Four of us turned up at the Ridgeway for Sunday's ride, these included myself Graham's R and J plus Sue E.
We picked up Trevor at the usual place i.e. 'The Hunting lodge' making the grand total of five.
On arriving at Wrangaton three of the group decided they would stop for coffee, leaving just Trevor and myself to carry on to Buckfastleigh for our coffee stop.
On the lanes leading to South Brent we noticed a sign stating that the road ahead was closed and that was evident as we passed by three stationary  cars heading in the same direction.
The road was in fact flooded under the railway bridge, hence the traffic queue of cars. 
Trevor not one for turning down a challenge went first and I followed, the water level was probably 18" to 2 foot deep not to be perturbed by mere water, legs spreadeagled we made it - just!
Upwards and onwards we headed and soon we were at Buckfast steam railway station. By now the sun was beginning to show itself as we sat outside drinking our coffee we noticed we weren't the only ones on two wheels as about 20 scooters had suddenly taken centre stage.
After coffee I decided to take the old Totnes road to Dartington, as we were trundling along, a motorised tandem flashed by us, not to withhold a challenge we soon caught up and even overtook it, as it struggled on the hills. Eventually we had arrived at the Green Table café where lunch was taken amongst an array of cyclists and dog walkers and glorious sunshine.
On the return journey we took the road to Week turning off before Rattery, Harbourneford down into South Brent.
Coming back the same way as going there, we noticed the water level had hardly moved, also the road was still closed, so again it was feet up as we took the same challenge.
An enjoyable day with 43 miles to show for it.

​Andy

 The meet this week was at Plymco but Myself, Sue B & Ted  were meeting the rest at The Hunting Lodge, there was a small hic-up as I had put the meet at 10.00am instead of the usual 9.30am start, so we had a longer wait than normal. All together at around 10.40am we had a reasonable group with Dave N, Graham B & J + Andy P joining us. So away we went heading for the Ermington road and then turning into the lanes for Penquit through Strode to cross the A3121 and down to Sheepham Bridge. Now was the time to ascend the mother of all hills heading for Modbury, a few had to walk it due to the increase of traffic on this rat run from Modbury, but I think some were glad to get off their bikes & walk. Through Modbury keeping on the main road for about half a mile before turning right back on to the lanes again - and yes ! - another hill to test us, although this one was ride-able. We kept on this lane all the way to Seven Stones Cross before turning right and heading for Kingston. Its worth mentioning we had a beautiful blue sky with the sun warming us up and views of the sea in the distance. From Kingston it was then right again at Marwell Cross to head down to Ringmore and on to Challaborough for our first refreshment stop at the cafe on the beach. Ted decided to treat us all as it was my birthday today, and we sat near the beach watching the surfers in the rough sea and the dogs running up and down the beach having a wonderful time in the bright sunshine.

​  Dragging ourselfs away from this idyllic setting, we set off again trying a new lane up to Bigbury, through Bigbury Court to join a lane down to Foxhole, giving the tidal road a miss due to high tide. We carried on the lanes heading for the main road at Averton Gifford , at this stage Graham J decided to leave us and head back as he was worried about his low battery. We joined the main road and headed across the Avon Estuary before turning left for Venn, through Hatch and onto the second coffee stop at the farm shop on the Loddiswell - Kingsbridge road. Again we sat outside enjoying the sunshine and the views across the Avon river and surrounding countryside.

  Time to mount up again and tackle the hill up in to Loddiswell and through the village to tun off at Loddiswell Butts back on to lanes, Dave decide to leave us here to carry on the `B` road back home to prepare for our evening Planning Meeting. The rest of us carried on the lanes passing Woolston farm, Stanton and to Chillaton Cross, straight on heading for The Thatches Holiday Village. It was then on a well tested route back to Sheepham Bridge and on to Ermington, then back to Ivybridge, were Myself, Sue & Ted said our goodbyes to Andy and Graham as they made their way back to Plympton.
  A good testing ride in beautiful sunshine,I think a few people felt knackered, with myself clocking 32.8 miles and the ones from Plympton at around the lower 40`s. Also something worth noting out of the seven riders today, 4 were on e-bikes, food for thought.

