CTC Devon
CTC in Devon
1931-2012
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CYCLE CLIPS
NEWS
SPRING - SUMMER 2012
Updated 29th November 2012
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Devon CTC Photo galleries

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SEP
2012

Freewheeling and Hill Climb event
CTC Devon's annual Hill Climb and Freewheeling event takes place this Sunday 23rd september.
Th event is based at Bovey Tracey and starts at 10am,at the Station Road Car Park.
Entry Fee is £3 with a short ride to the start.
SEP
2012

Love Life on 2 wheels event.
Herald Express, Torbay Council and MDCC have got together to organise a whole day of cycling based fun events on Saturday 22nd September.
Spinning Taster Sessions throughout the day from Spinergy Dr Bike services provided by Dialled In Bikes
A range of refurbished adult and children's bikes at very reasonable prices and Bike Exchange Information
stands about local cycling opportunities and clubs from Torbay Council, Sustrans, British Cycling, Breeze Bike Rides for Women and more .
<<CLICK HERE>> for details
SEP
2012

In Gold - JTL at Kingsbridge.
Tiernan-Locke thrills Devon spectators on Stage 7 ToB.
Jon Tiernan-Locke thrilled spectators across the length of Devon as he battled to hold onto his 13 second lead in the Tour.
The way the race panned out he had to hold back from attacking at the finish to take the stage, as this may hav threatened his overall lead, and we he finished in the peoton in Dartmouth, he consolidated his lead.
He went on to win the Tour the following day in Essex.
It's the first win for a British rider in 19 years, - JTL based in Plymouth trained with the Mid Devon Cyling Club before turning professional.
Yanto Barker and Jeremy Hunt were two other loacl competitors who aslo came through the ranks via MDCC.
Jeremy Hunt is to retire from professional racing this year.
SEP
2012

CTC Devon - 100 miles Tourist Trial - 16th September.

CTC Devon are holding their annual 100 miles in 8 hours Tourist Trial on Sunday 16th September.
Route sheets and entry form will be available at the start at Kingskerswell .
It starts at the Kingskerswell Arch, signing in starts at 8.30am with the ride leaving at 9:00. There is a £2 entry fee and the route goes through Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton,Teignmouth, Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Starcross, Exeter, Crediton, Geoff's scenic route to Okehampton, Moreton, Doccombe then back through the Teign Valley finishing at the Railway Inn in Newton
Entry forms and route downloadable here.
<<ROUTE SHEET>>
<<ENTRY FORM>>
SEP
2012

Tour of Britain starts - Stage 7 in Devon next week..

The Tour of Britain started in nEastern England on Sunday 9th September. It visits Scotland this week, and then heads South through Wales and on Saturday a decisive stage from Barnstaple to Dartmouth.
The ride has never been one by a Brit in it's 9 year history, but with the strong Sky Team with Wiggins and Cavendish, and also riders like John Teirnan-Locke who won the Devon stage and and overall KoM in 2012 there are high hopes that this could be the year for British riders.
SEP
2012

Vintage ride is a classic day out in Devon.

This Sunday saw the first "Velo Vntage" event run from Exmouth to Topsham and back.
Over 100 attended the ride, including a group on their "Guvnors", and many people on antique/vintage and classic bikes. Many dressed in period costume, some in miltary style, and many bicycles were bedecked with flowers and groceries. There were various prizes and awards for the best turned out.
Lunch stop was at The Bridge Inn at Topsham with a Cream Tea back in Exmouth later on.
Several CTC riders supported an assisted with the ride, which took place in association with many local shops and businesses.
Alistair and Sebastian Cope signed in the riders, and set up the start where riders were addressed by Exmouth's mayor, who also took part in the ride.
SEP
2012

Andrew Hamlyn
Andrew Hamlyn found dead.

There is some sad news for riders in the Torbay area this week.
Andrew Hamlyn was found dead in his home at Newton Abbot on Sunday 2nd September. He was a regular member of the CTC for a number of years, partaking in many events and eventually completing the prestigeous Paris-Brest-Paris. He often accompanied the club in French holiday trips.
He also rode with the Mid Devon Cycling Club, competeing in the club time trial events, and he also rode with the Bikin Motion CC for a time.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
SEP
2012

Sunshine over a misty Dartmoor
Over 500 riders enjoy Moors and Coast.

The Moor 2 Sea Sportive on Saturday 8th September 2012, has been deemed a success.
On a misty morning the riders took to the hills, and as the mist cleared it was a glorious day for cycling.
100 riders took part in the 'Challenge' route which covered 67 miles (108 km) and another 400 completed the 'Extreme' route which covered 112 miles (180 km).
SEP
2012
Moor 2 Sea
Moor to see this weekend.

