There were five of us at the start these were myself  Andy P, Trevor, Graham B, Dave N, and finally John O'rourke who'd flown all the way in from Callington.
Our  destination today was going to be  Newton Ferrers,
 Leaving the Ridgeway we were soon heading for Plympton St Morris and the dreaded Plympton Hill, with Dave taking the lead on his newly adapted electric bike, following through to Wiverton and Yealmpton, passing through Yealmpton we took a left turn and more lanes leading to Holbeton and eventually 'The Old School House'  at Mothecombe now an up market bistro where we sat outside in glorious sunshine and drank our coffees.
On our departure rather than taking the coastal road to Noss Mayo, Trevor suggested an alternate route that would get us to Newton Ferrers, I should have guessed there would be the usual obligatory hill, which there was, but hardly any traffic , I wonder why!
On arriving in the village we noticed  that the cafe on the green was up for sale which was sad to see. Passing through the village and heading through to Kitley we were to have our lunch at Ben's farm shop, again outside in the afternoon sunshine. On leaving we bade our farewells to John who was making his way back to Plymouth whilst we were heading  to Westlake and Ivybridge where once again we left Trevor bading our farewells and carried on back to Plympton via Cornwood. A good day out in good company, and with 34 miles to show for it.

​Andy

  I arrived at Blunts for my first ride in over two months and was somewhat apprehensive due to lack of fitness and the possible greasiness of the lanes after recent rain. However, I soon forgot all that when I saw a full carpark and a full contingent of riders which included Paul [an experienced cycle-camper and retired higher ed lecturer] and the recently joined-up Penny and Steve. Trevor, Graham, Les and Larry made up the rest of the group as the eight of us set of along the ridge road towards St. Ive, Gang and Pensilva.Just before the latter we turned left on a little used lane[mainly to appease Trev] arriving on the old main street of Pensilva.so that we could avoid the busy road up to Tokenbury Corner.This route afforded us easier access to quiet lane which runs to the south[and parallel] of the busy Crow's Nest lane and enables to pass the impressive portal dolmen of Trevivy Quoit. After a brief inspection we took the usual route through Diarite, Upper Tremar and Redgate to our designated coffee stop at Golitha Falls which was surprisingly easy considering the strange times we are living in. We were soon off on our way along the Draynes [upper Fowey] valley towards Bolventer but turned left up the steep valley side to Dozmary Pool. After a quick regroup we headed south along the eastern edge of Colliford Lake towards St. Neot. As the group were approaching the two cottages by White Barrow Down with me slightly in the rear. I rounded the bend to be confronted by the horrific sight of Penny sprawled on the ground in agony. Our newcomer, Paul, phoned for an ambulance giviing both medical and locational details in a most efficient manner[thank you Paul] in fact, a big thanks to everyone for the way they assisted until the arrival of the ambulance.

I must give credit to the residents of Whitebarrow cottage who provided Penny with a blanket when she began to shiver and aiso for taking care of her bike. After safely seeing her into the ambulance we decided to forego our cup of tea at Liskeard and head off straight back to our cars as Penny's husband, Steve needed to return for her cycle and then rendezvous with her at Derriford. As you might expect, our return journey was undertaken in a rather somber mood as we contemplated poor Penny's plight. We took the most direct route via Redgate, Diarite, Pensilva and St. Ive. The day began so promisingly with thoughts of moorlands and lakes in the company of a largish group. However, accidents will happen but it is hard not to dampen ones spirits somewhat. Thanks everyone for your company and I hope that it's not long before we see Steve[and Penny in due course]out riding with us again. The same goes for newcomer, Paul.

