Hoards enjoy sunshine on "The Devil".
A record finish on the 2003 Dartmoor Devil. Generally fine weather saw the second highest finishing rate of 92% for the event this year. Some 23 riders didn't arrive at the start, allowing 16 riders an on-the-line entry, which finally saw 148 riders leaving Bovey Tracey, and 136 arriving sfely within the 8.5 hour time limit.
CLICK ON THE DEVIL FOR THE FULL PICTURE!

Torbays invasion of Normandy

Torbay CTC's Normandy landings!

On 19th October Torbay CTC had another trip to France, this time travelling to Cherbourg from Poole. The riders enjoyed gloroius autumn sunshine, on tow ride routes, a 100Km and 150Km ride around the Cherbourg peninsula, Val De Sair, and Normandy beaches. Places vivited included Barfleur, Utah beach, and St.Mere Eglise.
Torbays next planned to to France is on 27th February 2004. Places are being snapped up quickly so book now with Geoff Sharpe if you want to go.
More on this tour - pictures and write up:<<CLICK HERE>>

Kevin Mayne Demon descender?

Directors Dynamic Descent Destroys Devons Hopes!

The annual Freewheeling Competition took place in North Devon on October 12th. Members from various sections attended, and CTC Deirector Kevin Mayne drove down from London in the morning to ride the event. An assortment of riders and bikes left "Puffing Billy" after coffee, and headed up th Tarka Trail, and onto Stibbs Cross, to the Old Union Inn where some had a picnic, and others Sunday Roast!

The riders then headed off to Prowlers Piece for the start of the competition. With a gusty wind blown across the course the riders set off in turn. Only Kevin Mayne and Graham Brodie made it past the second summit, with Kevin continuing right down to the phone box before stopping. Graham came to a halt on the third "landing" just before the mill.
After the ride the riders had afternoon tea at Parkham. <<CLICK HERE>> for pictures.

Calls to vote for/against Kingskerswell Bypass.

The Pro-Kingskerswell bypass lobby have set up a website, and on it is a voting buton to get people to support the bypass scheme. The "NO" vot is sadly lacking. Considering the residents have just trashed the idea of a cycle route through Kinskerswell, but still ( allegedly) want a bypass, perhaps any interested parties would like to caat their vote.

The website address is http://www.kingskerswell-bypass.co.uk

Family riders reach Paradise!

Septembers Family Ride started at Newton Abbot, and took the riders on a circumnavigation of the Newton Abbot boundary.
Glorious weather accompanied the riders, whose first stop was at Orchid Paradise ( after waiting half the morning to cross the main road at Forches Cross). From there the route took lanes through Highweek to East Ogwell for a picnic on the green, and the ride finished at Decoy Park.

New CTC Devon Jersey - available!

Devon CTC clothing in stock:

We currently have a small stock of DA Jerseys, Caps and Arm-warmers.
JERSEYS: Short Sleeve/Short Zip, sizes M & XL £36
CAPS: One size fit's all (??) £4.00
ARMWARMERS: One size, Red with www logo. £14.00

Order via brodie@bikerider.com

Quarries advancing!

Rally to save Crownhill Down.

On 20th September there will be a large rally at Crownhill Down near Plymouth, to support the campaign to stop the local clay companies destroying the beautiful countryside. The land lies just outside the National Park boundary so does not enjoy the same level of protection as other areas.
Local cyclists are urged to attend this rally. If the area is quarried there will be loss of numerous paths and bridleways.
The rally is being organised by the Dartmoor Preservation Association. Meet at the downs at 12 noon on 20th September with a picnic.
Visit the DPA Website or ring 01822-890646 for more information, or if you can help further.
Another useful link with more information BBC Online

<<Around Crownhill Down>>
<< A.C.C.O.R.D>>

PBP Riders update: Temps Anglais 00:00 Temps Francais 00:00
Congratulation to Mark, arriving in Paris at 1640, he seems to have sprouted wings since Loudeac.
Martin Read looks as if he should be in Paris this evening, and David Johnston and Rod Pash
maybe later in the night. Everyone else appears to be still on the road mosty with less
than 220Km to the finish - Bon Chance!.

