YHA Weekend 08

Sat, 26 January 2008

Despite fears of poor weather, Day 1 of this year’s YHA weekend set off from Addbrook park on Saturday the 2nd of September in sunshine and light winds, although the temperature was quite low. Two groups made their way to Elmscott Youth Hostel via the Teign Valley, Cheriton Bishop, Oakhampton, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy and Chilsworth. The favourable conditions and anticipation of riding some different roads lead to a good atmosphere and plenty of conversation within the groups.

A café stop was taken in Oakhampton where both groups of riders met up for the first time. Ken, Didier and David took it a little easier, starting earlier than the main group and setting off from the café with about half an hour on the rest. They arrived at the hostel just before the main group and collected the keys from the owners who ran the farm next door. Bags had already been delivered by our none cycling driver who was enjoying a weekend walking and taking in the sites that this rugged and remote part of the north Devon coast had to offer. Saturday’s route was measured at about 65 miles, slightly less than expected and the main group completed this at an average of 19 mph, not bad for this time of year!

The hostel turned out better than predicted by the rating on the YHA site. A large kitchen and dining area allowed the four nations rugby match to be enjoyed over a post ride brew and packet of biscuits. The weather started to close in as evening approached which meant there wasn’t time to go out and take a look at the local sites, perhaps a return journey may be in order during the months of longer day light?

Everyone went down to the Hartland Quay Hotel later on for food and few drinks. Thirza, who runs the hostel was kind enough to ferry some of us down there in the back of the farms Landrover while the others were kindly given a lift by Peter and Liela, Kens friends from down the road near Bude. Although you couldn’t see much in the dark, the hotel stands on a quay facing the Atlantic and it was certainly possible to hear the large breakers just over the car park wall. The Mid Devons reputation was kept in order when we managed to eat the bar out of chocolate fudge cake but the sticky toffee pudding was a welcome replacement. Clearly everyone was stocking up for the following days riding. Peter, took everyone back to the hostel for a brew in front of the fire in the lounge. I think all agreed the weekend had turned out pretty good so far.

Sunday morning brought strong winds and damp roads as expected. The first group left early again in hope that they could miss the worst of the weather. Once everyone had had a good breakfast a much subdued second group set off just after 9am. Todays route was via Higher Clovelly, Stibbs Cross, Great Torrington, Winkleigh, North Tawton, Widdon Down and Mortenhampstead. The pace was brisk again but the strong headwind made things quite difficult on the front of the group in exposed places. By the time the group arrived at the café stop in Winkleigh a puncture requiring two tubes to fix had delayed them enough to miss the riders ahead on the road. Here our Exeter Wheelers colleagues headed back on their own route leaving just four riders to continue back to Addbrook park.

Despite the road via North Tawton proving to be a few hills too many for me we eventually arrived, soaked through by the rain from Mortenhamstead onwards, back at Addbrook Park. Thanks to the other three for slowing the pace towards the end as otherwise I think it might have been Sunday evening when I would have arrived back!

So all in all it seems the trip up to north Devon proved a success despite the weathers best efforts. The roads above the A38 and up to the coast seemed on the whole very quiet with plenty of room for traffic and cyclists. Elmscott youth hostel was a good venue and would certainly be worth a return visit if a window could be found in the clubs busy calendar. I’d like to thank those that came along as they all contributed to a memorable weekend.

Cheers

Alan
Those taking part were

Alan Drury
Jake Durant
Andy Parker
Andy Retter
Ken Robertson
David Hamilton (South Hams Cyclo-Sportive)
Will Hornby (South Hams Cyclo-Sportive)
Jamie Howard (Exeter Wheelers)
Didier Lebatteux (Exeter Wheelers)
John Nye (Exeter Wheelers)