Past Ride
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Sun May 10th 2015
| Devon Day Two | 3* |
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Leader:Nicole Pethybridge |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:Smithaleigh, South Devon |
Description:Ride north from Smithaleigh through Hemerdon Heights. Down the Plym Valley to Jenny Cliffe and Wembury. Taking coast path to take the ferry across the Newton Ferres, up Membland along the coast road to Ermington, Ivybridge and back to Smithaleigh.Lunch - Newton Ferrers. Tea stop - Endsleigh Farm Shop |
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Riders:Andy PixtonDavid Smith John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather:  Report:The morning arrived covered in low mist but without rain and our legs weren’t too sore from the previous day. Angela (Katherine’s sister) and Steve, known to many CTC riders who now live in Devon joined us for the agreed ride. After the previous day’s exertion we decided to do a longer stretch after breakfast with lunch relatively early and a shorter section in the afternoon.So to meet this we headed north up through Hemerdon Heights (its in the name!!!!) but where rewarded with wonderful views over Plymouth Sound. The early climb was followed with the equal decent to the Plym Valley trail. Now nicely tarmaced and with a few statues of bicycling insects (weird but beautiful) As we followed the Plym into Saltram House National Trust estate where the tarmac ran out we joined a shared path. Negotiating Plymstock proved a little difficult (which for reference is pretty tricky by car too!!) Here the new bike path was great while it lasted but that wasn’t long and there was a little negotiating what would have been great on a mountain bike but not so good for slim tyres. Some dog walkers pointed us in the right direction and we emerged at Oreston Lake and climbed up to Jenny Cliff. Again a lovey view and some welcome public conveniences. Further climbing that was actually manageable and satisfying. Unfortunately the positive vibe was lost as Katherine took a nasty tumble on a dark, winding, steep descent. With sister, first aid kit and the loan of some leggings Katherine was patched up and very bravely carried on up to Wembury. The coastal path was found and the track followed down, down, down right to the extremely picturesque inlet. Here we flagged the ferry man and as a team managed to load the bikes in two ‘voyages’ across the little stretch of water. The second crew were given a little extra ride to catch sight of the deer, who had remarkably swam across the bay in front of us, heading off into the hedgerows. After our sightseeing we arrived at The Dolphin pub that provided excellent food and some of Andy’s favourite beer. The beer was very poorly resisted but it didn’t seem to affect too many legs as we left the comfort of Newton Ferrers behind us and headed up Membland. This was another climb that was wonderfully rewarded cresting the top and resting at a gate looking out over the sea. Now up on the headland we swooped up and down along a rolling road following the coast, then a lovely downhill to Ermington and a few more miles to a welcome cup of tea, ice cream and cake at Endsleigh Farm Shop in Ivybridge. The day wouldn’t be complete without the final little climb back to Smithaleigh and the weekend was done. Thanks to everyone for great company, resilience and bringing their climbing legs. 852m ascent 855 descent | ||
Distance:53.65 km (33.34 mi) | ||
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- 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.
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