This Saturday sees another new Cyclosportive for Devon organised by "Just Events".
The Moor 2 Sea Sportive will take place on Saturday 8th September 2012, starting and finishing at Exeter Racecourse.
The Moor 2 Sea offers you a choice of two new and exciting routes.
The 'Challenge' route which covers 67 miles (108 km) and The 'Extreme' route which covers 112 miles (180 km).
Both routes conclude with a 'King of the Mountains' style hill climb at Mamhead followed by a two mile closed circuit finish around the perimeter road of Exeter Racecourse.
There are medals for all who are able to complete their chosen route within the specified times and a special "King of the Mountains" medal pin for all who are able to beat the KoM stage time.
SEP
2012
Cycle West

Final link is a Gem!

The official opening of the Gem Bridge on the Drakes trail this week, is the final link in a route which links Ilfracombe with Brittany.
The £2m bridge was completed with funding from the EU as a mjor part of the Sustrans cycle network.

Cycle-West aims to promote cycling bewtween France and SW England using the Roscoff and Poole ferry links.
Cllr. Stuart Hughes nwas enthustiastic about the opening stating he wanted to make Devom "The" place to cycle, and hoped there would be up to 250,000 users on the trail next year.

AUG
2012

Bob Scoble
Plymouth CTC rider injured in HGV collision.

Bob Scoble from Plymouth CTC was seriously injured in a collision with an HGV in Plymouth.
He suffered a crushed hand and broke two bones in his neck, so will be off his bike for some time.
He was due to join CTC Torbay on the forthcoming Tout of Brittany, but will now not be able to make it.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
AUG
2012

Jurassic Classic 2012
Jurassic classic - dry run!

The Jurassic Classic Sportif which was cancelled on 8th July, was re-run on 18th August.
The weather stayed fine and 700 people participated in the event which was run for the the Prostate Cancer Charity.
£100,000 was raised for the charity. There was an incident in Lyme Regis when a pedestrian was in collision with a cyclist and suffered a broken leg when she walked into a car.
Members of CTC Devon were busy manning the feed stations, and organiser Alistiar Cope from Seaton was both pleasedand relieved the that first event finally happened.
AUG
2012
Tour De France and Olympics cycling boost.

Despite the wettest April-July period since 1910, the fantastic success of Britains cyclists in the Tour De France and in the Olympics, cycling in the UK has been given a real boost.
Already in 2012 there has been a large increase in the popularity and number of cycling events, with several sportives now being run in the South West area, and whole host of MTB events, and charity rides.
CTC events continue to be popular, and in schools the Bikeability Scheme pioneered by CTC is now very well subscribed too, and over 900 children are expected to be doing cycle training in the locality in the next 12 months.
AUG
2012

Tony Avery at Burrington Coombe.

250 enjoy a moonlit run.
The 2012 Exmouth Exodus was a great success, and over 250 riders cycled from Clifton down to the Finish at Exmouth.
The weather at the start was appaling, - torrential rain in and around Bristol cause lot's of flooding, and many riders chose to wait in the pub untl the strorms had stopped.
The weather cleard and it was amild night with light winds, and a glrious moonlit run down the Cheddar Gorge.
The main food control at North Curry was busy, with helpers from CTC and AUK dishing out a veg curry, and tea and biscuits.
Shortly after dawn the rain began again, so many arrived soaked at Exmouth.

Reports and details about the run at www.exmouthexodus.co.uk


AUG
2012
Exmouth Exodus.

Over 350 have again signed up to take part in this years Exmouth Exodus.
The ride leaves from Clifton in Bristol at around 9.30 pm on Saturday, and the riders come down Cheddar Gorge in the dark to a tae Stop in Cheddar.
The night control is at North Curry, and the final tea stop is at Luppit near Dnkeswell, before the climb across Woodbury Common to Exmouth for Breakfast.
Forecast is for some heavy showers but there are high hopes for some nice moonlit sections.

JUL
2012

Paul riding the Torplex 200Km

Paul Goffron has passed away.

There is more sad news on the loss of another local cyclist - Paul Goffron.
Paul rode in many Devon CTC events, and regularly completed the Torplex 200Km ride.

Paul passed away last week in a local Hospice.

JUL
2012
South Devon CTC

South Hams CTC are now to be known as South Devon CTC.
The name change is to try and clarify the area covered by the section.
Most of our CTC section activities overlap, and at was felt that the name
South Devon CTC more accurately describes
JUL
2012
Littlehempston bike ride.

The Littlehempston bike ride took place on 14th July in support of a cyclepath linking the village with Totnes.
Around 100 cyclists took part in the event.
Presently the only practical route beetween the two is along the bust A381.
JUL
2012

Newton Area Cycling Group.

Newton Area Cycling Group was formed in 2003, to liase with local cyclists,
Devon County Council and other authorities, to promote cycling interests in the area.
Following the setting up of Teignbridge Cycle Forum earlier in the year, it was decided to disband
the NACG and use the forum as the mechanism for supporting cycling in Teignbridge.

