With only Graham Black at the start I was wondering how good the turn-out would be, but Bryan Richardson and Andy Prideaux turned up soon and a call from Graham Reed confirmed he was late and would catch us up. Andy set off apace to join Trevor Bradshaw at the Hunting Lodge, followed closely by Graham Black. Bryan and I stayed together, Bryan setting a very good pace nonetheless on his electrified bike. Not far out of Plympton I saw Graham Reed's flashing front light behind us. When we arrived at the Hunting Lodge, Trevor was waiting with Nigel Mole, a possibly new addition to our Section, riding a stripped down bike made from Reynolds 531 tubing which he had bought recently in South Molton and done up for just £41, all in!
Bryan left us soon after leaving Ivybridge for the café in Wrangaton, and the rest of us continued under Trevor's guidance to Loddiswell. Trevor's route was a direct route to Loddiwell past Ludbrook Manor, Mary Cross and via Alleron to the continuation of the B3916 just outside our destination - but with all the ups and downs, mud, grit and water along the route I did wonder if he could have found an easier, softer way.
Elevenses were at Avon Mill Nurseries. The raspberry ripple cake there – a spectacle to behold - seemed to be a definite favourite. I had planned to return to Ivybridge via Kingston, but we decided to take the longer option via Woodleigh which involved a long and steep climb (much encumbered by three mighty tractors along the way transporting maize) to Preston Cross , where at last we enjoyed an extensive stretch of downhill riding to Gara Bridge.
After a tea-break at the California Inn, we headed back along the B3196, crossed the A3121 at Kitterford Cross and took the first left along the lanes to the Rugby Club in Ivybridge. Little by little we said our goodbyes, and Graham Black and I arrived back at the Co-op car park in Plympton at 3:30 pm. For me about 37 miles on the clock and two empty batteries.
This weekend Anna Bryant is travelling in Italy, Sue Etheridge is marshalling with the Tour de Moor and Dave Newman is with Geoff Sharpe in France. We wish Nigel an enjoyable stay in Flensburg, (GFR), next week and hope to see him on a Section run again soon.
Best wishes - Graham John
Bryan left us soon after leaving Ivybridge for the café in Wrangaton, and the rest of us continued under Trevor's guidance to Loddiswell. Trevor's route was a direct route to Loddiwell past Ludbrook Manor, Mary Cross and via Alleron to the continuation of the B3916 just outside our destination - but with all the ups and downs, mud, grit and water along the route I did wonder if he could have found an easier, softer way.
Elevenses were at Avon Mill Nurseries. The raspberry ripple cake there – a spectacle to behold - seemed to be a definite favourite. I had planned to return to Ivybridge via Kingston, but we decided to take the longer option via Woodleigh which involved a long and steep climb (much encumbered by three mighty tractors along the way transporting maize) to Preston Cross , where at last we enjoyed an extensive stretch of downhill riding to Gara Bridge.
After a tea-break at the California Inn, we headed back along the B3196, crossed the A3121 at Kitterford Cross and took the first left along the lanes to the Rugby Club in Ivybridge. Little by little we said our goodbyes, and Graham Black and I arrived back at the Co-op car park in Plympton at 3:30 pm. For me about 37 miles on the clock and two empty batteries.
This weekend Anna Bryant is travelling in Italy, Sue Etheridge is marshalling with the Tour de Moor and Dave Newman is with Geoff Sharpe in France. We wish Nigel an enjoyable stay in Flensburg, (GFR), next week and hope to see him on a Section run again soon.
Best wishes - Graham John
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