Dave Newman and myself met at Woolen Mill car park on a cool and windy day, Dave was still in shorts maybe it was because when I first stuck my head out of the door, first thing in the morning I told him it it was still mild!
We took a round about route to Liskeard via Hessenford, Widegates and then dropping down into the Looe valley. It was then a steep climb up a narrow lane to Liskeard and for me beans on toast and a doughnut for David at Morrisons. Today there was a AGM at 5.00, we planned route that would get us back to the car park giving enough time to have a change before the meeting.
Continuing on from Morrisons we headed up to Minions for the second tea stop, afterwards down hill narrow lanes because we would soon be back I was able to give my e-bike a work out and this also gave David some times behind me a burn trying to keep up with me!

​Graham Black

​I was met on the Ridgeway by Graham B and Nigel Mole just as we were about to leave when Graham R appeared, making a grand total of four. It was a lovely sunny morning just what was needed. I decided to aim for Tavi as our destination, rather than the usual Plym  Valley route.  It was decided Newnham/Leemoor would be more challenging. Once we had hit the summit it was onwards and upwards to Cadover  Bridge flying down the hill to Gratton and eventually arriving at Yelverton for our first stop of the day. I decided to try the new Deli' next to Vierra's just for a change, where the choice of food and drinks  were welcomed. After putting the world to right it was onwards again, saying  farewell to Graham R who had other commitments, this time heading towards Walkhampton. Having arrived at Walkhampton and heading towards Huckworthy Bridge we took a right turning leading to Eggworthy which was off the beaten track and mainly traffic free. Then it was downhill to Ward Bridge and a steep climb towards Samford Spinney, before long we were on Whichchurch common and Tavi was soon looming in the distance. It was now lunch time, so rather than the usual café stop we would try a new venue aptly named Church Lane, with a church opposite it, incidently  cyclists receive a discount. Having arrived there all the outdoor seating had been taken, so the leisure centre in the Meadows was our next port of call, unfortunately this too was closed owing to building work, so it was back to the original café again. This time we were lucky and found a table and there we had lunch basking in the sun. Homeward bound through the Meadows following the path behind Tavi Comp' we were soon at Crowndale road this leading eventually onto the Drakes Trail. Once off the trail I decided to take the hill up to Pound corner passing through Crapstone and heading towards Buckland Abbey. Taking a left turn this time aiming towards Roborough Down where we  crossed the  busy A386. Taking the road to Bickleigh and from there the Plym Valley Trail, dodging stray dogs and small kids on bikes we were soon at the end of the trail. From Coypool to the Ridgeway we bade our farewells, an enjoyable day with good company and weather to suit.

​Andy Prideaux

Four of us set off from the bridge, just after Dave arrived at 9am on the dot. Weather was dry so we all
had smiles on our faces. Dave & Nigel took up the lead & soon we were passing Tilland mill, & on up to
Doddycross. Then after Pengover Green we descended to be meet with a steep climb up to Liskeard, &
The Kind Doniert pub for elevenses.
Soon we were on our way to Morval & a bit of rough stuff, which Trevor was very much looking forward
to. So after a nice bit of following the railway from Liskeard to Looe, we turn left at Sandplace & headed
up to Morval estate & a lovely climb through the woods, on tracks which turned very stoney towards the
top. When we got to the top Trevor wanted more. Anyway I said I didn't know where the track was going so turned right and back on to tarmac.
Now on a lane we soon found ourselves coming out at No Mans Land. Then crossing the main road to
Looe, we headed along a lane to Seaton. After a nice long descent into Seaton, we now found ourselves
going along the coast & heading for the big climb out of Downderry. Trevor & I have granny gears so this
is no problem. After regrouping at the top it was straight on across cliff tops & with a few ups & downs
found ourselves in the Cliff Top Cafe, overlooking Whitsand bay. Soon we had consumed our coffees etc
& it was time to move on.
Now heading for Cawsand/Kingsand & our second bit of rough stuff. We soon found ourselves tackling
the coastal footpath & heading towards the lane to Picklecombe Point. Now on the lane we climbed in the
opposite direction & headed up to Maker Heights, & the main road to Cremyll Ferry. After another nice
long descent Dave said the ferry leaves at 3pm. So we found ourselves on the ferry & crossing to
Stonehouse, Plymouth. On arrival we saddled up & Nigel lead us on a scenic route towards Devonport.
Soon we were saying farewell to Trevor & Nigel. Then Dave & myself headed home across the Tamar
river & 51/52 miles on the clock.

