Good morning, it’s 8.30am and the sun has nearly risen over the tree line and started to dry out the tents after a very wet night….
We left Ower yesterday (4 bikes) and drifted down to Dartmoor, nothing too hurried or rushed but the Friday night traffic helped slow us down. Only a slight shower as we arrived at Betty Cottles Inn on the western edge of Dartmoor just south of Oakhampton. Two riders (Mark and Ron) had already arrived. We quickly set up the tents and off the bar for a lemonade or two and a good meal… Whilst trying to locate my tent on the way home I only just managed to just miss the heavy downpour that lasted most of the night….
As there is no plan – it was agreed that we should ride down to Adrenalin Quarry near Liskard and try the ride out. A gentle trip down to the Quarry www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk and a good view of the proceedings – just two brave rider stepped forward to try out the longest zip wire in the UK – Simon and I…. unfortunately due to a weigh issue we were not allowed to both ride down at the same time !!! Simon leaped off first and managed to get into a spin half way down… I was next and within 20m of leaving terra firma the rope twisted me around and I spent the rest of the ride travelling backwards. I was a brilliant ride though. Still too early to return back to camp so we rode down to the town of Looe for a visit. Then back to Betty Cottle’s and a visit to the bar - again. We were now joined by Lyndsey and David who had just arrived from Gosport.
We were also joined by a pedal cyclist riding for charity on his way to John-a-Groats from Lands End – poor bugger – no engine !!! Now unlike me he was travelling very light !!! I promise to review my packing and take less next time.
Sunday 18 July 2010
An early start again – and I ended up cooking eggs and bacon for a few of the guys !!!
On the road by 1030 and away over Dartmoor to Exeter and even managed to stop for a well received ice cream en route. The weather now having turned wonderfully sunny. Travelling east along the coast as far as Burton Bradstock for lunch – it was very crowded though – not recommended at the weekends in summer. The coast road now provided some great views over Chesil Beach. Then onwards to Dorchester-Blandford-Verwood and stopped for toasted tea cakes at Ringwood.
All in all a very good weekend with good company, some good roads, good beer and not too much rain.
