10 riders turned out for our October run starting at Jonsey's cafe at Winkleigh, the weather promised all day sunshine and so great store was set on a good day out. Chris had been going to organise and lead this run but due to a medical problem, Mike had agreed to step in to lead, albeit without being able to run over the route first due to the short notice. We all duly set off on time with Ian and myself doing back marshal duties. Within a mile or so, Mike turned us off the road towards Dolton but we immediately came up against a road closed sign, Mike decided to press on as motorbikes can usually slip through, however on this occasion this did not turn out to be the case so we all turned around leaving Mike to try a parallel route which brought us out on the way back to Winkleigh, here Mike and Ian had a chat which resulted in Ian leading us on to our lunch stop via Monkhampton and Hatherleigh. Cliff picked up a nail here and Andy's T100 could not be persuaded to restart, so Graham kindly agreed to stop with them to assist and the remaining 7 riders continued on to the New Inn at Kilkhampton.
After lunch, Mike resumed the lead and took us via Tamar lakes and Stibb cross to Torrington common. Some of the roads and lanes were in a pitiful state for which I blame the County authorities, where does the money go!.
Cliff got picked up and taken home with a wait of just 45 minutes and Graham was able to help Andy with the loan of a couple of plugs.
Thanks to Mike and Ian for the part they played in leading and to Graham for his assistance on the road, also hope Chris soon gets better to get on his BMW for the November ride out, details for this run will be forthcoming so watch this space.
