This section of our website features a recent ride report from our members, updated monthly. Links to older reports can be found at the bottom of the page.
The "Wet Time for Some" run, lead by Mark "Wheely" Wheeler
Words and pictures by Mark Wheeler
Date: 10th October 2009
Time: 09:30 - 16:00
Riders: 8
I have a couple of mates returning or new to green-laning and also a couple of newer TRF members that wanted to come out, so a run was organised. The day started with a 'phone call from (Devon TRF member) "XRBitionist" stating he had a front puncture and was going to get it fixed. We agreed to keep in touch so he could meet up with us en-route. So 5 of us started from my house to meet my friend Nigel at Yealmpton. We started off by riding lane 202-217, which I knew would warm up the new folk - I didn't see it but my friend Rich decided to climb up the side of the bank, much to the amusement of Geoff following behind. We took a while on this lane and we then moved on. After the next lane we met "XRBitionist" as we crossed the A379, then headed towards Ermington, Ludbrook and out towards Woodleigh. Glad to see the water levels in the lane were getting back to normal, so we had some good fun in the usual places:
Here's Nigel on his first run after major shoulder operation in March:
Rich, on his first green-lane run ever, after having a WR426 in his garage for 2 years:
Bonnie (so easy for her, she does it with her eyes closed!):
And our trusted Tail-End-Charlie, Graham:
From here we headed of to the Wheeldon lanes where we had a quick group shot (except for me - forum usernames shown in quotes):
"Corppral Chaos" (Jon), "XRBitionist" (Ben), "KwakaGeoff", Nigel, "Landyman" (Graham), Bonnie, Rich
Our group was doing pretty good at this point, everyone finding their feet, a few badgers to report (Devon TRF speak for a minor falling off!) and a WR426 (Rich's) which kept stalling at the end of every lane. We were then off to the dreaded 197 which is a big soggy narrow rut. I waited an age at the end of this lane and eventually "XRBitionist" turned up sweating. He'd dropped his bike and ended up kicking it over about a 100 times to start it. This happened a few times throughout the day, it ran fine until dropped, then refused to start. Two options here, (1) fix the problem, or the easier and cheaper option, (2) don't drop the bike! We then passed through Moorleigh without too many problems and then off to Cornworthy. At this point I thought it would be nice for the customers of the Waterman at Bow Bridge to be treated to the stream crossing. Across I went before parking up for another photo shoot. Despite a few mishaps, everyone eventually made it across:
Geoff crossed first without any problems:
Followed by Nigel:
Then "XRBitionist":
Despite the group and our public audience being pleased by such fun in the water, not everyone was so impressed. This guy just looked plain bored with it all:
The weather was warm so everyone had a good laugh after this, and from here we then cut back towards Totnes, but not before "XRBitionist" had another "bike won't start" session when he again dropped his bike in a rut. Another 15 minutes of attempting to start before "Landyman" has a go and starts it 1st time 
. Well done! Off to Totnes for a late lunch of pasties and pies whilst enjoying the heat of this fine October day. All fed 'n' watered we headed off towards Rattery where there was a fair bit of fun and badgering on a very slippery lane, then finishing with some of the easier lanes at Dean and the final 3 at South Brent. We then headed off to Ivybridge for a well earned jetwash and to say our goodbyes. Bonnie stated she had a fantastic day and all agreed and everyone did really well. The newly wetted lanes, covered in leaves to hide the obstacles gave us a small reminder of the joys of winter riding that are just around the corner. Those that were new to riding or returning had an ace time and hopefully I'll get them to join up with TRF in the near future.