​Dave

  Arriving at the station car park I was greeted by, Graham B., Andy P, Larry, Steve & Penny, on a dull over cast day, but with the promise of sun later.
  We set off on a well tested route towards Avonwick & Harberton, I decided here to change our first coffee stop to the Nkuku cafe, to introduce Penny, Steve & Larry to their delights, making sure Larry had his bankers card with him for their inflated prices. On arrival we found the shop open but the cafe closed due to Covid 19, so it was back to plan`A`, and coffee in Totnes. We made our way there via Luscombe Cross then joined the cycle path alongside the main A381 before dropping down into Totnes, weaving our way through the back lanes to arrive at the Riverside Cafe to find they did`nt open for another 30 mins.So it was over the road to the Dartmouth Inn for our first coffee stop, sitting outside in a occasional glimpse of the sun to enjoy our tea & coffee.
  Fully refreshed we set off for Dartington via the cycle path alongside the river Dart. Reaching Dartington it was our first bit of rough stuff through North Wood before joining the Staverton Bridge road. We stopped on the ancient bridge for a photo shoot & for Steve & Penny to play Poo sticks in the river, also we caught  a flash of a Kingfisher after the small fish in the river. Mounting up on our bikes again it was to turn left at the station and head for Ben`s Farm shop, this had the normal restrictions that we are all getting used to now, so we collected drinks and retired to the benches on the green by the car park for our lunch break.
   On the road again to join the main A384 and through the traffic light system over the bridge and river Dart to turn right onto the Old Totnes road heading for Buckfastleigh. We proceeded through Dean Prior and headed for South Brent & then back to Ivybridge Station car park, before saying are goodbye`s for another week.
  Sods law!! the sun was starting to come out, we had hardly seen it all day, so much for the forecast again promising us sunshine, it seems just lately the best part of the day is in the evening, perhaps we should change our rides to 7 o`clock at night.
  Still we had a good ride in good company & I had 36.2 miles on the machine when on got home.

​Trevor

  I got to the bridge meeting point, well before anyone else had arrived. Then Steve & Penny turned up asking me where the best place was to leave their car. This sorted we then had Graham B & Trevor turn up. Then just before setting off Dave & Nicci walked in to see us off. It was nice to see Nicci looking so good after their accident with the tandem. So saying farewell we all parted company, with us five crossing the bridge & taking the scenic route through Saltash. Thus avoiding most of the traffic. Soon we found ourselves crossing the A38 on the Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge, & then cruising along the road to Callington. It wasn't long before we came off at Hatt. Now on country lanes & soon the real climbing & descending started. Soon after quite a steep climb, we turned left & headed for Pillaton, & passed the Weary Friar pub. We all were now enjoying a welcome long descent to Clapper bridge, over the River Lynher. Then shortly after turning right, we crossed the Ford, then climbed up to St Ive. It wasn't long before we arrived at the first watering hole, just North of Pensilva. Here whilst enjoying refreshments we took in the panoramic vistas. 

Trevor rallied the troops, & soon we got onto the dismantled railway for a nice bit of rough stuff to Minions. Along the way taking in the distant views across to Kit Hill, & Dartmoor. As we neared the end of the climb to Minions, Trevor managed to get some photos in, with the help of some other people going the same way. Soon arriving in Minions, just shy of a 1,000 feet & this was the highest point in our ride today. Now it was downhill more or less all the way to Sibleback Res`r, for another short bit of off-road cycling. Here it was noted how low the water level was. Soon it was onto the road to Golitha Falls for another refreshment stop. Here it was quite busy with Sunday drivers out & about now, & long queues for coffee. 

Now refreshed we headed out along the Redgate to Dobwalls road which was not too busy, & took the second turning left after Dobwalls. This was grass up the middle type of road, ideal for Trevor especially as it went steeply downhill to Coombe. Followed by a steep climb to Liskeard, & as we went through Liskeard I noticed their Wetherspoons pub was open again. Soon after leaving Liskeard, it was onto the well-used route back to Saltash & the Tamar bridge. Unfortunately, Trevor's bike suffered a malfunction, between Doddycross & Pengover Green. It could not be fixed so Trevor managed to phone Dave who came to his rescue. Dave & Trevor passed us in his car as we were going up the hill from Notter Bridge. Soon in Saltash, I bade farewell to the others as they went on to the Tamar Bridge. Not many days you get wall to wall sunshine, & on checking the cyclometer it read 43 miles.