​Trevor

 ​As I approached the start I anticipated just Larry, Trevor and Graham B (knowing that Graham J had already sent his apologies) but was pleasantly suprized to see Sue B and Andy. We decided on Louis' for coffee so after waiting a few minutes for Graham R we set off at a reasonable rate through Saltash, Hatt and Amy Tree to the east side of Kit Hill for an early coffee. It was packed out with (mostly) vintage motor cycles which added interest to this coffee stop. The sun's strength suddenly increased to the extent that we were forced to move off and seek cooler lanes through Stoke Climsland and Rezare all the way to the edge of Launceston. The light was particularly appealing on this mid- September day which made the lanes an absolute delight in spite of the many inclines.
Lunch at Tesco was a pleasant enough experience so we made our return along the west side of the A388 finding a few new lanes back to Bray Shop. Again there were a number of steep hills but everyone seemed to enjoy them (the lanes not necessarily the hills!). It was fairly unanimous that we should return on the B road back to Callington since we felt that we had had the best of our ride. With a total of 45 miles on the clock and many hills under our belt I felt that we were well justified. Thanks for your company. 

​David

  The usual trio turned up at the start plus Sue E. Sue arrived on her gleaming new E bike and I had to warn her  'No Wheelies' as it would reflect on the club.
Whilst arriving just before Smithaleigh Graham R had caught us up, so we were now a band of 5 musketeers. Graham R  and I were now leading from the rear as the E musketeers  plus Dave on his lightweight steed  forged ahead.
On arriving at Shipley Bridge the Tea wagon was up and running and they even provided comfy folding chairs for us. By mistake I ordered an expresso the size of a thimble, whilst everyone else were drinking full size china mugs of coffee, I'll just put it down as experience! or a senior moment.
After coffee it was upwards on onwards to the almost traffic free roads to Deancombe winding down to Buckfast through the village/town and finally the Farm shop where we were to have our lunch stop.
By now the weather had gradually got colder and grey clouds had appeared, so after putting the world to rights, having finished lunch it was the final stage to South Brent, Ivybridge and finally Plympton where I bade my farewell to all. An enjoyable ride with good company and 37 miles to boot.

​Andy

 Eight of us gathered at Bovey Tracey cricket club car park on a sunny but windy day, Myself + wife Sue, Ted Greenberry, John Durham, Graham B, Andy P. & Dave,Nicci on tandem.
 We set off to join the cycle path that took us towards Stover and the Templer Way Trail alongside the old Stover canal, we had a cold NW wind to contend with & most people kept their jackets on, but the sun was still in the sky with a promise of getting warmer.Arriving in Newton Abbot we threaded our way through to go over the bridge spanning the Stover Canal & River Teign then alongside Newton Abbot race course on the cycle path.We stayed on the cycle path and foot paths to arrive at our first stop of the Passage Inn to find it closed, still it was nice & sunny so we sat down on the benches to admire the view and watch the goings on in the river, of dogs diving in and a group of people on a half submerged raft paddling along having fun, Dave went scrumping on a nearby apple tree to get his mornings elevenses. Finally the pub opened with the start of a black cloud & a drop of rain so we retired inside for coffee & Tea.
Outside again in to the sunshine we mounted up to tackle our first hills of the day, on the first hill Dave & Nicci came to grieve with the chain snapping on their tandem, we all tried several efforts to remove the broken link to no avail as the chain had riveted links, so we had to leave them with the prospect of a long walk back to Bovey Tracey.
The rest of us set off threaded through the streets of Kingsteignton and on to join Humber Lane and a long climb up to Humber. At the cross roads I normally turn right but decided to carry on for about half a mile to  what was described as, Three Tree Lane, on the OS map it was down as a bridle path but on Google maps it was down as an actual lane, so thought give it a go. Well it probably was a lane years ago going by the lumps of tarmac here & there but now it was definitely a rough track were we all had to walk in places , but like true Plymouth CTC cyclists we cracked on to come out by Teignmouth Golf Course. On to lanes again we thread our way to the long downhill stretch to Teignmouth and taking in the lovely views over the town & Shaldon to join the long bridge over the water, turning right at the end of the bridge passed some nice terraced cottages alongside the river. Hitting the main "B" road turning right again to follow the river road to Combeinteignhead and our second stop at Coombes Cellars pub alongside the river, which was packed with people. On arrival at the bar we found it was a pub with no beer, they had apparently run out due to high demand, so had to settle for Cider instead, which still went down well.
Out of the pub and through Combeinteignhead heading for Lower Netherton, at the top of another steep hill we were met by Graham feeding a - herd, flock, swarm - of frenzied hairy pigs with the remains of his Malt loaf that he had failed to eat. I mean is malt loaf part of a pigs diet ? still I hear they will eat anything and judging by their grunting & squealing and banging at the gate we decided to beat a hasty retreat before they broke out and ate us and our bikes. So then it was on to  Buckland & over the foot bridge spanning the main A380 to join cycle path again, passed the race course and back in to Kingsteignton,were we threaded through the streets again for Gallows Cross were we turned right on to Roman Road the turned left at New Cross on to cycle path again and on our way back to Bovey. On arrival back in Bovey Tracey we decided to have a last coffee in the Cycle cafe before heading back to the Cricket grounds to load up the cars and say our goodbyes.
I had been in touch with Nicci on the mobile and found they had walked back to Newton Abbot and managed to get a new chain fitted at Halfords before riding back to Bovey Tracey, so not all bad, at least they didn`t have to walk all the way back.
Only had 25.3 miles on the clock but seemed longer, especially for Ted.

