As we are back again at the Tamar Bridge after all the closures etc I am faced with the same old problem finding a way out of Saltash that avoids the A388 and the massive climb up Frenchman's lane or the 'four hills of hell' from the bottom of Hatt towards Amy Tree which we seem to do every time. So, I wondered if we could grit our teeth and stay on the A388 for another two and a half miles to St Mellion and then dive into the pretty lanes to Amy tree and then a slightly different route into Callington. After such a long break due to the Pandemic I was particularly intent on finding us some unfamiliar lanes to pedal through. All we needed was some decent weather to back up the dry spell and I may not have to spend the next three weeks cleaning my bike! Well weatherman Trevor assured that it was going to be fine so when I saw the first rays of sunshine through the crack in my curtains I positively leapt from my bed only to be greeted by a heavy frost which would, rule out Les and Larry for a start. So, I set off towards the bridge wishing that I was wearing my winter gloves and a merino base layer! For once, I was first there ready to greet Trev and Graham when, to my great delight, along came Steve and Penny and Andy P. looking very sprightly on his road bike.

With a full and legal contingent of six we set off up the sunny fore street to get the main road out the way (and Trev's comments about Gloucester services) as quickly as possible so that we could enjoy cycling again in a group again. Well, the different route to Amy Tree proved popular and on down Axford Hill and up the other side where turned left so that we could enter Callington from the south-west. After discovering that there were no take away coffees to be had it was the usual route through Maders, South Hill to Linkinhorne where we sat by the church in the sunshine having our first refreshment break. It was beginning to warm up now as we followed the lanes in a westerly direction we suddenly glimpsed the distinct shape of that conically lump of granite known as "Sharp Tor". On through the lanes to Bathpool where we crossed the River Lynher and up our second 'chevron' to briefly join the B3254 before climbing again onto Bodmin Moor and the moorland village of Henwood. I don't know whether the intrepid Trevor is beginning to feel his age at last, but he actually suggested that it required a chevron! (how many times have we heard him say that it's only an undulation?) Along the lane towards Minions with it's evocative landscape of old mining activity where we sat on the edge of the common where there was much banter, serious pontification as well as the taking of refreshment. We exited Minions by the Cornish cross known as Long Tom but instead of the usual route via Crow's Nest and Pensilva we took the unfamiliar lanes from Higher Tremarcoombe, Tremar and Rosecraddoc Manor to join Larry's favourite route past Fursdon caravan park and on to Gang.(our third chevron). From here more changes were rung as we took the main road towards Newbridge, although we deviated via the small lane off to the right. The last long climb of the day back up to Amy Tree is quite a pull as we climbed over 450 feet in just over a mile.

The ride back was routine and trouble-free, and we arrived at Saltash services at approx 2.40pm with just over 40 miles on the clock. Thanks everyone for helping to make it such a pleasant ride and let's hope for similar weather conditions in our next batch of rides. An extra congrats to Trevor and Andy for managing a tough-ish ride without any eco-assistance. 

Dave

​  

  Just 3 riders today, Myself, Dave N, Graham B, on a dull but dry day. We set off heading for Filham & followed the lanes to Ludbrook, here we swung a left up a long hill towards Ugborough. Arriving in the village we decided on another long hill and headed for Venn Cross, from here it was on to North Huish. It was, for a change, a downhill route to Bickham Bridge, crossing the river Avon we took a left up another long hill before dropping down into Dipford. Then we followed the road out of Dipford heading for the `B` road to Totnes, this we crossed and took the undulating lane to Marley Head. We stopped for refreshments here & sat in the entrance to Marley House, which has been converted to 25 apartments & cottages.
  Fully refreshed it was aboard our bikes again to cross the A38 and onto Harbourneford Cross & then Moorshead Cross. Swinging a left up the obligatory hill & on to Reddacleave Kiln Cross to join the Sustrans 272 route to the aptly named Bloody Pool Cross. Now we had a bit of fine drizzle and a strong headwind to contend with. We then made for Shipley Bridge & the tea wagon to be served nice strong coffee's by "Debbie" the nice lady, & the host of the refreshment stop. Loads of cars parked here, what's all this lock down about ?
  Climbing on our trusty steeds we headed for Aish, turning right for a change it was on the lanes heading for Owley, we stopped on the bridge over the stream named - "Glaze Brook",  to admire the daffodils and scenery, plus a photo shoot. Now it was on to  Bittaford and back to the start at Ivybridge.
  My speedo said 27.7 miles after a mainly dry day, just a bit of drizzle near the Moors, luckily the strong wind was mainly behind us, just the last leg it was on the nose. But it was nice to have a group ride again even if there was only 3 of us, & the other two did wait for me at the top of the hills on their electric bikes.