​Larry

   There were only three of us today Trevor, Graham and myself meeting Trevor at the Hunting Lodge. The destination was supposed to be Dartington and coffee at Buckfastleigh. On arriving at Buckfast everything was closed so we decided to retreat to the Abbey grounds where we sheltered from the winds and had a virtual coffee break. 
We decided that  because Buckfast was closed for trade the chances that Dartington would follow suit. Trevor having been to Holne recently suggested that the village community shop/cafe could possibly be open. So upwards and on wards once more heading for Holne facing some very arduous climbing in places.
On arrival at Holne we were pleased to find it was open and the new proprietor was there to greet us. By now the weather had changed and a yellow thing  appeared in the sky, quite a contrast from the beginning of the day when it was cold and overcast. 
Apparently the new proprietors had just taken over the business and they where keen to make a go of it, and welcomed cyclists, so I decided to give them a good review on Trip advisor.
On our departure heading back home we stopped off at South Brent and were fortunate to find another cafe that was open. Previously a pub and again sat outside enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
At Ivybridge we bade our farewell to Trevor and fought a head wind back to Plympton where Graham and I parted company having cycled 44 miles, and an enjoyable day!

​Andy
​

 Arrived at the Station car park to find a throng of people, thought this is a good turn out. But it turned out Steve & Penny had bought a lot of their friends to do the ride I took them on a couple of weeks before, as they had enjoyed it so much. Saying they did`nt want to swell our numbers beyond the 6 allowed, but their friends were keen to come out with us when the restrictions were lifted, which would be nice.
  So it was left to Myself,Larry, Ted & Andy P. - which was nice to see Andy again after 3 months - to begin this weeks ride. So it was out of the car park to join the main road & then first right to join the lanes towards Filham & skirting Penquit to join the main  A3121, turning left here & then first right up to join the Ridge road. We turned right here in the sunshine heading for the Modbury road, enjoying the extensive views to the left over towards Modbury & the South Hams. It was straight across the main road to join the Kingston  road before taking the first left & following the lane down to Cottlass Farm, joining our first bit of off road before joining the lanes again heading for Hunts Cross. Turning right for Shearlangstone, Wastor Cross, Langston Cross & on to Kingston.We took a left here for Marwell Cross before heading down to Ringmore. We managed to lose Ted here, which we did`nt discover till we reached Challaborough, Larry volunteered to go back to find him.
​  All back together it was coffee at Steve the Brummies cafe, which was open. By now it had clouded over & with a gale blowing off the sea, we took shelter behind the cafe to drink our coffee & a chat with Steve.We asked how long he had been open, and he said only just as the beaches started to fill up. He wanted to open sooner as a take away but was getting grief from the locals, saying he was bringing Covid 19 to the area, and were getting real nasty to him.( Oh!! the joys of lockdown )
  We set off for the long climb up to Bigbury village, with the wind blowing us up the hill. Passing the church & Bigbury Court, we joined the lanes down to Easton, Hingston Borough & on to Averton Gifford. In the village we turned up for Court Barton church and headed for Chillaton Cross & to turn left on the California Cross road. It was then first right down to Leighmoor cross and hung a left before a right to Yarnacomb. Now it was time for our second bit of Bridleway and a bit rougher than the first to head for Shilston Barton, an old manor house & home to the, "Devon Rural Archives". Where you can gain access to all of Devons old history & old vintages maps and pictures of a bygone age.
  We had our second stop here below the house overlooking the lakes to have our lunch, and also get a shower of rain before the sun came out again. Also time for a Ted photo shoot.
  Fully refreshed outside & in, we set off on our return to Ivybridge, passing through Ermington to arrive back at the Rugby club were we said our goodbyes for another week. Back home I had 31 miles on the clock after another good day out.

