Leading my first ride. Keep it simple. Plympton to Tavistock and back, what could go wrong? There were 9 at the start point; the sunshine, and suggestions of spring, bringing them out. We gained one on the track to Yelverton. Frustratingly slow coffee stop at Long Ash. We gained two, George and Geoff (new member) for coffee and after said goodbye to Clare, Bryan, Graham R and Anna as they planned a possible ride on Drake's Trail going further north.
8 carried on to Tavistock via Whitchurch Down. We nearly lost Andy E as he hurtled through Horrabridge on the wrong road but George gallantly gave chase and eventually caught him. At Warrren's Cross I was keen to look for a TA stone marker and all patiently joined in the search. No luck. Geoff decided we were too slow for him and set off for a decent ride. Tavistock, via Moorshop, was warm and sunny outside the pool but three decided to sup elsewhere. When all were reconvened we set off, SE across the moor in the face of a strong, if not gale force, SE wind. It was taking its toll; Graham J left us at Walkhampton and Caroline at Dousland. More tea in Meavy with its roaring fire. Just 5 of us battled on to Cadover Bridge and back to Plympton via Borringdon. We were Graham B, Yolande, George, Andy E and myself. The moor was fantastic and we were back before dark but despite several GPSs and bike computers no-one knew the distance, maybe 40 miles. Throughout the day a phrase rumbled in my head: 'it's like herding kittens'.
Jean Harris
8 carried on to Tavistock via Whitchurch Down. We nearly lost Andy E as he hurtled through Horrabridge on the wrong road but George gallantly gave chase and eventually caught him. At Warrren's Cross I was keen to look for a TA stone marker and all patiently joined in the search. No luck. Geoff decided we were too slow for him and set off for a decent ride. Tavistock, via Moorshop, was warm and sunny outside the pool but three decided to sup elsewhere. When all were reconvened we set off, SE across the moor in the face of a strong, if not gale force, SE wind. It was taking its toll; Graham J left us at Walkhampton and Caroline at Dousland. More tea in Meavy with its roaring fire. Just 5 of us battled on to Cadover Bridge and back to Plympton via Borringdon. We were Graham B, Yolande, George, Andy E and myself. The moor was fantastic and we were back before dark but despite several GPSs and bike computers no-one knew the distance, maybe 40 miles. Throughout the day a phrase rumbled in my head: 'it's like herding kittens'.
Jean Harris