There were 5 of us brave souls at the Ridgeway, Ted, Graham B, Trevor, Bryan and myself. Ted was his old self insisting on a Photo - shoot before we set off. Ted decided to join the B ride with Bryan and whoever else turned up. Our destination was Tavistock via Lee Moor, Cadover Bridge and Yelverton where we decided upon a visit to Vieiras's cafe. Once in the cafe Trevor noticed a book which had had a picture of the author that looked a bit like Ted and he and was actually named Ted  which we thought hilarious as we had just left him at Plympton. (See Photo )
The next stage of the ride was Walkhampton and Huckworthy  Bridge where we had another photo shoot this time with Trevor as head photographer, upwards and onwards heading towards Samford Spinney we were confronted by a rather steep incline and a nameless third person zoomed pass us on his electric steed whilst Trevor and I struggled relentlesly.
Having  reached the summit and passed through Samford Spinney and Whichchurch Down we  approached Tavi where we had another coffee break at the East Gate cafe, by now the sun had approached us and it was more like Spring, after putting the world to rights it was back on the trail once more.
The ride home was through Tavistock meadows following the canal eventually joining Drake's Trail and arriving at Yelverton aerodrome  where I  seemed to have lost my rear light with the help of a certain cattle grid. Back on the Trail we decided to ride through Clearbrook up another steep hill leading to Cadover Bridge where we spotted an ice cream van and joined the masses. It was now homeward bound, leaving Trevor and Graham heading towards Cornwood and me Colebrook, Plympton. At the end of the day I clocked 41 enjoyable miles with good company to boot!

Andy Prideaux

​Rememer to scroll down for `B` riders report

    It was nice to see the A & B  teams muster together at the start catching up with all our news together and once we have had our official photo taken we each made off  on our various planed routes.
 Andy, Graham and Trevor took off fast heading for the steepest hills around then very carefully and not wanting to break any speed records Brian and Ted made our way down towards St Mary's Church Plympton where Anna joined up with us and took up the leadership for the most of our morning ride out.
  Reaching the Sainsbury's Superstore we made our way over towards the Embankment road and at the end turning off towards the Laira Bridge which took us up to Saltram Park estate and then over to  Morley Park which is advertising a stunning development for anyone wanting a four or five bedroom detached properties but no prices given.  
 Anna then proceeded onto the main A379 road  and once we reached the Elburton crossroad we turned right and headed up onto our first challenged a rather steady incline but now speedy Brian took the lead and said he would wait for us at the top while Anna and Ted dropping down into low gear made it up without getting off and after another few turns along the road we made it into the Broadway Shopping complex. 
Relaxing at the Rowe cafe for a nice cup of coffee which i understand is one of Brain's regular stops and to Ted's surprise at the counter, Brian order up his breakfast a rather large bacon roll and after over half an hours debate with another cyclist named George we then proceeded back towards the Laira Bridge again, at this point, we said goodbye to Anna.
 Brian then lead me though Saltram and out onto the Underwood Road turning left into Dark St and back up to the Plympton Co'op
Overall a gentle 12 mile distance  feeling very refreshed with the sun shining most of the time.
A very nice experience with Brian pointing out areas of interest. 

​Ted Greenberry

Just the usual 4 turned up at the station car park,Myself, Graham B, Andy P & Dave Newman on a dry day but with the threat of rain later. Graham had his new electric bike which looked the real biz.

We set off towards Wrangaton then Avonwick and taking the back lane to Marley head to encounter our first hill, Graham soared past us all on his new bike.From here it was across the roundabout to Harbourneford Cross then a dog leg onto the lane leading to Moorshead cross. Then straight across at the junction to Moors Head (remains of) to the next really steep hill, Graham again shot past us all making it look easy.We then had a nice long downhill stretch to Deancombe and then onto Buckfastleigh. Riding through the town to the railway station cafe as opposed to the Salmons Leap as it was a bit larger to accommodate the Easter day trippers.This turned out to be a good move as even this cafe was heaving, I have never seen so many people in there before, we were lucky the queue was not to bad , but increased in size as more people piled in.I mentioned this to someone on the way out and he said it was probably due to all the Supermarkets being  closed for Easter Sunday and they had nowhere else to go.

We headed off again and took the Ashburton road opposite the Salmons Leap cafe and took the first right to Pridhamsleigh, then another long hill up to Five lanes and onto Wash Cross. Turning right here through Wash, Bumpston Cross and on to the Staverton road, we turned right towards Ben`s Cafe/Farm shop. We arrived to find this closed due to the Easter Sunday trading laws.

We decided to pass on a second drink and head back before the rain started, so it was down to the main A384 turning left and over the bridge on the Dart to take the next right on to the Old Totnes road to Buckfastleigh. On this back lane we encountered another really steep hill, my front wheel was lifting off the ground with the effort of pulling back on my handle bars to make this climb and my bike turned sideways with me doing a slow motion fall and rolling back down the hill.Andy & Dave stopped to see if I was ok and then we could`nt get on our bikes due to the steep hill so decided to walk, to be greeted by a smug Graham taking a photo of us three walking up the hill.

Arriving back in Buckfastleigh we took the usual route back to South Brent, coming through Wrangaton we noticed the cafe was still open so stopped for our second Tea/coffee, just managing to catch them before they closed at 2.30. We came out to find it just starting to spit of rain, but managed to make it back to the station before the deluge

WE had clocked up 35-6 miles and Graham had only used less than half his battery, so the 60-80 mile range would be easy to achieve with sensible cycling.With Graham Flying up the hills and even on the flat with his battery turned off, we were really jealous of his new bike, well except for Dave he still can`t get his head round having straight handle bars and wide comfortable Tyre`s. But we all agree at the benefit it has made for Graham, in fact we think he looks 10 years younger. ( See Picture ) 

​Trevor

There was four of us at Torpoint on a grey but a mild, dry day and a welcome change from the recent snowy cold weather that we have been experiencing. 
Seaton and the beach cafe was the  first stop and it was already filling up with lots dog walkers making it feel that we were at a dog show
The second stop was at the Elliot pub in St Germans, the route there was via Narkurs, where a few weeks ago my chain fell apart but this time I made it through without any problems.
After a quite drink in the Elliot the place had started filling up with hungry mum's celebrating  mothering Sunday, leaving to make our way back to Plymouth it started to rain which did not come as much of a surprise because it had been predicted, so I feel we had made the most of the day.

​See pictures of us roasting our chestnuts at Seaton, but to rough to swim.

30 miles covered and the time was around 2.30

Graham Black
Andy Prideaux
Trevor Bradshaw 
David Newman

 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.