South West Audax

South West AUDAX events - new events and extra DATC qualifiers.

In addition to the three new AUDAX events at Launceston: namely the Bodmin Bash, The Dartmoor Dash and the Two Moors challenge, organised by CTC Cornwall - several other events have been added to the DATC competition as qualifiers.

30 May: Exeter Kernow and Southwest 600Km
06 Jun: Honiton Valley of the Rocks 200Km
07 Jun: Honiton Devon and Somerset 100Km
These are Ian Hennessey's events - visit the AUK calendar to view and enter the rides.

St. Theggonec.

Fifty Seven enjoy sunshine in Finistere.

Fifty Seven cyclists soaked up the spring sunshine in Brittany at the weekend.
Torbay's 12th Tour was a great success, and used the new Brittany Ferry " Armorique" for the crossing.
The riders enjoyed three routes, - 2 x100Km and 1 x 150Km -and after a couple of hours of early morning mist, the skies cleared to give way to a sunny day, with a light Easterly breeze.

All the group met up again at St.Pol de Leon for a meal, although the restaurant overflowed leaving a few riders to eat at Roscoff.

Several riders cycled dwon to Mibay from Exeter and Torbay on the Friday, and back home on the Sunday morning.

Various reports and photos will be on the website shortly.

First ones here:

BRITTANY 2009 PHOTOS

MORE PHOTOS FROM KIRBY

Potholes near Staverton.

2009 - the worst year for potholes?

At the beginning of 2007 and 2008 the lanes and roads of South Devon were littered with potholes. Following on from a prolonged cold perios, this year the roads are even worse.
In many areas like Staverton most of the patching and repairs to last years holes has opened up again, making cycling in the dark in that area impossible.

The good news is that there have been several roads which have been completely resurfaced, notably the A381 Newton Abbot to Totnes road which has been rough for years, and the back road from Milber ( St.Marychurch Road) to Barton in Torquay has been repaired and resurfaced.

REPORT A POTHOLE DCC SITE

REPORT POTHOLE - CTC SITE

GIANTS CHAIR

Riders trudge through a foot of snow to get a seat!

The CTC Torbay ride to Giants Chair# led by Jackie on 15th February was a popular ride.
Thirty Two riders arrived at the coffee stop at Ullacombe Farm# Barn cafe near Haytor.
It was a bright day and there was still plenty of snow to enhance the moorland scenery.
On the track from Jay's Grave to Natsworthy there was still about 18 inches of snow to trudge through for the last few hundred yards to the top.
Giants Chair# only has planning permission until the end of March but there is an appication in place to make it a permanent feature of Dartmoor.
The previous weekend riders experienced treacherous roads on Haldon with black Ice everywhere, but four made it to Cotley Castle.

PHOTOS: GIANTS CHAIR RUN

PHOTOS: COTLEY CASTLE

# Devon CTC are not responsible for other external sites that we may link to.

CTC Devon EVENTS 2009

Devon CTC events supported by TRAVELWISE.

Devon County Council Travelwise are supporting our CTC Tourist events and competitions for 2009.
We are producing colour flyer to go in bike shops, and give out at events, and the WORD version of the flyer is available online -
<<CLICK HERE>> to download a printable version.
There are 16 Events for 2009 representing 5 of the 6 Touring Competition Categories.
Events are open to all CTC members, and non-members. Points gained by CTC Devon members only from their best 8 events count towards the CTC Devon Touring Competition.
Each category scores 10 points for each completed event with a deduction of 2 points for each duplicated events in the same category down to a minimum of 6 points.
In competitive events (i.e. cat e) bonus points will be awarded for achievement (e.g. a rider finishing in the top 10% will receive 12 points).
Teams of 3 to be nominated to Bill Barnes before the first event for overall team prize based on aggregate of each team members qualifying points. You can be a member of up to 3 teams. Trophies and replicas for first overall, first opposite gender and best team of 3.
Events Secretary: BILL BARNES 70 Cleeve Drive Ivybridge PL21 9BP 01752 896111
Email: bill(remove)@bbarnes.fsnet.co.uk

To view our events on line <<CLICK HERE>>

DEVIL 2008

Dartmoor Devil review published and circulated.