​Trevor

 Four of us gathered at the car park Ivybridge Station, Myself, David N, Graham B, & Andy P. on a cold but frost free day. We where soon on the lanes heading for Combe Cross & Strode, then crossing the main A3121 Ugborough road to head up hill for the Ridge road & past Ludbrook Manor. Here we had to battle the cold biting NE wind before turning right & the climb up to Mary Cross, at least we where out of the wind, & surprisingly the lanes had seemed to have dried out a bit after all that rain of late + no icy patches. We continued on the lanes heading for The Thatches Holiday Village, which seems to have grown in size of late, & up to Chillaton Cross. It was then a continuation of frost & ice free lanes to arrive at Loddiswell green & two convenient placed benches to enjoy our flasks of coffee & tea, also to people watch as they took their dogs for walkies.
   After a good natter, we navigated the back streets of Loddiswell to join Knapp Hill and down to Knapp Mill there to join the lane to Aveton Gifford. Here I took them through the park to the under pass, to join the  Avon Estuary road, I had checked the tides before hand to make sure we didn`t get wet. I think everybody else had, going on the amount of traffic we had to pull in for. Having admired the bird life along this stretch it was then to navigate the long Stakes Hill up to Bigbury Village, mind all my companions shot up on their electrified bikes  leaving me to struggle up in their wake, still it was my fault for coming this way. Through the village and on the main drag, passed the golf club where plenty of golfer`s we enjoying the balmy weather today, but still a biting wind, & down to the beach. The cafe in the lower car park was open for takeaways, so we sat on the bank admiring the view and trying to keep out the wind. It is worth noting the upper cafe is open again after being sold & closed for a while, I thought it was going to be developed in to some luxury accommodation, but it looks like someone has decided to open it as a cafe again.
  We set off again to negotiate the off road coastal path down to Challaborough, which gave Dave a chance to moan because I had got his bike dirty with red clay. It was then a climb up to Ringmore & to turn left at the church & head for Marwell Cross, and join the Kingston road. Coming in to Kingston we hung a right for Langston Cross and headed for Shearlangstone then on towards Modbury. Arriving at the back of Modbury it was time for another off road bit, so joined Cottlass Lane, Dave wasn't to keen but I assured him it was hard packed and not muddy. ( Well it was a few weeks back when I walked along with the dog ) Well you`ve guessed it, it was muddy ,and Dave`s wheels clogged up with mud & he had to carry his bike most of the way, ( Sorry Dave ) but I keep telling you to get a proper bike. With Dave having de-mudded his bike so his wheels would go round again, we headed for the main A379 Modbury road to cross and join the Ridge road again & head for Ermington. Passing through the village and heading for Ivybridge, I took them on another off road jaunt through Filham Park, this wasn`t muddy though, with hard packed track. It was then up through Filham & back to the Station to say are goodbye`s, and for Dave to go home & clean his bike.
   Another good adventure, for those worried about icy lanes there was no bother, although that wind was cold, I had 33 miles on the clock.

​Trevor

  Four of us set off from the Ridgeway at Plympton i.e.  myself, Trevor, Graham  B and Dave. Trevor being the first to arrive having cycled in from Ivybridge and warning us that there was black ice about. The ride itself was to Yealmpton for coffee at Ben's Farm Shop traversing the lanes to Newton Ferrers and beyond. 
The first hurdle of the day was Plympton hill having just passed through St. Maurice. There were three of us on E bikes having myself just acquired a kit to convert my bike, however the motor didn't kick in as it should have done and ending up cycling it under my own steam, which seemed to warm me up as it's quite a steep hill.
Trevor suggested that we should try the new road, as it would leave out a few hills, whilst linking Sherford, Now  heading for Wixenford and then Efford leading to Yealmpton. At Yealmpton the cafe was open and Trevor kindly treated us all to coffee, However because we weren't a bubble we were ushered outside to to finish our beverages.
On leaving the farm shop and heading towards Kitley this was my chance to try my newly adapted electric  stead, whereas before I would be in Granny gear it seemed effortless and brought a smile to my face.  as it shot up the hill.
     On approaching Newton F we took the slip road bringing us down to the estuary at Newton. Having passed through Newton and Noss Mayo we were confronted with a flooded road and a couple of cars trying to get through unsuccessfully. So we delegated Trevor to take the lead as his bike was non electric and couldn't suddenly cut out owing to wet electrics. 
Trevor was successful but unfortunately misjudged the depth of water and consequently got a bit wet, whilst the three of us remainers took an alternative route and subsequently met up with him a bit further on.
On arriving back at Ivybridge we decided to give the farm shop a visit at Endsleigh, but that also was closed, so decided to carry on through Cornwood  and Sparkwell and finalising our ride at Plympton having done a tad over 30 miles and good company to boot.

