Three of us turned up on the Ridgeway for the start of the 'A' ride to Princetown, they included Yolande, Graham B and myself. It was typical of January grey skies, although mild and dry, which was the main criteria.
On reaching Yelverton I decided a coffee stop would not go a miss, by then the sun had decided to appear which gave us hope. So it was off to the new deli' for our first coffee of the day. Suitably refreshed it was onwards and upwards too Princetown, the direct route via Dousland.
On arriving at the Fox Tor cafe there was a notice saying closed for decorating, so instead we had lunch in a bus shelter near the Prison Officers Mess, at least we had shelter away from the cold biting wind.
By now the wind had changed direction and we were fighting a head wind, so it was heads down as we approached Merrival quarry. Soon we were at the summit of Pork hill and a roller coaster ride to the bottom touching 40 plus mph.
I decided to go through through Horrabridge for a change and that we should try the cafe at the Leg O' Mutton, another disappointment, that too was closed.
Only one thing for it, Knightsone restaurant. We were in luck this time! On entering there were Christmas decorations and a tree with lights a blaze and a festive mood was soon beckoning. We had not realized it, but we had gone back to 1943 at least that's what it said on the menu and it felt that we had gate crashed as other diners sat around a huge table enjoying their Xmas festivities.
After refreshments it was back on the saddle once more weaving in and out of dog walkers as we braved the Plym valley cycle trail. A good day, but unusual with 37 miles on the clock.
Andy
On reaching Yelverton I decided a coffee stop would not go a miss, by then the sun had decided to appear which gave us hope. So it was off to the new deli' for our first coffee of the day. Suitably refreshed it was onwards and upwards too Princetown, the direct route via Dousland.
On arriving at the Fox Tor cafe there was a notice saying closed for decorating, so instead we had lunch in a bus shelter near the Prison Officers Mess, at least we had shelter away from the cold biting wind.
By now the wind had changed direction and we were fighting a head wind, so it was heads down as we approached Merrival quarry. Soon we were at the summit of Pork hill and a roller coaster ride to the bottom touching 40 plus mph.
I decided to go through through Horrabridge for a change and that we should try the cafe at the Leg O' Mutton, another disappointment, that too was closed.
Only one thing for it, Knightsone restaurant. We were in luck this time! On entering there were Christmas decorations and a tree with lights a blaze and a festive mood was soon beckoning. We had not realized it, but we had gone back to 1943 at least that's what it said on the menu and it felt that we had gate crashed as other diners sat around a huge table enjoying their Xmas festivities.
After refreshments it was back on the saddle once more weaving in and out of dog walkers as we braved the Plym valley cycle trail. A good day, but unusual with 37 miles on the clock.
Andy