Just two of us turned up on this wild and windy day, myself & Graham Black. Had three texts, one from Mike who had his ongoing cold & chesty cough, Andy Prideaux who had caught a cold, probabley Mike`s & Nigel worried that the high winds might blow his hair about to much.
Working on the theory that the high sided lanes would protect us from the worst of the wind, we joined the said lanes at Filham heading for Combe Cross and then to Sheepham Bridge, where we climbed the long hill up to Mary Cross.We then carried on the lanes passing The Thatches & Pennymoor caravan parks onto Chillaton Cross turning  left heading for Woolston Farm and thence to the Chilli farm. We could hear the wind blowing over the top of the hedge rows but it caused us no problem, plus it was lovely sunny sky's.
Fully topped up with tea,coffee,cake & chilli chocolate, we took the first left down the long hill to Topsham Bridge where I decided to take a selfie. Having taken the picture I turned round and saw one of my gloves had decided to play Poo sticks, being blown off the top of my carrier into the river. We could see it waving at us but all I could do was wish it " Bon Voyage " as it headed down the river Avon heading for Averton Gifford, Bantham and the open sea.
Retrieving my spare set of gloves we headed for Preston & Preston Cross and down the long hill to Gara Bridge and up to California Cross where I had planned our second stop, but we decided to head for the cafe at Wrangaton instead.Having taken more refreshments we headed back to Ivybridge Station.
We had a nice sunny ride with blue sky's, the wind did`nt bother us, and the only head wind was from Wrangaton back, but by now it had abated a lot. There was only 27 mile on the clock.


​Trevor Bradshaw

Leader Graham Black
Andy Prideaux
David Newman
Graham Reed
Trevor Bradshaw


There were five at the start of the ride from Torpoint on a cold and grey day but it did brighten up in the afternoon. We made our way down to Seaton following the coastal route and due to weather we decided to take our first break of the day indoors at the smart cafe at the foot of the hill into Seaton.
Afterward Andy and Graham left us to make there way back home so then the remaining three made our ways up the valley to Hessenford, each via separate way. David went by road getting round the road closed barrier and Trevor and me used the cycle/ footpath. After so far I made for the road when the path got seriously muddy and Trevor true to form continued on with his bike showing the muddy results at Hessenford.
At this point I was happy to let David take the lead taking us up the Seaton valley with all it autumn colours and some afternoon sunshine. He took us across the A38, being Sunday without too much stress,then on up a narrow lane in such a direction to make it possible for him to make his own way back to Saltash but before this David had a puncture due to the recent hedge trimming and his gossamer thin tyers! Leaving Trevor and myself to make our way to St Germans and a cooling pint at the Elliot pub. Then the two of us made our way back to Torpoint,getting there at 3 o'clock and with 30 miles covered and still with plenty of daylight left.

​Graham Black

Supposed to have been Neil's ride today but he said he was away, so three of us turned up for the A ride, myself , Andy P & Nigel with Brian & Sue for the B ride. We decided on a short ride towards Otter Nursery, Brian said they where going there but on a different route, so we all set off hoping to meet at Otter.
We set off on the cycle path towards Saltram then onto the main road at Laira bridge turning left for Plymstock and joined the old railway track cycle path to Radford Park. Joining the Hooe road, up the hill and taking the second left for Murder hill and introducing Nigel to this little climb.Finally at the top turning left and proceeded to Heybrook Bay, going off road a bit and a climb up to Wembury Point to join tarmac again.Then it was the lanes passing Langdon Court down Ford hill and climbing up the other side to Wembury and turning left at the Odd Wheel pub and onto Ridge Cross. We turned right here and proceeded along the lanes to Otter Nursery`s.
The cafe was full of Sunday lunch diner`s, we meet Sue & Brian on their way out, there was also a crowd of road cyclist`s, all dressed in Ninja black, what is it with cyclist`s on road bikes wanting to dress all in black, do the want to get run over?
After filling up with coffee, tea & cake we crossed the main road and joined the lanes back to Plymptons Deep lane and I said my good byes to Andy & Nigel and set off back to Ivybridge. A nice ride of about 20+ miles, don`t know for sure as my battery had packed up on my speedo, sunny weather but a strong cold wind, luckily it was behind me riding back to Ivybridge.