​Andy

  ​On arrival at the car park at Blunts, it was nice to see Graham John put in an appearance. Of course, that made Trevor & I outnumbered by three on e-bikes in the end. So after a heavy downpour hiding in the cars, we got underway & soon arrived at Gang, where we all turned left into a Trevor lane complete with flooded water. I had to start showing off by riding fast through the water & getting my feet wet. I noticed Trevor wasn't far behind when he realized he was missing out on the fun that I was having. At one point I lost direction but Dave came to my rescue, as we all know he is king to route-finding in South East Cornwall. Soon we climbed up to Redgate, then down to Golitha Falls for a well-earned elevenses. I saw Trevor filling his face with a huge piece of fruit cake, closely followed by me with a mincemeat flapjack which puts a whole new meaning on little & often. 

Soon back on our bikes & heading up the drainpipe road. Aptly named because of the flooding across the road, & today was no exception as I continued to lead through the puddles. It was good really because it wasn't raining & I was managing to stay wet, mind you it was a bit on the cold side. Soon we arrived at Dave's favourite climb, well it is now he has motor assistance. Now up on Bodmin moor proper, we took in Dozmary pool & Colliford Lake (reservoir). Not to mention all the different kinds of cattle including my favourite highland breed. You know the ones with the shaggy coat & massive horns. Soon we all descended to Treverbyn bridge (Clapper bridge 1412 River Fowey) for photocall care of Trevor's superphone. Rest over it was on up to the Junction where we decided to go over the A38 motorway & take the dryer lane into Liskeard. Graham J mentioned it was a first for him. Soon in the warm in The King Doniert pub. Here I even had a beer(Thankyou Dave). I then felt peckish so shared my malt loaf slices with Graham B.

Outside whilst mounting our trusty steeds I spotted Dave Byfield of Liskeard CTC talking to Dave N etc. I wished him a happy Xmas & a safe New Year. Now it was over the usual route back to Blunts & the finish on what turned out to be on the whole a dry day all though a bit on the chilly side. Mind Dave & Graham B were warm in their new jackets, although Graham is sending his back because it`s got a bump in the front.  Speedo read 35 miles of fun.

All that's the best in-between lockdown cycling Larry.

​

    David, Trevor, John O`Rourke, Graham J. and myself

The Sunday ride again became the Saturday, due to the weather, it was still very cold but mainly dry. Plympton was the start and I had only a rough idea how to get up to Lee Moor from the start, then Trevor jumped into the breach and led us on an interesting route of back lanes up to the cross roads near the Moorland Hotel, Wotter.
From here I was back to the front taking the road over Cadover bridge and then taking a right along a high scenic road and down to Sheepstor, it was here John, not feeling to well decided to make his way back to Yelverton and his car. We rode around Burrator reservoir before going up a steep climb and across the Princetown road to Sampford Spiney, there David left us to make his way back home for warmth and footy! 
Due to the virus, there was no Pubs or cafes open so the advice was to bring a flask and nibbles but as we headed towards Drakes Trail, Trevor suggested going to Morrisons in Tavistock which I thought was a good idea with beans on toast in my mind!
After a pleasant stop it was the last leg of the journey back to Plympton going along the Drakes Trail, with Trevor parting company with Graham J. and myself at Clearbrook, and we made our way back to Plympton with 41 miles covered, and for Trevor having rode in from Ivybridge, 51 miles, on a cold but a good day's ride.

