We arrived at the Tamar Bridge for the start of this weeks ride on a bitterly cold but beautiful sunny morning. I arrived to find Dave, Graham B, Larry and even Mike on his well polished bike all waiting for the off.It was down as Larry`s ride but he said he was bowing out as it was to cold for his thin frame ( need to put some weight on Larry to insulate against the cold ) & was going home for a run instead.What difference that would make, it was still cold, was a mystery.
With Dave taking over we set off heading for Callington, at Carkeel, Graham suggested that Dave & myself go ahead and Mike and himself would carry on at there own pace and meet us at the Co-op cafe in Callington.This we welcomed as we where getting colder waiting for them to catch up, so we set off at a brisker pace to warm us up. So it was up to Hatt then on the back lanes to Callington and into the Co-op supermarket cafe for nice warm coffee and cake. Graham & Mike joined us about half hour later.
Having warmed up in the cafe it was time to brave the cold again, Mike said he was heading back so he could do some more polishing and filing on his bike, Graham decided to stay with myself and Dave.Going outside it seemed to have warmed up a degree, so it was out of Callington to turn left on the South Hill Road heading towards Works Maders. We then passed through a variety of Hamlets & Villages, South Hill, Rilla Mill to name a few, and on to Upton Cross turning left to join the B3254 then up to Trevallicks Farm shop nestled below Caradon Hill & Wheal Tor for our second coffee break. It had been surprisingly warmer on the way here, even warmer in the deep sided lanes out of the wind, and it was still a bright blue sunny day.
We set off back through Pensilva but now heading in to a bitter cold wind with eye`s watering and runny noses realizing the wind had been behind us on the way out.Of course being on the edge of Bodmin Moor did`nt help. Still it was bravely on towards Blunts, Pillaton Bridge and then Hatt, I`m sure the wind was warmer as we headed for Saltash. We said our goodbyes to Dave at Waitrose and Graham on I continued back to the Bridge.
A good day, worth the effort, and Dave took us on a good route with sunny skies all day, but could have been better 10 degrees warmer, around 34 miles on the clock.

​Trevor

 Four of us turned up for this weeks ride, Myself, Dave Newman, Graham Black & Andy Prideaux. We set off heading for Avonwick and onto the main Totnes road taking the second right back on the lanes and towards Harberton. It was a cloudy day with glimpses of sunshine, the hedgerows had started to come alive with abundance of Snowdrops and the odd glimpse of Cyclamen and Crocus, which we stopped to admire at the base of Yogi hill. Then it was up the steep incline and onto Harberton village,through the village taking the first right to join the main A381 to arrive at our first coffee stop at the Nkuku cafe, which filled up just after we got there. After coffee ( we could`nt afford the cakes ) we had a look round at the ridiculous prices they where charging for the goods on display.
Off again turning immediately left up the lane then left again heading for Totnes, and joining the A381 again and down into Totnes. Threading our way through the back streets to arrive at the station and joining the cycle path to Dartington. The large new cafe that has opened was packed with dog walkers and the like, so it was a queue to get served, but at least we could afford the cakes here, and sitting outside on this mild day.
We where off again out of Dartington down the hill to cross the main the A384 and heading for Week, then continuing along the lanes to Rattery, South Brent  and back to Ivybridge.
A pleasant day with the start of spring flowers to admire with 31.5 miles on the clock. 

​Trevor

It was a grey and mild start from Torpoint but dry and a lot better than the day before. The route taken was via St John then taking a right along a lane towards Tregantle and more  lanes leading to Milbrook. Then a welcome bit of flat along the estuary to Gremyll before the climb  to Maker Camp where the plan was to meet up with David for a tea stop. David waiting there informed us that the cafe was closed, so the Cliff Top cafe was next port of call. There we found it full of happy but noisy walkers and chalet dwellers, so it took some time to get served.
Setting off again Graham Reed peeled off and headed for home and the rest of us made for Narkurs, then disaster my chain fell apart, though fortunately I had my link extractor and Trevor had split link so combined,  we managed to get back on the move again but not to push my luck I decided to head for the ferry rather than to go to St Germans which was my earlier plan. By this time the rest had gone back, the remaining  three of us, Trevor, Nigel and myself had a pint at the gastro pub in Antony. afterwards fueled with Tribute we were propelled the final leg of the journey back to Torpoint and 35 miles covered and another good day but I was the weakest link!


Leader Graham Black
Nigel Mole
Trevor Bradshaw
Graham Reed 
Graham John
David Newman
Andy Prideaux