2400 Mark Williams PARIS 1641 David Johnston Nogent 2350 Linda Johnston Villaines 2328 Mike Hunting Villaines 2328 Alexis Webber Villaines 2211 Ian Weatherill Mortagne 2156 Martin Read Nogent 2055 Marc Millon Mortagne 2254 Rod Pash Mortagne 1955 2100 Mark Williams PARIS 1641 David Johnston Mortagne 1921 Linda Johnston Fougeres 1647 Mike Hunting Fougeres 1647 Alexis Webber Fougeres 1525 Ian Weatherill Villianes 1614 Martin Read Mortagne 1616 Marc Millon Villaines 1745 Rod Pash Mortagne 1955 1700 Mark Williams PARIS 1641 David Johnston Fougeres 1012 Linda Johnston Fougeres 1647 Mike Hunting Fougeres 1647 Alexis Webber Fougeres 1525 Ian Weatherill Villianes 1614 Martin Read Mortagne 1616 Marc Millon Villaines 1745 Rod Pash Villaines 1528 1230 Mark Williams Mortagne 0958> David Johnston Fougeres 1012 Linda Johnston Tinteniac 1212 Mike Hunting Tinteniac 1212> Alexis Webber Tinteniac 1132 Ian Weatherill Fougeres 1102 Martin Read Villaines 1142 Marc Millon Fougeres 1245 Rod Pash Fougeres 1118

Mark Williams - back in PARIS at 1641

http://parisbrestp.cvf.fr/servlet/RechPassage

PBP 95......PBP 99 Reports

Devon riders set off on Paris-Brest-Paris.

A large contingent of riders is out in France this week, riding the Paris-Brest-Paris 1200Km Randonee. Most will set off at 10pm on Monday 18th August, and finish some time on Thursday. Mike Hunting and Linda Johnston from Tavistock are riding a Trice X2 recumbent ( see below).
Mark Williams from Torbay is riding his escond attempt at PBP after dissapointment in 1991. Martin Read from Torbay is flying fit for his first PBP on the 84 hour run along with Rod Pash.
Alexi Webber from Exeter is also on her first run. Other riders from the county are Marc Millon, Pete Cain, Phil Domville-Musters and Barry 'Crusher' Parsons from Topsham, Ian Weatherill from Plymouth, David Johnston from Tavistock and Richard Harding from Exeter..
Riders progress can be tracked during the ride by visiting http://parisbrestp.cvf.fr/servlet/RechPassage
and entering the riders number or name. ( Remember to use Surname first!)

Devon CTC Hardy riders at Warmwell.	Phil Liggett with Ben Brodie

Birthday riders hit the heatwave!

A good contingent from Devon went to the CTC Hardy Rides in Dorset to celebrate the clubs 125th Birthday.
They enjoyed scorching hot weather and a whole week of organised cycling with several routes to chosse from each day.
On the Thursday Time Trial organised by CTT, Ben Brodie was third junior as youngest compeitor and was presented with a T shirt.
Ian Hibell from Brixham was an honoured guest and was presented with a certificate of merit from Phil Liggett. <<CLICK HERE>> for Hardy Ride web pages.

Mark Hanley. picture -courtesy HERALD EXPRESS

Torbay cyclist is shot and punched!
A cyclist commuting from Paignton to Torquay was shot with a pellet gun by an 11 year old boy in a passing van at Hollicombe. When he later caught up with the van and challenged it he was punched in the face by an occupant.
The driver later gave himself up to police, and was cautioned for common assault.
The cyclist Mark Hanley is not pressing charges.

CTC Hardy rides

Devon riders head East for Hardy Rides.

Many riders from Devon DA will be taking part in the CTC Birthday Rides in Dorset ( 2nd-9th August). A whole variety of events are taking place, from Audax randonees, to family beach runs, off-road rides, and Birthday Teas and a Barn Dance.
Wessex DA are hosting the 125th Anniversary celebrations, - some riders will be camping, and others staying at chalets at the Haven park at Warmwell which CTC have taken over for the duration.

10th Birthday cake.

Devon Delight 100Km and Torplex 200Km rides celebrate 10 years.

The 30th June saw the 10th anniversary for the Devon Delight and Torplex 200 Randonees. Entries were down slightly on the previous year, but riders enjoyed a fine day. Only the last few riders got wet from South Brent to the finish, and shortly afterwards there was a deluge.
A special cake was produced to celebrate the event