Graham
​

     I had been planning this route ever since Trevor had drawn up the new runs list but 42 miles seemed a little  bit long for this time of the year. However, what with the sparseness of watering holes and the desire to fit in the quieter lanes I did not feel that I could justify cutting it shorter. At this time of the year the weather is far from guaranteed so I waited with baited breath for the forecast. Sunday, it seemed, was going to be colder of late yet dry. However, although I had got Graham John and John O'Rourke interested Les and Larry sent their apologies I was hoping for more than the usual three. J O'R pulled out just as I was about to leave for Callington, which, incidentally, is a very convenient starting place. It was nice to see Graham J. after so long but, unfortunately, he had decided that there could be ice about and it would be too risky. Anyway Paul Bunce arrived so there were four of us .Myself, Trevor, Graham B. & Paul.
   I decided to forego Florence Lane with its chevron and opted for the main road up to Kelly Bray and, rather gingerly, set about the narrow lanes through Stoke Climsland, Beal's Mill, Rezare and Lawhitten. There was some ground frost in shaded areas and also lots of surface water so we had to be especially vigilant. We arrived at Tesco safely with the worst of the weather behind us. Still, it was nice to be able to sit in the warm to drink our coffees.
          After discussing our proposed exit from Launceston Paul led us on an interesting sojourn around the 
town which included a little known cycle path, a glimpse of his old boarding school as well as the wonderful
churchyard with a view to the upper reaches of the Tamar Valley! Then it was the descent to the suburb of Newport and up, probably, the hardest climb of the day to St.Stephen's Church and into the network of tiny lanes that crisscross this little known part of NE Cornwall. Actually, the first 2 miles was rather busy with, what seemed to be an unusual amount of traffic for an unclassified road. We were soon cycling along lanes with grass beginning to appear in the centre and through tiny hamlets with unfamiliar sounding names - Langore, Cargentle and Hellescott before arriving at the larger village of North Petherwin. from here we entered a lane with no signpost and were rewarded with not one vehicle within a 5 mile stretch - that is until we turned into Carnworthy Water which was our turn back towards Callington.
  The next few miles were more familiar through Splat and Three Hammers( my route from Crackington Haven and Larry's from Tintagel). Then more narrower lanes and along the A395 for a mile ( time was getting on ) and then through Trewen to Polyphant. After negotiating the busy A30 we climbed up to Lewannick for our pre-planned drink at the excellent Archer Arms. As it was getting late Paul decided to head straight back along the B road before dark. With hindsight Trev, Graham and I should have foregone the pub also but we did spend a pleasant half hour! 
    Well, it was still light when we unlocked our bikes after some nice beer, curtesy of Graham B.,  but nightfall fell quite quickly after Bray Shop so we rode the last 4 miles or so in the dark. Graham and Trevor were well lit up but I am afraid that I had forgotten mine which was unforgivable. 
Thanks you two for covering me so excellently! It was a good day out but perhaps a bit too long.

​Dave

 Three of us started out from Plympton Ridgeway, Myself, Graham B, Dave, on a bright sunny day. It was off down to the recreational ground & along Valley road taking the detour round the sewage works & up to Saltram. Here I got Dave moaning as I took the track through the woods (a little bit muddy) to join the cycle path alongside the Plym & passed the recycle center up to the Laira Bridge road. Just before the road we joined the cycle path to Saltram Meadow & then joining the Billacombe Rd, & Elburton Rd. to turn left onto Haye Rd, before joining the cycle path through King George V Memorial Playing fields to arrive at the Sherford Rd. We took the new road through the new town of Sherford & developments all the way up to Deep Lane at Plympton, across the flyover to join the cycle path up to Langage. It was then on to lanes heading for Venton passing through the hamlet admiring the nice views over to our left over the moors. Continuing along the lanes past Lucas wood were Ted & I sat among the bluebells in the spring enjoying our drinks & nibbles, it was then a left turn & to the track leading to the Slade Estate under one of Brunel`s railway arches. Here we sat on some fallen logs to enjoy our refreshments in the bright sunshine.
  After a rest we continued through the estate to join lanes again and headed for Corntown & Cornwood, at the pub it was straight across the road to join the Harford Rd./Lane. It was a struggle for me to climb the long hill after crossing the small bridge at the bottom of Vicarage hill, but my two fellow riders shot up on their electric bikes. Just before Harford who should we meet but Larry & Les coming the other way in their twosome bubble, a few words were exchanged before we carried on to the Church at Harford for our second break, sitting on benches in the church yard enjoying sandwiches & drinks.
   It was then in the saddle again after a nice break in the sunshine with the birds singing and a friendly Robin hopping around us hoping for some crumbs, to follow the lane to Ivybridge. Coming down Cole Lane we joined the cycle path passed the Station & then on to the Rugby club, before turning left to join the lane to take us through the new estate alongside the A38 called Lucerne Fields. I led them through the alleyways & byways of Ivybridge to arrive at the cycle path back to Plympton were we said are farewells, & for me to ride home.
A good day was had by all, nothing to demanding, I had 29.2 miles on my machine, & Dave, Graham would have about the same when they got back to Plympton.
     PS: Larry has included a couple of pictures of him & Les waiting for a bus at Wotter, Perhaps they are still there.