Larry Clarke

Delayed by a day due to heavy rain 6 of us turned up for this weeks ride, Myself, Andy P, Graham B, Dave Newman, Nigel Mole & Andy Easton, with a much better day than yesterday we set off towards Wrangaton. The traffic was particularly heavy and with Nigel taking the P*** saying what we doing on the M5, I decide to turn off under the railway arches at Bittaford and take in the steep climb to give them something else to moan about. We carried on skirting South Brent and taking the Avon Dam/Shipley bridge road then onto Bloody Pool Cross, turning left and headed for Buckfastleigh and turning left just before at Coxhill Cross to start the long climb  to Cross Furzes before a decent to Combe. Andy E was suffering badly due to his long absence from cycling having to walk up most of the climbs, so gave him another nice chevron climb out of Combe towards Scorriton. I decided to avoid the next big chevron into Holne and took the long easy way round through Michelcombe, where we met a large group of ramblers to say good morning to. It was then on to the nice Community cafe in Holne for our first break. It was nice to see the Pub had reopened  again after a long closure, don`t know if that has been taken over by the local community, have to give it a try sometime to find out.
Fully refreshed after Tea,Coffee & cake, we set off again turning right in the village and headed for Ridley Cross, straight on for Shuttaford then another nice chevron for Andy up to Humphrey`s Cross. We turned right here and started the long decent through Hembury Woods passing the hilltop fort of Hembury Castle hidden in the woods. It was then a gentle ride on to Buckfast Abbey cafe and managed to find a table among the lunch time diner`s for our second stop.
After a nice leisurely break and putting the world to right with our reminiscing it was on the road again for the final leg back to Ivybridge, nothing to exciting just the well plodded route back to the station car park. It had been a funny day weather wise, one minute drizzle, then just dull followed by periods of sunshine, still we all enjoyed the ride, well except for Andy E, who thought he was going to die. Only a short ride of 31 miles but plenty of climbing.

Trevor Bradshaw

​  

​For the third time of asking - cancellations last week as well as 1st.July, 5 of us set off from the ' Subway`
car park for the much awaited ride to Crackington Haven on the North Cornish Coast. The weather was
not great but after last weeks horrendous forecast we decided to make the best of it. The back roads to
Altarnun were not too messy & we were soon hugging the N.E. edge of Bodmin moor, via W.Carne &
Bowithick up to the cattle-grid on Davidstow moor. The mist seemingly became much thicker with
visibility being poor enough to loose Graham as we turned right for Halworthy. We eventually managed
repatriation via a kindly motorist, but it did mean a route change past the huge creamery (now the 'home
of Cathedral City!) & along the A39. Owing to the weather conditions it mattered less & with a
substantial tailwind & rear lights, it was only a matter of minutes to the welcoming 'open` sign at the cafe
by the old Otterham Station. This particular caffeine break was particularly welcome & we spent a
pleasant 3/4 of an hour or so.
On returning to our bikes in, what seemed, poorer visibility we decided Not to shorten the route, so as
planned, we climbed up from Marshgate to the rather underwhelming name of High Cliffs, which are
incidentally the highest on the N. Cornish coast. We were now almost at the edge of the sea going along
the normally attractive lane where there is a small NT car park for the 'Strangles` Beach, thought by many
to be the best in Cornwall. (No parked cars today!) & then down the steep & twisty hill to Crackington
Haven. The visibility was no better at sea level, although there were still a few holidaymakers walking on
the beach or in the two cafes. One could barely see the precipitous cliffs which make this tiny harbour so
popular. So after eating lunch by the lifeguard station &, after slight deliberating, had another beverage on
the basis that there would be no other opportunity & it was our destination!
The climb from sea level up to Wainhouse Corner on the Atlantic Highway(A39) is quite severe (2
separate chevrons!) although the secondly was slightly more gentle. With visibility becoming
considerably clearer the descent to Carnworthy Water was extremely pleasant, with the road being
sufficiently wide to ride two abreast at times. John was anticipating some sort of lake in line with the
Lake District. Nomenclature e.g. Derwent, Coniston & Ullswater. Whereas it is merely the widening of
the River Ottery after receiving two tributary streams thereabouts. Apologies to Larry who said all along
it was the Ottery! The ride back to Plusha along fairly quite lanes was pleasant especially with the pretty
Gimgletts Mill & the unusually sounding place names of Splatt & Three Hammers. After the steep climb
up from the mill we turned left along the ridge road to Polyphant with its three fresians on the green. This
short detour meant that we could return to the cars without retracing our steps.
When one plans a picturesque route in an unfamiliar area good visibility is a necessary prerequisite to
ones enjoyment. Unfortunately, it could hardly have been worse but, nevertheless it became a pleasant
day out with much positive. Which I believe to have been partly caffeine fueled! Thanks to Trevor,
Graham R, Larry & John O`Rourke who, these days is looking extremely svelte. Only 36 miles on the
clock but with a fair few hills.