Trevor Bradshaw

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

Had to quickly change the start location as the Gypsys/travellers had taken over Ivybridge station car park,so directed the two cars to arrive and Andy on his bike over the road to the rugby club.Just three turned up for this weeks ride, Graham B, Dave Newman & Andy Prideau.
So the four of us set off towards Wrangaton, Avonwick and onto Yogi Hill going down the other side into Harberton. Here I decided to go off piste on a track leading us up to Bennett`s Cross then joining a short section of the A381 to the NKUKU cafe.
Off again and up to Luscombe Cross and onto Totnes, weaving around the back streets to the Station and joining the cycle path to Dartington and off piste again through North Wood to join the Staverton road and our second stop.We found the cafe all closed up, do`nt know if for good or just the winter, so we crossed Staverton bridge and into the Station for tea & coffee. Sitting on a bench overlooking the track and passing trains it was really hot and beautiful day, so we just sat taking in the rays and stripping off the extra clothes we thought we would need today.
Having topped up our tans we set off upto Huxham`s Cross and along the cycle path to the Old Totnes road and thence to Buckfastleigh, then the usual route back through South Brent and onto Ivybridge.
What a day the rest of you who did`nt make it today missed, lovely weather like a spring day, 35.6 miles I topped up, and although going off piste a couple of times, no mud on Dave`s bike.

 Six of us started off this week, Myself, Andy P, Dave Newman, Neil Smith, Ted Greenberry, Dave Oatway. Dave Newman had a senior moment and realised he had left his helmet at home so had to ride bare headed.
Riding off towards Avonwick and then joining the lanes to Harberton taking in Yogi hill, from there we crossed the main Kingsbridge road at Langridge Cross and turned left at Luscombe Cross to join the B road down to Ashprington and up the hill to the entrance of Sharpham, down the picturesque road to the vinyard for coffee & cakes.
Rather than climb back up the hill out of Sharpham we took a track off road to join the cycle path to Totnes which ran parallel to the ," John Musgrave Heritage Trail ". In Totnes we joined the cycle path again at Morrisons which took us onto Dartington. Here we went off road again through North Wood to join the road again just above Staverton Bridge. Turning left at the station we then took the road up to Ben`s cafe ( formally Riverford farm shop ) for our second stop. Dave Oatway decided to tuck into Pasty & cake to give him some energy for the final leg.
We joined the main A384 for a short bit crossing Riverford bridge to turn right to join the Old Totnes road to Buckfastliegh, half way along I told Andy, Dave N & Neil to go on without us, as Ted & Dave O were starting to flag a bit.We went on at a slower pace to Buckfastliegh and thence back to Ivybridge.
Ted informed me that we had covered 42 mile and he was completely spent and would need a few days to get over it.We had good sunny weather and a good time was had by all.

​Trevor

I arrived by car at the long stay car park to find Graham Black already there, shortly to be joined by Dave Newman, Trevor had sent me an email to say he would be at the Hunting Lodge.  By the time we went round to the pub Graham Reed and Brian were there then Ylonde and Sue arrived.  Brian and Sue were doing their own ride as they had been to Wrangaton last week.  After various discussions and much talk about the Tamar 100km ride a couple of weeks ago 5 so far headed out the usual way to meet up with Trevor.  In Ivybridge by way of a change from staying on the B3213 straight to the cafe, we turned right at the roundabout into Woolcombe Lane then left right into Godwell Lane then right towards Filham.  By the next junction Trevor suggested we go under the A38 which we did for the slightly longer way to Davids Lane and back up to the B3213.  On my 'rece' ride on the previous Thursday I explored the lane through Redlake Trading Estate, however being Sunday the gates would be locked so to add a steep climb before the cafe I took us left under the railway viaduct.  Ylonde missed changing gear soon enough on turning left so had to jump off the bike, I did not want to strain my left knee again so I decided to walk up along with Graham Black as well.  The others were waiting at the top, it's a pleasant route along the lane avoiding the B road then at the thatched cottage we turned right to drop back to the B road and right to the cafe.


