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| coffee to start |
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| the bikes are 'loading' |
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The good Town Arms
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| is this 'off road' |
Our first run of 2018 was this Sundays 'Spring run', though with the recent snow and cold weather one could be forgiven wondering if turning out for it was a wise thing to do, despite all this, 10 riders did arrive at the Town Arms in South Molton for the run led today by Richard. The start venue had had to be changed at the last minute when Richard found out, on double checking the route, that the Corn Dolly were unable to accommodate us as promised due to Mothering Sunday commitments.
Here Dermot's Ariel was unsure about getting cold and wet so 9 of us were led out, after Ian had agreed to back me up as back marker for the day, in an easterly direction to meet up with the A361 for a short distance before we turned off on the old A361 towards Bampton. At the Black Cat, a turn was made towards Minehead so far as Exebridge when we changed direction to Dulverton. So far some snow was seen remaining on the sides of the road but not affecting us at all, however, on the climb from Dulverton on to the moor, there was much more evidence that the higher ground had indeed suffered more than us, in fact between Withypool and North Molton, some roads off to the side were still completely blocked by snowdrifts and the road we were on in places was partially blocked necessitating our having to pass by on the other side of the road. An additional hazard was the water running off fields and down the road from recent rain and thawing snow. Despite all these hazards we all safely arrived at the honey farm after some 42 miles for a cuppa, I am pleased to say that Dermot came in just after us assuring us that he had chased us around the whole course but despite speeds of 85 mph had not been able to catch us up!, there is no truth in the rumour that he was waiting around the corner of the building all the time to appear just as we arrived back!.
It just remains for me to thank Richard for the route, for Ian agreeing to do back marker duties with me, the Town Arms for agreeing last minute to give us coffee and biscuits at the start and the honey farm for accepting us for lunch when we had to change from the planned visit to the Rest and be Thankful at Wheddon Cross when they had a burst pipe problem.
Next run is the April fools run from the Rest and be Thankful at Wheddon Cross but in the meantime can I remind you it's the AGM this Thursday.
