Four leaders from Plymouth - Jean, Caroline, Graham B and myself (Julie) along with Yolande met Andy and Simon Endicott from South Devon CTC in Totnes ahead of the gathering guest riders for the 10 a.m. start of the "Orange" ride from Totnes to Forde Park House in Newton Abbott. We had 10 guest riders, and another that arrived with a flat tyre, but unfortunately because of the timings for the pick-up points through the villages we couldn't delay and so he was a non-starter! 14.1 miles we measured the route one-way beforehand, a lovely quiet route along the cycle path out of Totnes, past the weir and round to the Dartington Centre, onto Huxham's Cross and Staverton, passing through villages such as Broadhempston hoping to pick up more riders along the way (we split the group and Andy and Simon took a loop through Denbury) whilst we carried on through Ipplepen. Then we met again and rode through East Ogwell, Woolborough and into Newton Abbot for the festival in the grounds. Quite a lot going on in the way of displays, activities, radio music and commentaries, stalls etc. After our picnic in the sunshine we took a ride along a trail out to the new bridge adjoining the race-course.
We had arranged to be at the bus stop outside the grounds for any riders wishing to be lead back to Totnes at the publicised time of 3 p.m. but everyone had more or less confirmed they were happy to make their own way back or had made arrangements for pick-ups; no one appeared. Then it was Graham's bike that had a flat and so he swiftly changed his tube before we set off under Andy's lead varying the way back to Staverton where he branched off for Buckfastleigh. Simon continued on with us to Dartington, and then we meandered back along the track into Totnes.
We had a wonderful time, on one of the sunniest days so far this year! What a lot of hard work Kevin put in, organising the routes, getting helpers, publicity, liaising with the Council, etc. These events don't just happen! I would like to say thank you to "my driver!" and all of you for your support and help in familiarising ourselves with the route in preparation.
We had arranged to be at the bus stop outside the grounds for any riders wishing to be lead back to Totnes at the publicised time of 3 p.m. but everyone had more or less confirmed they were happy to make their own way back or had made arrangements for pick-ups; no one appeared. Then it was Graham's bike that had a flat and so he swiftly changed his tube before we set off under Andy's lead varying the way back to Staverton where he branched off for Buckfastleigh. Simon continued on with us to Dartington, and then we meandered back along the track into Totnes.
We had a wonderful time, on one of the sunniest days so far this year! What a lot of hard work Kevin put in, organising the routes, getting helpers, publicity, liaising with the Council, etc. These events don't just happen! I would like to say thank you to "my driver!" and all of you for your support and help in familiarising ourselves with the route in preparation.
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