A couple of the Corinthian Club chaps were already sat outside in the sun, however we opted to gather round a table inside.  While enjoying a Lattee coffee and a large slice of very nice raspberry/cream sponge cake I showed the gang my intended route to the Antique shop / cafe by the A38.  All my best laided plans fell apart, as I it turned out that I would be duplicating the route that was ridden on the previous Sunday's ride and also to the same cafe.  After discussion, Ylonde said that she has never been to Buckfast Abbey and Trevor said that he knew a good route to get us there and back to Ivybridge.  On my reci ride I had not actually had time to finalized a route back from Buckfast so this was unanimously agreed as the new plan of action and finished our 11's.


Swapping onto 'Trev Nav' I then addopted a 'sweeper role' and we headed off into Avonwick down the steep narrow lane decent with an arrow at the bottom.  We then followed the very interesting and hilly lanes passing through Rattery and towards Buckfastleigh village.  However, nearing the village and while stopped to re-group, Dave was bitten by what he thought was a Horse Fly.  Even though I was the leader I did not bring any sting cream in my saddle bag only sun block cream.  We pressed, through the village and onto the Abbey via the hill which does give you a splendid view of it before dropping back down to the entrance and car park.  Dave went of to look for medical assistance for the bite while we all wheeled the bikes round the back by the outdoor benches and headed for the cafeteria.  Being a nice sunny day the grounds were quite busy but we were soon served and being lunch time I had the flan /pie and a pot of tea, very nice indeed (forgotten the name of it but will have to have another one when next there).  Dave arrived back suitably dosed up with tablets and sting cream by the Abbey medical team, ready for his refreshment.   After various photo opportunity shots had snapped we called into to the Abbey and took more photographs while Dave looked after the bikes.  The stained glass windows really look spectacular with the bright sunshine pouring through, indeed Ylonde was not disappointing we had changed my initial idea for the lunch stop.


It was time to return homeward so on 'Trev Nav' we headed back through the lanes to Rattery , continued south via Mill Cross, over the A385 , through Shorter Cross and wanting to avoid Avonwick we continued to Diptford then over the River Avon and up an arrow to North  Huish.  Forking left by the really nice looking church with the spire on top of the tower the road descends to a tributary then  a climb to Langford Barton then left to continue to Hillhead Cross.  We decided to give the track a miss that is just after the junction then right for the last arrowed descent, over the A38 and on to the Rugby club for the fast B road drop into Ivybridge village center.  I thanked Trevor for his most valued assistance in helping make it a great ride for the day and we bid him farewell.  Where we were stopped was another group of cyclists having a rest stop and Dave started chatting to the group while we said cheers to Trevor.  It transpired that they were on the last day of a tour and were continuing to Cawsands to stay at one of the groups house, before returning home on Monday.  Dave suggested they follow us via the usual direct route to Plympton and then to Plymouth, which they took us up on.  Once we were re-grouped we set of and reached Plympton on mass, Dave, Graham and myself headed to the car park and Ylonde continued on to guide them into town and to the Cremyll Ferry.  All in all a great ride was had by all with the bonus of very pleasant warm sunny weather.

 4 of us assembled at Ivybridge railway station car park for this weeks ride, Myself, Andy P, Graham B & Yoland, We set off for Dittisham taking in Avonwick, Morliegh, Blackawton on a overcast but humid day to be greeted with sunshine and large crowds at Dittisham. The cafe was full with all the tables reserved so we had to retire to the pub ( what a shame ), we sat on the wall outside taking in the fresh sea air and the hustle & bustle around us with a nice pint of Atlantic beer. Yoland put her toe in the water and decided it was to cold for full body immersion.
Fully refreshed we set off again following the river taking in Cornworthy, Tuckinghay and on to Bow Bridge which was full of people scoffing there Sunday lunch. Securing a table by the river I decided on another pint while the others settled for coffee, still with the sun shining
Off again on a tried and tested route through Harbingtonford, Rolster Bridge, Avonwick, South Brent and back to Ivybidge. On reaching South Brent we had lost the sun to be greeted by fine drizzle, still it cooled us down as it was still quite humid. Oh! and we managed to lose Andy around Harbingtonford, but turned up about 3-4 mins after us at the station.
Good day was had by all with 40 miles on the clock, Yoland decided to forgo Grahams offer of a lift back and wanted to ride back to Plymouth so she could top up 50 miles.
​  See Photo`s