In training, Ben and Graham Brodie.

Torbay members prepare for the long diagonal.

Father and son members of Torbay section Graham and Ben Brodie are preparing to ride from John 'O Groats to Lands End. They plan a 19 day trip with 2 rest days during August, and will visit many Scottish and English Youth Hostels along the way.
The pair will be collecting money for 2 charities, - the local "Chestnut Appeal" for a new centre for Prostate Cancer in Plymouth, and for the International charity- Amnesty International.
13 year old Ben has already completed two 100Km Audax events, and several other long rides to get in some training miles for the 950 mile excursion.
www.endtoend.freeuk.com is the website where you can follow progress and sponsor the pair.

New book - by Kevin

Devon CTC member is author of new Bike Book.

ON YOUR BIKE in DEVON, is the title of a new book published by Countryside Books.

The author is kevin Presland from Torbay section, our DA Secretary for several years.
For the last year or so he has been out on his bike devising 20 cycle routes around the county, for inclusion in the new book. The route distances vary from 5 to 35 miles, to suit all abilities.
The book is available from publishers from 22nd April for £7.95, or Kevin has some copies for members which you can get from him directly for £7.00

info@countrysidebooks.co.uk

kevin@preslands.freeserve.co.uk

Plymouth - Holey Sanctuary.

PLYMOUTH is South West's POTHOLE CITY!

CTC are declaring Plymouth the POTHOLE CITY of the South West. Whilst money is lavished around the city on new developments, the cities roads have degenerated to an atrocious state, yet despicte the visual evidence the council claim that regular inspctions are taking place, and remedial works carried out when deemed necessary.

One member had parts of his bike fly off when he hit a pothole at the end of 2003, but PCC say that they have not been informed of any defects in the area - our photos tell the real story - check out the campaigning pages: <<CLICK HERE>>

Tour of

Torbay riders enjoy(?) the French snow.

Brittany - Snow followed by Entente Cordiale.

Forty members met at Milbay docks on 27th, to travel to Roscoff on the Duc De Normandy and partake in three rides around Brittany.
On arrival in Roscoff there was evidence of snow showers, and a few miles inland all the rides has to be changed from the original plans, as many side roads were impassable.
Mike Hunting and Linda Johnston experienced over nine inches of snow at Roc Trevezel.
The 150 Km riders were met by Michel from La Roche Maurice, who escorted the ride to the village near Landeau.
They were treated to sandwiches and wine by twinning committee, and met the local mayor, and were interviewed by the local press.
When the sun came out later, it made for a perfect day awheel, with the comination of snow and sun and Brittany scenery making a "winter wonderland".

<<CLICK HERE>> to view Brittany 2004 pictures.

February 2004

Mark Williams, nursing head and back injuries after A38 crash.

Mark Williams seriously hurt in A38 accident.

Mark Williams from Paignton was badly hurt when he was struck by a Van exiting the A38 on a slip road near Lee Mill on Friday 27th February. He was riding from home down to Milbay docks to meet up with the group for the Tour of Brittany.

He suffered lacerations to the head and face, and also has a back injury, but considering the impact and nature of the accident, he's probably lucky to have survived. The A38 was closed for a time as other vehicles were also involved in the crash.

He is now resting at home, having been discharged from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, and looking to get a new bike and starting to regain his fitness.

Torbay get lost in the pub!

A large gathering from Torbay took part in an evening of quizzes an map reading, followed by film shows of past CTC Tours by Kevin Presland. There were four teams in the competition.

On friday 5th March, there will be more quizzes, at the Newton Abbot Rugby Club, Coach Road, at 7.30 to help raise sponsorship money for Andy & Sue Brimmecombes ride to Poland for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Arthur & Margaret Davies - spearheading the assault on DATC!

( Pictured at the 2003 HARDY RIDES. <<CLICK HERE>> for pictures of the events.)

Devon DA - DATC winners - 4 years running!

This year the DA's most active riders decided to rest from DATC activities, and concentrate on PBP. However after Aurthur & Margaret Davies from Plymouth spearheaded a heavy assault on the championship, it was decided to enter a few strategic events - and the results - Devon DA have the TEAM AWARD for the 4th consecutive year.
Congratulations to all those who participated in this years DATC competition.

Mike ( the unkempft)Hunting & Linda(heels) Johnston, another weapon in the armoury.

Dancing at the 2003 Dinner in Plymouth.

60 Enjoy Festive Fun at the DA Dinner in Plymouth.

Over 60 DA members attended the DA Dinner at the Mountbatten Centre in Plymouth on 30th November. Frank White from Plymouth gave a talk on behalf of " Cycling for softies" about organised cycle tours in France. Dancing was in the from of a Barn Dance, and trophies and certifiates were presented.
<<CLICK HERE>> for the pictures.

Club rides now Risk Assessed and leader Certified!

The club now has to do masses of paperwork to facilitate it's club rides and events. Risk Assessments now have to be done for rides, and runs leaders have be listed with HQ in order to take club rides. Those involved with taking out younger riders also have to register themselves, and guest riders will have to fill out discalimers before they start on a ride.
The extra beauracracy is coming into many aspects ofmany sports and pastimes, but is designed to protect individuals who organise and lead rides and events from litigation. It is also designed to protect fully paid up members in the event of an accident/incident. Provided the paperwork is all in order an liabilities should pass through to the CTC organisation.
Anyone requiring forms should contact the D.A.Secretary Linda Johnston