The Dartmoor Devil event for 2008 is now complete with the production and distribution of the events review.
The A3 sheet is packed with information, and statistics about the event, plus a mass of photos.
Entrants have also received an entry form for the 2009 event, along with a flyer for the 2009 Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive on 28th June.

144 riders were validated on the 2008 event, well above the average finish rate of 109 riders. Although damp the wind was favourable on last years ride. This years event is on 25th October.
View the events photos and history at
www.dartmoordevil.co.uk

2009 Events Calendar published.

Our calendar for tourist events for 2009 is now published both On-Line and available as a printed flyer or downloadable document.
They will also be distributed at various cycling events during the year.
to view it on line <<CLICK HERE>>

Exeter - Wednesday Evening pub rides

Sarah Briton & Ian Henessey now run regularly Wednesday Evening rides in the Exeter area.
There are two start points, -Pinhoe (outside the Pinhoe shops) or Honiton (Hayne Lane junction with old A30 ) leaving just after 7pm and return home by half past ten-ish.
Total distance is usually between 15 and 20 miles.
<CLICK HERE>> for the ride information on the WIKI

January CTC Exeter Newsletter Online

Kirby has produced the January 2009 Exeter Newsletter which is available on the website on-line.
<CLICK HERE> to view it.

Bernard Mawson has passed away.

Long standing members of AUK will be sad to hear that Bernard Mawson has passed away after progressively deteriorating health.

Bernard did virtually all the validation for AUK events until electronics helped out quite recently, and he was the inspiration of the London-Edinburgh-London event.

Among his noteable events was "Bernies Long Flat One" a 600Km based on Doncaster - a great event enjoyed by many.

CTC Devon - competitions and events.

CTC Devon results and 2009 events are on-line.

Results for 2008 are on the ebsite along with details of all the evnts for 2009.
Our resources pages include all the entry forms and information required, and several events have their own dedicated websites with maps and downloads.

FOR 2008 RESULTS: CLICK <<HERE>>

FOR 2009 EVENTS: CLICK <<HERE>>

Audax Altitude Award

AUK announce new points scoring method for AAA system.

Audax United Kingdom have completely revamped the system for calculating Altitude Points for the AAA ( Audax Altitude Award ).
The old system meant that you could gain points on a shorter (100kM) very hilly hide, but longer events which although not really hilly, acumulated height due to their distance and often didn't attract any points at all.
Now the system will use a more "linear" system where the points match the number of metres climbed in an event where 1000m climbing = 1AAA point.
As an example the Torplex 200 originally gained 0.5 of a point, now attracts 3 points for the same route. The Dartmoor Devil however still only attracts 2.35points although is arguably a harder ride as the 2300m of climbing is covered in 100Km.
A recent vote by AUK's membership fell in favour of the new system. The main difference will be that people who are genuine long-distance riders who don't ride many super-hilly events should be able to collect a lot more hill points by virtue of the distances they are riding.
For more details and a calendar of events visit AUK's website.

Mince Pie Run

CTC Mince Pie Ride & Transition Run

There will be a Mice Pie run organised by CTC Exeter, on 26th December ( Boxing Day ), leaving Topsham Station at 10am, with the destination of Elizabeth Hall on Exmouth Sea Front.

On the following day (27th) Transition Town Exmouth are holding a bike ride along the Exmouth - Lympstone trail.
Join us for a fun, non-competitive bike ride, meet at Orcombe Point at 11.00am on 27th for a cycle to Lympstone. It is about 8 miles round trip and we will stay off-road as much as possible, bring the whole family, some tea and snacks. All are welcome. If you are willing to offer help marshalling please let us know! Full details at http://www.transitiontownexmouth.co.uk/2008/12/09/x-cycle-christmas-bike-ride/

www.transitiontownexmouth.co.uk

Tony Avery - injured.