​Dave Newman

​

Trevor had already arrived at the Ridgeway joined by Anna later joined by Bryan, Mike Willacy and Sue.  Mike with his gleaming restored Claude Butler stole the show. After the usual banter we headed off, Trevor and I towards Yealmpton, and later Mothecombe where we had coffee at the Old School House. On leaving the cafe through the car park we were confronted with a queue of frustrated motorists trying to enter an already busy parking lot, I was glad I was cycling and not driving myself. After a few hundred yards further on surprise, surprise Dave N had joined us after escaping from a busy household of guests, now there were 3 of us, almost a battalion.
Our next port of call was Noss Mayo, however, I decided to take the scenic route via Warren Point. It was a beautiful sunny day as we cycled the coastal footpath with a throng of sailing boats scattered on the coastline. Soon we were approaching Noss' itself and the Ship Inn was in our focus. The pub was packed as it was lunch time, however, we did manage to find a table in the shade and all was well. On leaving Noss' and entering Newton Ferrers Trevor and I went one way whilst Dave went via Pressland a much flatter and picturesque route.  Rather than drop down into Kitley we decided to trundle on into Yealmpton where we parted company, Trevor Ivybridge and myself Plympton. A pleasant ride with descent weather. Happy days!

Andy Prideaux


​

 Just 2 turned up for our trip to the seaside - Graham B & Andy Prideaux- Dave was away visiting Nicci for the weekend. So the three of us set off heading for Wrangaton on a very hot sunny day, then down to Avonwick and taking the valley road and the steep climb up to Diptford onward to join the Morleigh Rd. It was then on to cross the Kingsbridge road heading for Blackawton, skirting the village towards Bow and then a long climb to Eastdown Cross. Turning right to join the Strete road and turning left just before Strete to take a nice downhill stretch to Blackpool Sands and our first coffee stop. Their were a few people milling around but not as many as I expected, perhaps this long spell of hot weather had taken the shine off of going to the beach, who knows. We decided to sit inside the cafe to escape the heat with a nice pot of tea.
  Off again on the long climb out of Blackpool Sands heading for Torcross stopping up the hill a couple of times to admire the view and take some photos, we even came across a Pigeon sat on the wall admiring the view.It was then down the long hill to the coastal road getting a nice refreshing wind to cool us down. The road of course was still blocked off due to being washed away in the winter gales, but on the half that was still there makes an ideal cycle path with no traffic, why not keep it like this. We carried on admiring the view to our second stop at Stokeley Barton Farm shop, again opting to go inside out of the heat on some nice comfy sofas. With the prospect of nearly falling asleep lounging on the sofas we thought we had better make a move to head back home.
  Turning right then right again through the edge of Stokenham and right again for a long climb up the lanes to join the top lane heading for Slapton. On the edge of Slapton we turned left to join the five miles road to the A381 Kingsbridge road and then onto Morleigh, from here we headed for Gara bridge and then the long climb up to California Cross. Graham and I headed for the pub - but Andy decided to head straight back. Graham and I enjoyed a nice pint of the finest ale and a nice rest before we headed home.
​  We to managed drag our weary bodies away from the pub to head back to Ivybridge arriving back at the station car park with 48.6 miles on the clock at around 5.30pm

​Trevor Bradshaw

We assembled today at the station car park with what resembled a cycling touring club, all 7 of us, the best turnout for a while. There was Myself, Graham B, Andy P, Dave Newman, Mike Willacy, John Durham & Neil Crowley out of hibernation after the long winter.
We set off towards Wrangaton then down to Avonwick to pick up the back lanes to Harberton, taking in Yogi hill. Then a climb up to the main Totnes/Kingsbridge road, turning left then first right to take us down to  Ashprington were Dave discovered he had a puncture. Suspecting it was the valve he pumped it up hoping it would last him to the Vineyard, so it was climb the hill up to the entrance and then the long downhill to the Vineyard.Dave had to stop to pump up his front tyre again and had to walk the last hundred yards as it was a puncture, he discovered he also had a hole in the wall of the tyre so had to put a bit of card inside to carry out repair.
After Tea/Coffee, Neil had a glass of wine, we picked up the lower track to pick up the cycle path to Totnes. Then it was through Totnes to pick up the cycle path  to Dartington, just before the Railway station the path was closed with a big hole blocking our way,but Dave said Oh! we can get round that, so we negotiated our way along a narrow edge of tarmac and holding on to the fence to round it. (see Picture) It was then on to Dartington to join the road just above the church, then a track through North Wood to join the Staverton road just before the Bridge over the Dart, were we stopped for a group photo. It was then on to Ben`s cafe/farmshop for our second stop.
Fully refreshed we joined the main A384 turning left and over the Dart river again, and then first right on to the Old Totnes road to Buckfastleigh. It was then back home on the usual route through South Brent and back to Ivybridge Railway Station Car Park. I had 39.8 miles on the clock with an added 2 mile back to my house, it had now started to get really hot so we were glad to finish, also it was nice to see everyone had lasted the course, even Mike who normally has some pressing engagement to do at home.

​Trevor Bradshaw