Trevor

​ 

It was not long after my arrival when Trevor appeared, so we got down to the serious matter of plant recognition, in the bridge plant boarders. It was not long & Dave came into view. So there was three now crossing the bridge in glorious sunshine, which stayed with us for the rest of the day. Dave lead the way through Saltash as he had a good route out, in mind. This I think gave Trevor a chance to show off his rough stuff skills, whilst going along the Latch Brook footpath. Then after a short stretch of A38 motorway we turned right into lanes at Notter bridge, to be confronted by our first single arrowed hill. This seemed to get us warmed up very quickly indeed, then soon we passed through Blunts, Doddycross & Pengover Green. Then we climbed the hill to Liskeard  for elevenses in Wetherspoons. Here we consumed coffee whilst discussing various topics, cycling & non cycling.
 
Soon on our way again & now going downhill for some considerable time or so it seemed, we passed the Liskeard to Looe railway Station then crossed the A38 by bridge. Soon we were on the lanes to take us to Sandplace, & a lovely quite time alongside the railway line & East Looe river. After a mainly descending period we came to the A387, & turned left heading uphill towards the Morval estate. At the turning for the estate we said farewell to Dave for a short while as he was not on a machine suitable for rough stuff in the estate. We had agreed to meet up again at Seaton cafe. I had an extra bit of rough stuff lined up for Trevor, as he always comes into his own off road, & this is what he lives for. I don't think it disappointed. It didn't seem long before the enjoyment was over & we were back on metaled roads & heading from No Man's Land to Seaton by the sea. After a very long descent we arrived in the cafe & very soon Dave turned up complete with having done extra miles to us. So over more coffee Trevor enlightened us about the boat racing going on out to sea, in glorious sunshine. It is times like this you realize what a lovely part of the country your living in. Also the beach seemed well packed, even for a bank holiday weekend.
 
Setting off with a light tail wind, made for easy cycling even up the hill out of Downderry. Now on top & with views down across the cliffs, this made for a pleasant ride through Crafthole & Tregantle, & not before long we turned left away from the coast, into a lane descending very steeply to the village of St John. The tide was in so no short cut through the Ford today. We had to leave the village & go the long way up & over a short steep hill, then up towards our Ferry in Torpoint. On arrival we soon boarded, & whist on board Dave got into conversation with two people sporting E-bikes. Then on docking we took the familiar route to St Budeaux. Here we bade farewell to Trevor & continued to our homes over the Tamar bridge. A lovely days ride & over 40 miles on the clock

​Larry

 Six of us assembled at Plymco this Sunday, Myself, Sue (Wife), Graham B, Graham R, Andy P & Dave Newman. Brian was there as the sole "B" rider ready to cycle off through Saltram and then Plymstock to his favourite cafe. We set off threading through the streets to Plymbridge Road and then down to join the Plym trail at Plym Bridge, cycling along the trail for about 800yds before turning right to join the rough track up to Cann Woods.Dave managed to convince Graham R. to join us, he doesn`t like doing tracks, but after a 50yd push over the worse bit we where on reasonably ride-able track. It was then on a nice ride through the woods before coming on to tarmac again just up from Woodside Animal Centre, taking a dogleg right then left to join a lane taking us up towards Wotter and our first stop at the farm shop.
​We where about to set off when the heavens opened up with a heavy downpour, so it was another cup of tea for some while we waited for it to clear. It never lasted long before the sun came out again so it was saddle up and a small climb to the Shaugh Prior road and down in to the village, then the nice long down hill to Shaugh Bridge, continuing along the lane to join the Plym Trail again and head for Clearbrook. From here we headed for Meavy and the pub in time for opening hours, going in the bar away from the Sunday diners to some nice beer and chat about old times.
Dragging ourselves away from the bar I asked Andy to lead us to the old railway track to the west of Burrator for another bit of rough stuff and made our way to Norsworthy Bridge at the top of the Reservoir.Here we carried on round the big pond to Sheepstor and the the long climb up to the top road and from here past Ringmoor Cottage and on to Cadover Bridge then up to Beatland Corner- where Sue and I said our goodbyes, the rest where going down to Plympton and we where heading for Ivybridge.
As we came to the Moorland Hotel it seemed silly to ride on straight by so Sue an I called in for another pint of their fine ale before heading home.
​A good fine day we managed to miss any more downpours, Graham R. left us after Shaugh Prior, but the rest of us had a good ride, I had 34 miles on the clock, time I got home, & a belly full of beer.