​Trevor

    ​On arrival at the bridge Les & I meet up with Trevor & Dave. After a short bit of banter with Dave, he said he hoped to be back in the saddle very soon, & joining us on Sunday rides. The weather was supposed to be dry with sunny spells. But looking in the direction we were going in, dark clouds were looming. Anyway, we bade farewell to Dave & crossed over the bridge. As we went up fore street, we noticed the arrowed walking one-way system laid out on the pavements. Very good for social distancing I thought. Now on the way to Hatt & a notable increase in car traffic, yes, things are fast returning to normal. Won't be long before the pollution returns to pre lockdown levels. On leaving Hatt we were now in quiet country lanes heading for Pillaton with its Weary friar pub, soon to be back in business we hoped. After Pillaton we descended the narrow lane to Clapper bridge, & crossed the River Lynher. Shortly thereafter bade farewell to Les, who was going on to the coast & home. Soon after Trevor & I crossed over the ford with dry feet, & then did a bit of rough stuff alongside the river Lyner to New bridge. Crossed over the main Liskeard to Callington road & had to stop in Frogwell to put our rain jackets on. Shortly after stopping under some tall trees whilst the rain hammered down. After this, we seemed to be climbing all the way to Bray Shop. Time to take the jackets of & head for the long descent to Horsebridge, on arrival Trevor suggested a stop for nibbles. So outside the closed pub was chosen for its bench seating. Soon on our way & climbing to Chipshop, were the farm shop lady served us refreshments. Here I told Trevor you're going to like the next part of the ride as it is off-road.

So now with the sun out, we descended to the Tamar Trails, & this being a first for Trevor. He soon started enjoying himself once the going got rough, & I commented I don`t think Dave would have enjoyed it much. With his carbon fiber bikes. Soon passing the arsenic mines, we found ourselves on the old mineral railway that once linked Devon Great Consols Mine with the river port of Morwellham. Shortly we came out of the coniferous woodland & left the Tamar Trails for the main road to Gunnislake. Soon after a short climb after crossing the Tamar river we turned left & looped our way up to Albaston, then across to Harrowbarrow. Then the usual route to Amy Tree, Hatt & then Saltash services. Trevor left me saying see you next Sunday, & I carried on home in Saltash with 45miles on the cyclometer.

Larry

  We had the full compliment under lockdown rules at the start of this weeks ride, 6 of us. Myself & Sue, Larry, John D. also Steve & Penny Ridley who have rode with us a couple of times before.
  It was under a leaden sky with the chance of rain about 11 o`clock, but clearing up later, that we set off for Wrangaton with increased traffic compared to the last few weeks. Then joining the lane down to Avonwick to join the main road before turning right to join the lanes again. Carrying on to turn right just before Yogi hill and head for Roister Bridge and onto Harbertonford, here we stopped for our first break by the river where they had permanent benches & tables set out.By now the sun had come out with no sign of rain, so we sat down to enjoy our drinks and nibbles in the sunshine in a lovely spot.
  After a nice rest and chat, we mounted up again to take the lovely lane towards Bow Bridge. Here we started the long climb up to Ashprington then at the entrance to Sharpham Vinyard we joined the cycle path.It must be noted the only strugglers on this climb was Myself, Larry & John, the others had ebikes. Anyway we joined the scenic cycle path towards Totnes taking in the lovely views of the river Dart, meandering its way down to Dittisham & Dartmouth before spewing out into the Channel. The first part of the trail is rough shingle with a steep downhill route, John was having trouble controlling his road bike with narrow tyres before we joined tarmac again.  Arriving in Totnes we joined the cycle path again heading for Dartington, taking the lower track for the Craft Centre area, this track was packed with Sunday walkers & cyclists, so we had to queue in places. We had our second stop here finding some picnic benches to sit on, again in the sunshine.Here Larry espied a nice new property he fancied, nice and compacted and easy to keep clean, will he be moving soon ? See Photo of him viewing and admiring this house.
  Time to drag ourselfs away and continue on towards Week, before tackling another long climb up to Willing Cross. Skirting Rattery we headed for South Brent, on arrival we discovered the new cafe opened, so decided on another stop for refreshments. Larry & John tucking in to big lumps of carrot cake. Standing outside in the street with a few tables & chairs here & there & in the sunshine, it felt like a party. One local passing by commented how nice it was to see people out and about again.  With Larry & John all topped up with carrot cake, we set off home to Ivybridge. We stopped at the station to say our goodbyes, before Sue & I set off on another hill back home.
   What a lovely days ride with good company, I had just over 33 miles on the clock when I got home.