Torbay rider in hit and run crash:

Tony Avery from Torbay CTC was injured earlier in the month when an impatient driver pushed past him knocking him to the ground, near Blackforest Lodge.
The car stopped and the driver gave a name but then got back in and drove off before any other details could be taken.
Tony was left with a cut to his head and other more minor injuries.

Icy lanes have also caused a few minor accidents lately. Geoff Sharpe and Bob Gregg both taking tumbles on icy patches, but fortunately only suffered bruising.

Vintage Bicycle collection

CTC Devon - team champions: Simon & Andy Enicott, Bill Barnes with Zsolt Schuller

Prizewinners at the CTC Dinner.

The CTC Devon Annual Dinner took place on Saturday 29th November, organised by Kirby James.

Highlights of the evening included a display of vintage bikes from John Dodson, a presentation on "Cycle Exeter" from guest Zsolt Schuller, and a rolling slide show of the clubs rides from Graham Brodie.
Pippa Wheeler and Don Buteux organised a raffle which raised over £160 be donated to the "FORCE" cancer charity in Exeter.
Prizes were presented by Zsolt Schuller and Bill barnes, who picked up a few himself including this years team trophy and glassware along with Andy and Simon Endicott.

PHOTOS:

Correct paving slabs ready to be laid in Plympton.

Deep Lane End - Tactile slabs replaced.

The tactile paving slabs on the new cycle tracks at Plympton's Deep Lane End have now been replaced with those of the correct type.

Centrica contractors we able to replace most of them before the work was completed so saving the hassle of having to dig them up again as in Newton Abbot.
The project when complete is intended to make it safer and easier to get access from the old A38 into Plympton by bicycle.

Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive.

2000 to sign up for 2009 Classic.

The Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive organised by the Mid Devon Cycling Club has had the date shifted to 28th June in 2009, and the amount of space on the event has been increased to allow 2000 riders to take part.

The website for the dartmoor Classic has also been revamped and updated.

To date there are 300 entries, so plenty of space but why not enter early to secure your place. www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk

Car Port Sale

Derek & Ursula Gibbings are holding a Car Port Sale - this weekend 8th-9th November between 10am and 4pm.
Cycling stuff will be sold, in addition to household items like carpets, matresses, table & chairs, grand-mother clock plus lot's of misceallany.

Find them at 22 Ash Way, Newton Abbot

Savannah Southcott completed her End to End.

Savannah completes her journey.

Savannah Southcott completed her End to End journey when she cycled form John O'Groats back to Altnaharrah, past the point where she was beatan back by severe weather a few days earlier.

She is now thawing out back at her home in Paignton, and wants to thank all her CTC colleagues for their help and support on the ride which covered around 1000 miles.

Read her story <<HERE>>

Savannah Southcott -return from JOG!

Savannah back on her way.

There's some good news regarding Savannahs trip.
Today ( 29th October ) she reached John O'Groats as planned, but with a section which she was rescued form the snow missing.
Today she cycled back aong the coast to Reay, in improved weather, and tomorrow plans to continue along the section she missed to complete he ride in the other direction.

She'll probably try to get to Lairg and return home from there.

Savannah Southcott - SNOWED IN AT THURSO!

Savannah stuck in Scottish storms

Savannahs attempt at getting to John O'Groats by 29th October has been partly thwarted by severe weather in Scotland. On Saturday she and her bike were lifted off the road by the wind and she ended up in a ditch. A car stopped to rescue her, and the door of the car was almost torn of by the gales.
At Altnaharrah she was near to the finishing leg, but heavy snow prevented her from carrying on.
She had a lift to Thurso, and was extremely dissapointed and frustrated, however she has decided to try and wait for the weather to clear, and then ride back to Altnaharrah to continue from where she stopped and complete her ambition.
I know everyone reading this will be wishing this courageous lady from Torbay every success on this brave ride.

