The atrocious weather the day before and the poor forecast had put some off but not Sue, Anna, Bryan, Graham B, Jean, Julie and George who met up at Plympton. Mike joined us on the road. It was surprisingly warm as we cycled steadily to Ivybridge where Sue and Anna went to look at shops before coffee at Endsleigh. There was a bit of drizzle on the way to coffee at Wrangaton, where we were met by Phil. After a monster breakfast bap Bryan decided to return home and Mike went with him having lots to do. We took the usual route through South Brent and Harborneford but at Lower Dean branched left to climb to Round Cross with noticeable help from a strong tail wind. This was rewarded at the top by a spectacular aerial view of the Abbey. There was just time to eat lunch outside before the rain came, but it was dry again when we left. Graham had had a puncture at home and now couldn't get the tyre to stay up. George to the rescue.
We returned from the Abbey along the main road until Lower Dean then left uphill onto the ridge to Pennywell Farm. By now George was in trouble, his front gear cable was literally hanging by a single thread. A replacement was needed and with much advice and encouragement from us all it was accomplished! On via Rattery and Edeswell Farm. George was by now in need of more tea so a pub stop in Avonwick, just as the rain started. There was heavy rain as we left for yet another climb up to Ridge Road. With the route map under 2 layers of plastic I missed the way and we ended up descending into Ugborough and having to climb out again. Sorry guys. The rain lasted about an hour, it cleared up as we headed back from Ivybridge, arriving at Plympton at 5:30pm. We estimated the ride to be about 40 miles. So armed with a couple of judiciously timed tea stops we avoided some of the rain and somehow the SW head wind on the return leg wasn't as noticeable as I had feared.
We returned from the Abbey along the main road until Lower Dean then left uphill onto the ridge to Pennywell Farm. By now George was in trouble, his front gear cable was literally hanging by a single thread. A replacement was needed and with much advice and encouragement from us all it was accomplished! On via Rattery and Edeswell Farm. George was by now in need of more tea so a pub stop in Avonwick, just as the rain started. There was heavy rain as we left for yet another climb up to Ridge Road. With the route map under 2 layers of plastic I missed the way and we ended up descending into Ugborough and having to climb out again. Sorry guys. The rain lasted about an hour, it cleared up as we headed back from Ivybridge, arriving at Plympton at 5:30pm. We estimated the ride to be about 40 miles. So armed with a couple of judiciously timed tea stops we avoided some of the rain and somehow the SW head wind on the return leg wasn't as noticeable as I had feared.
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