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Post Info TOPIC: East Devon trail ride - 9 April 2016


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East Devon trail ride - 9 April 2016
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The plan for the day was to ride the whole of my A2E route but, it didn't quite work out...

The forecast was for sunny intervals and showers and that's exactly what we had but, fortunately, no heavy showers.

Just Trev and I today. Late start - had to do a few minor repairs so didn't get away until 11am and a 124 mile route in prospect.

It was with fear and trepidation that I rode into my "local" lane which has a fearsome "swamp" reputation. Nothing could have been further from the truth as the lane was flat from hedge to hedge with only the two sink holes ready to catch the unwary confuse A dumped Fiat Punto was the biggest surprise. It had two holes in its roof making us think it may have been moved with a fork lift. Big bump on the front, untaxed and MOT expired 5 Jan 2016!

Fiat Punto on 192-158 1.JPG

Fiat Punto on 192-158 2.JPG

 

The next surprise was to meet a gaggle of riders on the Crealy Bike Wash - turned out they were being led by our very own Devon TRF Group Chairman Sean! They warned that the Brook was fairly deep and then lined the banks to watch our attempts - made me kinda nervous but we both survived without drowning biggrin

192-113 - meeting Seans group.JPG

 

Strawberry Lane at Aylesbeare  has been made slightly tricky with logs and branches laid in the ruts. Met a friendly group of walkers at the top and had a chat whilst waiting for Trev to get through the branches smile

Smooth progress on the next few lanes but then we came across one with a biggish puddle in the dip! Trev bravely waded through to check for bike swallowers....

Swamp on 192-114.JPG

 

I went through first so had the opportunity to video Trev's crossing - bit of a twitch towards the end!

Tombstone Lane passed without incident although the narrow trenches will be pretty cruel to the footpegs of "wider" trail bikes no

It was all going really well up until the top of a lane near Honiton. Trev lost it on a root by the "bath" area created by the 4x4s and the TTR went over twisting his leg. The TTR had been on its side for a long while by the time I realised there was a problem and came to the rescue and it wouldn't start. It was tricky moving the TTR through to safe level ground as it was very slippery at that point.

An early pit stop with a hot sweet cuppa for Trev was called for and the Honiton bypass burger bar fitted the bill nicely thank you. Trev bravely set off but was already beginning to suffer from his badger.

We decided to play safe and cut the route and short cut home.

We reached the end of the lane at Baker's Gate (Northleigh) and that was our last lane of the day. Very cold riding home on the tarmac, Surprising how well riding lanes keeps you warm!

44 miles not counting the tarmac ride home and 37 lanes ridden.

So there is a loop of lanes further north-east around Stockland and Membury we haven't checked out. Not sure that I will be able to ride them before next Saturday cry

Brian

 



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The preparations made in East Devon for next week's A2E have surely been tremendous.

Reconnaissance and repairs to routes have been many so there's no excuse, apart from weather, for any grumbles. disbelief

The new event secretary and organier have performed "par excellence" and the event is assured to be one to remember.

I'm looking forward to it.

Martyn

 



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East Budleigh. Devon



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Nice report Brian. I 'liked' your strawberry lane vid. Hope Trev's leg is ok..

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What lanes are you doing around Stockland/Membury Brian. I have just been out that way this evening recce-ing my A2E route for Sunday, maybe i can fill you in on any particular lanes.

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If I have a good group I may go up tombstone, as i have only been half way up, got stuck at the fallen tree a couple of years ago, so need to finish the jobfurious

What do reckon Bri, upwards is possible at the Mo?

Taking the group down it for surewinkwinkwink

Simon any bad lanes to report?



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Padowan wrote:

What lanes are you doing around Stockland/Membury Brian. I have just been out that way this evening recce-ing my A2E route for Sunday, maybe i can fill you in on any particular lanes.


 Hi Simon. If you don't mind I will email you that part of my route to check out.

I am a bit concerned that after the gale force winds there might be trees freshly fallen on the section of my route that we checked on Saturday no

Brian



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ttr steve wrote:

If I have a good group I may go up tombstone, as i have only been half way up, got stuck at the fallen tree a couple of years ago, so need to finish the jobfurious

What do reckon Bri, upwards is possible at the Mo?

Taking the group down it for surewinkwinkwink


 Hi Steve

My concern about taking a group up Tombstone (aka Dumpy Bag) Lane would be possible clutch (and rider) burn out evileye

Brian



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Ive got Tombstone as a Down option on Sunday morning if i hear from Steve (im taking his group) that the group will be up for that. Brian, ill look at your track today and fet back to you.

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