​Trevor

   Sunday's ride was cancelled again & this was the best dry day of the week, & the last opportunity for a group ride for at least 4weeks. Due to another lockdown. So on arrival with Dave, I even spotted Ted & Paul together with Trevor, Graham & Steve. Soon in the saddle the seven of us crossed the main road & into dirty Trevor lanes winding our way along & then down a steep drop to the River Seaton. Here we all waited for the arrival of Speedy Gonzales Paul descending & trying to burn his brake blocks out. After cheering him on we followed the river downstream into Seaton. Here followed the climb out up Monkey hill whilst taking in the splendid seaward views. Ted was very busy with his camera again I noticed.  After regrouping at the top we carried on along lanes to No Man`s Land. Trevor asked where the motorway services would be now that we were on the undulating main road to Looe. Soon we turned off left & headed the backway into East Looe seafront. Another very steep descent saw us all on the seafront, drinking coffee whilst social distancing, in-wall to wall sunshine. I warned them of the steep climb to come, that was just over the bridge in West Looe.

Banter & photos over we made our way to the climb which did not disappoint. After a short distance over the top, we came to the motorway to Pelynt, & the home of  Jonathan Trelawny(trelawnysarmy.org). At the top of the village after a short stop to allow Paul to group up, we turned right into a narrow lane which I was sure Trevor would enjoy. I don't think it disappointed as Trevor & Ted decided to go off-piste & down a private track. Dave volunteered to go & retrieve them which I thought was very gallant. All together again & now heading downhill on what felt like a bit of rough stuff instead of a lane. On arriving at a junction we heard gunfire, & turned left past men carrying shotguns. I saw feathers coming down around me as I started climbing towards the village of Duloe, so wondered if it managed to getaway. After quite a long climb we passed through the pleasant village Duloe, followed by St Keyne, then onto the climb into Liskeard for refreshments in the Wetherspoons pub, where coffee & beer was consumed, at 90pence a pint, Graham & Trevor decided to have 2 pints having not seen these prices since the 1970`s. Here Paul decided to go on ahead & leave us to it, as he was social distancing & didn't fancy coming in the pub.

 So after our break, we headed back to Trerulefoot along the usual route & managed to catch Paul up & finished the ride with 32 miles on the clock, after a very enjoyable ride with sunny weather for a change.

Larry
​

  It was take two for todays ride as I had to cancel the Sunday ride because of the bad forecast-which turned out to be a nice sunny day-you can`t win them all. There was 4 of us at the start, Myself, Graham B, Andy & Dave Oatway, Dave Newman had the start of flu, Larry was having his flu jab that afternoon.
 We set off towards Bittaford & turned left under the railway arches for a nice climb to shake the cobwebs out, Andy & I struggled up after the other two on their e-bikes, Andy dreaming of when his bike would be electrified & hoping to get his kit by the end of the week. Passing Moorhaven village we turned left again & headed for Owley, the lanes were knee deep in autumn leaves, at times it was a job to make out the tarmac, this proved a problem for the whole ride. Arriving in Aish we headed for Shipley Bridge & found we where to early for the tea wagon, so it was on to Bloody Pool Cross and the back lanes to Buckfastleigh. On these lanes coming down the long hill towards Deancombe there was a loud pop from my rear wheel and I had a puncture. Stripping down my wheel to repair the puncture with the thoughts of running my fingers around the tyre to find the offending thorn, my inner tube seemed stuck in & I found the offending object of my puncture, a metal pin like a nail about 3- 4 inches long through my tyre and innertube.
 Back on the road again we passed through Buckfastleigh, Pridhamsleigh & headed for Landscove and our first coffee stop to find it closed on Mondays till the 22 March, dam!!. This place used to be closed all winter, but the last time Graham & Myself were here they said it would now be opened all winter, not mentioning that it would be closed Mondays. So it was plan 2, & we headed off for Ben`s farm shop at Staverton. On arrival with the sun out and blue sky`s we sat outside to enjoy our refreshments.
 Fully refreshed & our stomachs recharged, it was on the road again to skirt Rattery & on to South Brent, as the afternoon progressed we started to get a couple of drizzly showers to dampen us down a bit, but these soon passed. Coming into South Brent we decided to stop again at the converted pub come cafe for more refreshments, tucking in to Beer & Cider, with Andy abstaining for a cup of tea. After a nice stop and reflecting back on our teenage years around a table with our alcohol, it was then the final leg back to the Station carpark and our farewells for another week after a nice ride with good company and 36.8 miles covered.

Trevor