Trevor
​

  ​I arrived slightly later than normal at the Plymouth end of the bridge, to be met by Dave, Trevor, Sue, Graham B & John D. All keen to get on with the first unofficial group ride since lockdown started. I like many did not expect to see Dave turn up as he, & Nicci are still on recovery from there accident on the tandem. Time to set off, so we said farewell to Dave who was out on a recovery walk. Soon on our way through back streets in Saltash, some had not yet been on. Then out on the main road heading towards the regular hamlet of Hatt. On arrival, we decided to follow the Tamar river as close as possible & turn the ride into a bit of an adventure.

On leaving Hatt we started descending narrow unfamiliar lanes scattering birds left, right & center.  During the lockdown, all the animals had got back in a quiet way of life. So soon we arrived within the sleepy village of Cargreen. Graham knew the way from here, as he had been here quite recently. So we set off along a very narrow, & little-used lane heading towards Paynter`s Cross. I remembered from years ago that there were many gates to be opened & shut, along its length. I was not to be disappointed. At Paynter`s Cross, Trevor & Graham mapped out the next route to be taken, so on leaving we got on the main Callington road & soon turned right. As it turned out we should have taken the next right turning. Anyway, this lane soon turned into a woodland rough track, with Trevor navigating us through to the end. I think we were beginning to enjoy the adventure, & soon we came to a lane that took us to Halton Quay, & a bit of a break. Here Trevor lost us with his engineering skills, he gained whilst in the motor trade.

Soon on our way again we headed towards the pleasant National Trust property of Cotehele.  Soon we descended to Cotehele, with lovely clear views of the Tamar River valley, which is still famous for growing fruit & veg. On arrival at the Trust grounds, we soon got on the rough stuff, keeping us close to the Tamar River. It's funny how you soon forget how steep & rough these off-road sections are. On the climbing bit, a mountain biker came storming down & through as if we were not there. After a slow descent, we regrouped & headed along a lane towards Calstock village, having to go past an ambulance attending what looked like a lady casualty. On arrival at Calstock, I soon picked up the lane out towards Albaston. Soon we crossed the railway line & climbed to take the lane to Drakewalls, crossing the railway line again. At the first right turning, we bade farewell to John who was heading home to Tavistock via Gunnislake.

Now down to four, we climbed up to Drakewalls, then on towards Coxpark, going past the major gravel quarry in this area, with its rather large bits of heavy plant equipment. After climbing steadily for a while we came to the road to lead us to Kelly Bray, & nice & level for a change. Kit hill was to our left with its steep climb to the monument at the top. That`s for another day. On arrival at Kelly Bray, another quick stop was taken for refreshments. From here we went through Callington town & down a back lane to Frogwell, then on down to Newbridge. Over the main Callington to Liskeard road & followed the lanes to Pillaton, Hatt & Saltash. On arrival on the outskirts, I bade farewell to Sue, Trevor & Graham. It stayed dry for the most part but turned quite chilly later in the day. Sometimes it`s not always about the miles. I had covered 38 enjoyable miles.

​Larry

    ​The predicted wind was that strong it blew the Sunday`s ride back to Saturday and the start was also changed due to the weather and now it was the Lyneham Inn, near the A38. From the start it was muddy lanes, going through Westlake and Ermington, then over the A31 and up the hill to Mary Cross. Here we took a right and worked our way to Loddiswell and the Avon Mill garden centre for coffee. We then continued along south side of the river Avon to Gara Bridge, along the way Trevor took a photo of some colourful crocuses outside a impressive historic house. 
From the bridge it was up the hill to California Cross and the pub, sitting inside this time made a pleasant stop for drink. Afterwards we rode back to Mary Cross via Brownston and Ermington, arriving back at the start our thoughts were of the impending storm and how it was right to move the ride back to Saturday so that we could enjoy some blue skies in the dry but it was cold.
Graham Black Trevor Bradshaw Andy Prideaux. 32 miles covered.

​Graham