Trevor
​

  The usual 4 Musketeers was down to 2 at Torpoint ferry at the start but Trevor and myself where up for a ride though it was a pity that there were not more of us!
The first tea stop of the day was Seaton after plenty of grassy narrow lanes and with good view on this bright but breezy day. Moving on we kept to the coastal road and made our way along Whitsands Bay to Cawsands for a photo stop where we chatted with two other cyclist admiring the the view.
Continuing along a bit further we made our way to Maker Camp the second stop of the day where it was very busy serving meals inside so we sat outside with our drinks enjoying the view. After the rest we made the way back to the ferry via St Johns where the ford was given a miss because it was high tide and we did not want to get our bearings wet! 
Back at the ferry approx 3.30 and 40 miles and the end of another enjoyable day.

​Graham

The usual 4 Musketeers assemble at the station car park, Myself, Andy P, Graham B & Dave Newman on a drizzly morning but with the promise of brightening up. We set off towards Bittaford & turning right to join the ridge road then along to Venn Cross & Ladydown turning left then first right to head for North Huish. We then followed the road to Bickham Bridge and the long steep climb up to Combeshead Cross and turning right on the Morleleigh Road. The drizzle had now gone with the occasional sunny periods & with us sweating after the last climb is was time for us to strip off a layer. From Moreleigh we headed for Blackawton and another climb up to Oldstone Cross to join the A3132 Dartmouth Road heading for Hemborough Post & the Gardentime Garden Centre for our first stop.
Time to hit the road again we headed for the Sportsmans pub and took a left following the road to skirt Cornworthy to Cornworthy Cross and headed for Tuckenhay along the pretty road following Bow Creek to our next stop at Bow Bridge and The Waterman`s Arms pub. Graham & I decided it was time for a pint and we all sat on the benches alongside the water enjoying our refreshments with the Sunday diners.
Off again and heading for Harbertonford, which we reached minus Andy, so decided to sit by the creek waiting for him to catch up - it turned out his chain had come off delaying him. Andy duly arrived but we thought we would sit there a bit longer enjoying the nice location. ( see Photo`s ) We then headed back on the tried & tested route back to Avonwick, South Brent & back to the start.
A good day out with nice weather and good company completing around 33 miles.

Note; I have also published some pictures of Dave`s ride last week to Crackington Haven & Widemouth Bay.

​Trevor

  Four of us turned up at the start these included the two Grahams, B and R, Dave N and myself . Leaving the Ridgeway and heading towards St Maurice we were soon climbing Plympton Hill. On reaching the summit it was a left turn, where we were joined by some other cyclists who quickly passed us, as we were in no hurry anyway, we simply let them pass.
We were soon upon Wiverton away from traffic and narrow winding lanes soon  beckoned us. The initial plan was coffee at Mothecombe and lunch at Ben's Farm Shop at Yealmpton. 
Passing by Mothecombe and now heading in the direction of Noss Mayo we decided to give Membland a visit, whereupon we came upon some cyclists on electric bikes, doing all of 5mph, and taking up the road. 
Having now entered  Newton Ferrers and the Yealm estuary and the beginning of a short sharp hill ahead of us the guys on the electric bikes, who we had passed earlier, decided it was payback time as they whizzed pass us, on this hill, apart from Graham B, who also had muscle in the same form.
On reaching the summit we noticed the café was open so we parked up and had our refreshments outside, whilst other guests were inside enjoying cooked  breakfasts.
Before long we were heading towards Kitley and as we had just had coffee, gave the Farm shop a miss, after bading our farewells to Graham R we decided to pass through Yealmpton and turn left past the garage and heading in the Ivybridge direction were we had lunch at the Endsleigh farm shop. An enjoyable day with good company 

​Andy Prideaux