 Bit of confusion today, I text Graham J. yesterday to see which way he was going on this weeks ride, he said meet you at Hunting Lodge. Got a call at home 9.30am from Graham said they where going Wembury way and could I get to Plympton, so got on my cycling gear and a mad dash to  Plymco. Arrived about 10.00 ish to find just two members, Andy P. & John Durham, Graham had discovered he had a puncture  and had gone home,Graham Reed had arrived and for one reason or another ( maybe rain ) shot off home again.
So the 3 of us set of  towards Saltram, on the cycle path at the back of sewerage plant we hit our first river crossing as the path was flooded, John fell at this first hurdle he didn`t want to get his wheel bearings wet so turned round and buggered off back.
Andy and I plodded on, I thought if we kept by the fence and small wall we could get through without getting our feet wet, all went well till my front wheel went down a deep drain and bought me to a halt. So it was feet down to get my bike out and we both ended up with wet feet, but at least our wheel bearings where dry.(he,he )
Then it was towards Plymstock picking up the cycle trail and through Radford Park turning right at the road and then left to climb Murder hill, my christmas pudding was laying a bit heavy climbing this hill. Having got to the top it was off towards Langdon Court and then Wembury. With lots of standing water about and having had a couple of showers I don`t know why we bothered about getting our feet wet at the first puddle as we where now pretty soaked. Still Andy & I are built of sturdier stuff and not bothered about a little rain and headed for Otter Nursery's and a hot drink.
We came out of the cafe to a bit of blue in the sky and the sun trying to poke through. Crossing the main road onto the lanes back to Plympton we came across our second river crossing but managed to free wheel through this no problem. With a dry sky we headed back and I said my farewell to Andy and headed back to Ivybridge.
Andy and I thought it was worth the effort to get out and to burn off some of the excess of christmas, I had  even dried off time I got home, well except for my feet, just 27 miles on my return.

​Trevor

 Nearly another year over with, I don`t know about you but the years seem to fly by, will be catching up with Brian & Ted soon. We all gathered at Boringdon Park Golf club for this years bash, Ted our official photographer took a load of pictures as record of this, see after this article. Also I thought it selfish of us "A" group riders to keep Ted all for ourselves so I introduced & sat him with the "B" group riders, think they where suitably impressed, Anna said he was good company and need not of bothered putting her hearing aids in.
​It was nice to see so many of us gathered together, with Jean & John Harris joining us from Totnes and also our newest member Nigel, will have to find a way of slowing him down next year. The venue and meal where excellent and also good service, have to try to match it next year.
​Will leave you with Ted`s photos, and wish you all merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

​Ke---eep Cycling  Trevor

​Graham Black, Andy P, Trevor, John from Tavistock and myself assembled at Plympton on a cloudy morning but dry, for my ride to Yealmpton Farm Shop for elevenses and Wrangaton for lunch.  I was on my high geared bike due to my usual touring bike having just been re-sprayed at Argos and still in its bubble wrap bag, a nice re-build project to look forward to for the new year.  I had ridden the route up until elevenses on Saturday, so we set of with my full condidence towards Langage then left and over the main railway line  and up to the right turn for Sparkwell.  There we turned right then under the main railway line and bumped over to Lee Mill.  Over the A38 we continued south on the more major lane, which was quiet traffic wise being Sunday, to the steep decent to the A379 at Yealmpton.  Rather that just going right on the main road to the Farm Shop, we crossed over the A road and down to the bridge over the River Yealm to join the track on the south side of the river.  This is metaled to start with and even all the potholes had been filled for our ride ( as it happens by the locals as I noted the day before on my test ride). The track then turns right, by the private section to the house, but is still firm under wheel and goes over the river (on  a bridge), then follows the north bank with some sections even being concreted.  Having avoided the walkers and toddlers on the path, we arrived at the gate by the road bridge to turn right to reach the A379 again, I had to walk up from the bottom until we cleared the steep arrow section.  Turning right by the entrance to Kitley Hotel (who can forget the HARD SPROUTS on our Christmas lunch a couple of years ago, everything else was very nice though Trevor, honest) it is just a few pedal turns to the cafe.  On locking up the bikes Graham Reed appeared from under the shelter to join us for the rest of the day, he had arrived at the start after we had set off.  

As I had not finalized a route from here, Trevor took up the challenge of leading us on wards towards  lunch.  After a while and suitably refreshed the now six of us continued at a good pace down the main road and through Yealmpton.  At Yealmbridge we turned left back into the lanes and Trevor took us to Westlake and over Todd Moor.  Trevor had to head back to Ivybridge from here but he gave us directions for a good route on the minor roads that climbed then followed the ridge along the south side of the valley.  This sounded a great suggestion so we bid Trevor fare well and continued towards Ermington.  Continuing we made a few turns by the 'committee decision process', however despite Trevor's excellent and very clear directions we soon came to the conclusion that we were not sure where we were - relative to my trusty OS map.  There was nothing else for it but to followed our instincts, however after a short while  we ended up on the A3121 valley road by Ludbrook.   Time was rolling on, I was now flagging & feeling the effort of the high gears on by bike and there were now some dark clouds about, so we decided to stay on the A road to continue to cross over the A38 then left down to the cafe.  Graham Reed decided to give the cafe stop a miss this time so sped off down the hill to Bittaford etc.  A most welcome lunch stop was had by four of us while we also chatted to three other cyclist in the cafe that Graham and Andy knew. 

After a group discussion of possible lanes so as to add a few more miles to the route, we all decided on heading for home on the direct B road option to Ivybridge.  Here, feeling a little rejuvenated from the cafe stop and being the leader for the day, I suggested that we avoid the usual route on the cycle track by the A38 and stay on the yellow road up the hill.  This we did then left and past St Austin's Priory, left to go round Tesco then the fast drop down to Lee Mill,then the usual lanes to Plympton.   We arrived back in the car park at about 3.30 having ridden 30 miles according to the computer.  I was glad of having driven to Plympton as by the time John & Graham had returned from a quick shop at the Co-Op rain was in the air, so good timing all round and a good day out a wheel (with no punctures!) was enjoyed by all.

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