things went pear shaped, luckily Trevor was able to navigate us the correct way, so all was not lost.
Once at Weir Quay, our coffee stop, it was time for Graham to practice his 'Duolingo' as the proprietor was of French origin. Fed and watered it was the pleasant route along the quay to Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston, terminating at Tavi' where we stopped for petit dejeuner also named Morrison's.
Once more we were on the Drakes Trail heading home, having arrived at Clearbrook we bade our farewells to Trevor as we went our separate ways.  A  pleasant day in good company, having covered 44 miles and even more for Trevor.

Andy

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