I got to the start late - 9.47 am, but I had phoned our ride leader, Anna, to check the elevenses venue and say I would be late. Graham Reed caught me up on the bridge above the A38 and we arrived at Endsleigh not long after the others. I was a very good turn-out considering the weather - Andy P, Bryan R, Graham B, Graham R, Anna, Caroline, Iris, Patrick, Andy, George and myself.

It was a hard ride with a really steep climb from S Brent. We were strung out all along the lane. By the time I got to the top, the group ahead had already turned off to the left. I continued right along the main trail, followed by Patrick. We were almost at Habourtonford before we realised our mistake and then had to re-trace back up the hill we’d descended. By the time we arrived at Gidleigh Bridge, the rest of the section had finished their sandwiches and were getting pretty cold, so Patrick and I had to fore-go lunch. 

What needs to be said about this ride is the shocking state of the roads. Roads in Plymouth have suffered quite extensive weather damage due to the constant rain and more recent freezing conditions. In the back lanes around Gidleigh it has to be seen to be believed with mud, water and road damage affecting most roads. Descending the lane from Gidleigh Bridge to Dean was treacherous.

Maybe it would be a good idea to give these lanes a miss until better weather arrives, but when will that be? Today seemed particularly cold - probably because of the dampness in the air and quite a stiff breeze. I think most of us were quite relieved to get home and toast our feet in front of the fire.

What a contrast with yesterday, which despite the weather forecast turned out to be a clear and sunny day. Graham Black and I took of advantage it to walk from Two Bridges to Flat Tor - click <here> to see the gallery. It was a good opportunity to try out my newly acquired eTrex Vista, a really impressive piece of kit!

A quick look out of the window decided me against going out on an extremely cold January morning. OK, there was no snow, but I imagined by the frost on the roads that the lanes in Cornwall might be pretty iced-up and decided not to risk taking out my bike. Shame, really, because it was basically a lovely day and too good to waste. So I called Graham Black at about 9 o’clock and we arranged to turn this into a walking day instead.

Gallery

If you’re the first to find the picture with a doggy in it, tea and a bun are me on the next Section run.

Either e-mail me or put your answer in a comment at the bottom of this post. The winner last time was Julie, who was too shy to claim her prize.

The route Graham and I  took was from the Scout Hut near Gutter Tor to Duck’s Pool, Fox Tor and back via Eyelsbarrow. It was one of my standard walks and the layer of ice over the Moor made walking a easier, since there was very little boggy ground. Weather was variable throughout the day with some quite heavy snow showers and some spectacular changes of light.

We returned to the car at about 3.40pm and then made for the Fox Tor Café in Princetown. Carrot cake and tea for me while Graham had tea without the cake. Well, we shall see what becomes of this diet.

A dank and murky January day to start with. But a good turnout. Sue, Anna, Julie, Caroline, Iris, Graham B, Graham J, George, Neil (whom we haven’t seen on a ride for quite a while), Dave and Nycci.

Usual form - right leg up, left one down, left one up, right one down. And on to the Farm Shop. Where - ecstatic shout of joy - £2.00 for a tea/coffee and scone/tea cake. Endsleigh Garden Centre - eat your shorts! We’re never coming back.

On via Ivybridge and California Cross to our destination: Blackdown Rings.

Graham says he’s on a diet. Well, here’s a photo before he disappears totally…

Guess who?

Back via Mary Cross. The lanes were in a dreadful state after all the rain and snow. What a mess!

Anna advised me to give Poland a miss next summer because of the roads, but why venture further than the West Country, if all you want from cycling is pot holes and mud? You can have all the fun of treacherous, slippery roads right here on your own doorstep!

Graham B and I left the rest of the group at Ivybridge, aspiring to greater - but slower and leaden bellied - heights. Wotter on the edge on the edge of the Moor with Plymouth Sound glinting in the distance. We paused a moment on the bridge below Shaugh Prior and Graham expounded on Gaugin, the dapper mariner, and Van Goch, his untidy room mate.