newsflash

Dermot has written to me asking that I inform you all of a very kind offer from Ian that anyone attending the evening run to the Mitre on the 21st is invited to follow him home for a second chance to view his collection of Nortons which has grown since we last visited, so come along for a great evening out.

Fish and chips 020817

watch the birdie!

looks good grub as usual

The turnout at the welcome fryer on Wednesday last was a bit down on numbers due to holidays and sickness, however Ray tells me that it was still a very enjoyable evening as is usual at this venue so roll on the next one. Now whilst I have your attention folks, it was not possible to run Keith's observation night at last months club night due once again to holidays and sickness producing poor numbers, so we decided that since Keith puts so much work into the preparation, we would run it again at a future club night.
I need to remind you all that we have a talk on 21st September by the bloodbikes, or Devon Freewheelers to give them their correct title, please make every effort to attend as it would be embarrassing to have a poor attendance for this event.
Now the next event for us is this weekend when Ian will lead us off from D&S supplies on the old Winkleigh airfield site for a trip around Dartmoor, then on the 21st of this month there is an evening meet at the Mitre in Witheridge, this is our last evening meet this year ( what already! ). Thanks to Steve for the photos he sent me and Ray for the brief, I will in future try to time any illness to avoid fish and chips evenings!.

Evening run 170717

we take over some of the outside tables

good weather and good company

still room for a few more next year

the bikes wait patiently

some came by car but a real talking point

A reasonable turn out on an excellent evening weather-wise and at a really nice venue by the river Exe, namely the Anchor at Exebridge. Doug brought his 1934 car bringing the family and Mike from Brayford way, this car caused much conversation, not a motorway vehicle by any means but ok for the 23 miles they drove to get to the Anchor. These evening runs are really well appreciated but already we are now down to the last evening run which will be on the 21st August to the Mitre at Witheridge, where has the year gone?. The owners ran a raffle whilst we were there and Mike could not believe it when he won! so he will get a free meal for 2 at a time of his choice, lucky chap, Dermot complained that had Keith run the draw he would have won!.
Next run folks is the Dartmoor run starting at D & S supplies at Winkleigh on the 13th August, see you there guys.

Ron Ley run 9th July 2017

no I didn't use a drone for this pic!.

Eggesford tea room

safe arrival at the Mount Pleasant Inn

poss new members?

Despit holidays and family commitments, 18 members turned up at the Eggesford garden centre for this years Ron Ley run, Jack came along with his dog to see us off, that left 17 but when Cyril arrived, he was not happy with his Douglas' performance so elected to limp back to Tivvy leaving 16 to commence the run. The Eggesford cafe did us proud and if it weren't for the road leading up to the car park, it would be a very good choice to use again. Todays run was mine to organise and lead, Ray had kindly driven me around the route some 2 weeks before as I was on a cruise up until this week so I hoped there had been no road changes in the meantime and that I could remember the turns!. With Ian and Richard kindly agreeing to do back marker duties, we set off on time at 11 am heading for Winkleigh, once there we wound our way through the town and set off for Monkokehampton, ( I'm told the town is known as Monkhampton ). I took the decision to lead the run around Okehampton to arrive from the west as it gave us a fine view of the tors on Dartmoor, however it did mean we had to negotiate a short journey on the A30, this was to short a run on the A30 for some and they elected to remain on it for another 5 miles or so meaning that I saw riders arriving from both directions on arrival at The Post Inn in Whiddon Down. The Post Inn did us proud and a good hour or so was passed eating a choice from the menu. The afternoon run saw us head to Spreyton and Bow then Down St Mary before crossing the A377 and on to Morchard Bishop and Black Dog before arriving at our finish stop at the Mount Pleasant Inn in Nomansland, again we were well received and looked after by the staff who were now catering for 14 of us. Thanks to the rear marshals for bringing up the rear and a well done to Dermot who finished the run without a call to Sandy seeking direction!, see you all next run which is an evening meet on the 17th July at the Anchor at Exebridge 7pm.

Staghunters Inn mugshot

what are they smiling about?

Dermot has sent me a snap of himself, Tony and Roy enjoying a drink at the Staghunters inn in the sunshine, date and time unknown and skulduggery being discussed leading to wide smiles also unknown!.

Girder run 250617

Sadly only 4 riders turned up at Rays for the girder fork run on Sunday 25th June, apparently 2 more riders did make their way to Morrisons as this was the start venue given in the calendar, however this had been changed and was promulgated but unfortunately not picked up by all. On arrival, it was apparent that Darol was having some difficulty with his mag requiring quite a lot of

Darol speaks nicely to his bike

must work for the council!

proof that his bike did run

Ray leaves his drive

Brian is on his way

Tony brings up the rear

fettling, however, when a suggestion from Brian regarding retarding the ignition was acted on the bike burst into life. Tea, coffee and nibbles were supplied on arrival by Ray and Margaret even to myself and Keith who were mere spectators!. The run set off on time in good heart but unfortunately Darols' Triumph was not happy and the run came to a halt just short of Huntsham. Ray rode home to fetch his trailer and managed to lift Darol back to his place to await the arrival of the AA.

Evening meet 190617

getting ready to change pubs

pulling out 

I get a thumbs up

Enfield mounted today then

Mike guns the velo

Dermot on his Ariel

Roy opens up

we gather at an open pub

thought it might be Chris coming late

12 riders arrived at the Exeter Inn Chittlehamholt on Monday evening just as we have done for a few years now only to find that the pub does not now open on a Monday. The first 4 of us were met by a kindly neighbour who insisted on making us a cup of tea but he had only 5 cups so we had a discussion which resulted in a change of venue for the evening to the Bell at Chittlehampton. Decision made, 8 riders, who were not drinking tea, set off for the Bell, we four followed as soon as the tea could be drunk.There then followed a pleasant evening on the outside tables where the usual serious array of world correcting conversations took place. The only misshap of the evening occured when my petrol tank cap fell off in Chawleigh and despite four of us searching for 15 minutes it could not be found!. Next run will be the Girder run this Sunday from Rays place Cherry Garden Cottage, this run will be open to all bikes prior to 1960 as well as girders.