Riders climbing Hind Street Hill. Bovey Tracey

DEVIL 2008

Dartmoor Devil 2008 - another soggy day out

This years Devil was another great success, with 173 starters from 219 entries, and 152 going on to finish at the Kestor Inn in Manton.
This year saw riders from afar afield as Australia and America riding the event.
The day began grey, but fairly still. As the 8 am riders headed off it soon began to rain, and it continued on and off for much off the day.
This made lanes very slippery and there were a couple of minor spills. The soup control at Chagford was a welcome break before the final climb over the moors had baked a huge selection of cakes which were given out to riders at the top of the hill at Cross Furzes.

£82.33 was raised for Rapid Aid from donations towards the food,
Check out the Dartmoor Devil pages for photos and video clips.

www.dartmoordevil.co.uk

2008 Pictures OVER 20 PAGES PLUS VIDEOS

Sunny Brittany - October 2008

French Indian Summer:

The weather forecast for the trip to Brittany last weekend looked good, but nobody expected to be riding in the heat of the summer.
Twenty two riders went on the trip which left Milbay Docks on the Friday evening.
The sun was just rising as they disembarked at Roscoff, and there were stunning views along the Northen Brittany coast as the mist gave way to early morning sunshine.
The ride continued around the coast via Plousecat to Porspoder, with some interesting GPS enables detours! A cool coastal breeze was welcome. The destination was the Youth Hostel near Oceanopolis in Brest.
On Sunday the riders returned to Roscoff via Landerneau and Landivisiau to enjoy a calm crossing back to Plymouth.
Some videos of the ride

CLICK CAMERA FOR SOME PHOTOS OF THE TRIP

Hells Kitchen awaits.

Handful of places left for Dartmoor Devil.

This years Dartmoor Devil event now has over 190 entries, and there is only a handful of places left.
The event will see 200 riders set out in two groups from Bovey Tracey, on Sunday 26th August.

This will be the sixteenth year for the Devil. Ian Hennessy and Mike Steer both have a full record of 15 events to date.

This years route climbs across the moor, and descends to Ashburton before climbing again through Holne and Scorriton and on to Chagford for the soup control.
From there it's across the moors to Princetown, and then back to Manaton via the three famous hills.
www.dartmoordevil.co.uk has the full information.

Ian Hibell (L) with Phil Ligget

Final Farewell to Ian.

The Ashes of Ian Hibell will be scattered at St. Mary's Bay., Brixham on Saturday 4th October.
There will be a memorial service at St.Mary's church at 2pm for family, friends and fans.
Afterwards cyclists are invited to escort the ashes to St.Mary's bay.

Ian was killed by a motorist, on the Athens-Salonika highway in Greece at the end of August.
A driver has benn arrested, questioned and released by Greek police but investigations continue.

Hedge clippings near Staverton.

Farmers warned to clear up hedge clippings.

Nationally farmers are being warned about their obligations to clear the mess off the roads after they have clipped and flailed hedges, something they are legally obliged to do under the Highways Act.

In an incident near Market Drayton Wheelchair user Andy Ebben, 55, was thrown onto the road, suffering severe cuts, bruises and grazes and his £2,500 bike was badly damaged, after both tryes punctured on hawthorn debris.

The problem is a regular one in Devon lanes, and with Autumn approaching and events such as the Dartmoor Devil, it's hoped that farmers will heed the warnings and clear the lanes of debris.
Read more on this link at Bike Radar #
# Devon CTC are not responsible for other external sites that we may link to.

Devon cyclists gear up for Century Ride.

Sunday 21st September is Devon CTC's 100 in 8 Tourist trial event.
Starting at 09.00 hours from Kingskerswell Arch for a quick route going through Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton and over Haldon. Continuing along the Exeter By Pass and out on the old road to a coffee stop at Willand.
Taking to the lanes through Butterleigh to Thorverton and along to Crediton then taking the A377 to Copplestone. Here joining the A3072 through Bow then the B3215 to Okehampton.
Turn Left for the home run through Whiddon Down, Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey to the finish at the Railway Inn at Newton Abbot.
Entry Fee is £2 and you enter at the start of the event. Please be there at 8.45 to sign on.
Certificates for all finishers.