JUL
2012
£5 million cycle spending to include A38 crossing?

Authorities plan to spend £5 million promoting cycling outside the Exeter area in the next 5 years.
One of the main hopes is that there will be an A38 crossing via some sort of bridge of safe system.
Presently the Bovey/Moreton cycle routes, and the Newton Abbot/Bovey cycle routes are cut off by the A38 dual carriageway.
Work is also well underway to put in the bridge at Town Quay in Newton Abbot, which will link Kingsteignton to Newton Abbot via the racecourse on a traffic free cycle route.
JUL
2012

Jurassic Classic cancelled.

Tomorrows Jurassic Classic Cyclosportif has been cancelled. After weeks of poor generally wet weather, and 24 hours of heavy rain, many roads are waterlogged.
Organiser Alistair Cope says he is gutted to have to cancel the ride, which had 1000 entries.
News will follow in case the event is rescheduled.

Jurassic Classic in East Devon.










next weekend (15th July) is the Jurassic Rollercoaster Audax ride, organised by CS Dynamo.
Everyone is hoping for some weather improvements soon.
Jurassic Rollercoaster


Flood scenes in East Devon - 7th Juy 2012

JUL
2012
 
Boris Bikes
Barclays bike fix, and Olympic Cycle Super Highways

Barclays have been busy in London, running bike maintanance sessions,
Cycle super-highways are now open to take people to the olympics, however some existing cycle routes have been closed and diverted,forcing cyclists on to busy roads.
JUL
2012
 
Andy Crompton on tandem - CTC 100 in 8Andrew and Karen Crompton on the
100 in 8 tourists trial.
Andy Crompton has passed way.

There is more sad news in the Torbay CTC, following the sudden death of Andy Crompton from Abbotskerswell on Wednesday 4th July.
The Cromptons are an active family, involved in walking, kayaking and cycling, and they took part in many CTC events on their tandem, including events of 100 miles or more.

The thoughts of all their CTC friends are with his wife Karen, and children Esther, George and Lottie.
JUN
2012

Devon Delight and Torplex 200 - Riders enjoy sunshine and showers.


Niki, Toby and Johnny Sharp, Simon Endicott.

Magnificent 7! -Torplex riders.


The weather held for the weekends Audax events.
It was a cool breezy day on Sunday, more like April than June, but pleasant for cycling.
84 riders signed up to the Devon Delight, but only 7 started on the Torplex.
There were a few sharp showers, and unfortunall Phil Burrows from Torquay fell on a corner in Dawlish, and injured his shoulder. Mike and Michele Radant had to abandon the ride after theri tandem bottom bracjet started to cause problems.
On the 200Km Torplex ride, the cyclists had a tough windy ride over Dartmoor, but all seven completed the ride within the time limit.
CTC's next Audax events are the "little bit of The Great Tour" on 29th July, and the Jurassic Rollercoaster is on 15th July.
PHOTOS ON PHOTOBOX: Photobox
.

JUN
2012

£600 fine and 9 points for driver who "charged" at Torbay cyclists.

A tanker driver who drove his vehicle at a group of cyclists in Devon lanes, after they had stopped to try and let him past, has been fined in court.
The incident happened near Littlehempston a few weeks ago. A group of riders met the tanker coming up a hill, and the road was too narrow to pass. After they stopped to turn around and let the lorry through, the driver suddenly drove at the riders, cursing and swearing, and some had to jump into the hedge to avoid being run over.
Following complaints to the Police, and witness statements, the driver from North Wales was found guilty in his absence of driving without due care and attention. He was fined £600 and given 9 penalty points.

JUN
2012

Dartmoor Classic - succesful event depite crashes.


Niki and Toby Sharp

Chris and Jackie Whatley


There were several bad crashes on the weekends Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive
caused in part by some poor weather conditions - however there has been some fanstastic feedback on one of the UK's top Sportif events.
England Rugby captain Michael Johnson was a celebrity rider who completed the 100 mile ride in good time.
The storms overnight brought a tree down at Holne Chase, so the event had to be diverted around the blocked road. There was some heavy rain in the first half of the ride which made cattle grids very slippery, with rider suffering a broken femur on a grid fall.
Several local CTC riders completed this years event.
The next South West Sportif is the Jurassic Classic on Sunday 8th July from Exmouth.

JUN
2012

FORCE Charity ride from Topsham.

The FORCE cancer charity ride is also this coming weekend.
Around 1000 riders are expected to attempt the 100Km and 100mile routes.
The event starts from Topsham rugby club on Sunday 24th June..
The ride was originlly known as th "Nello" and the route takes the riders North onto Exmoor and back.

JUN
2012

Dartmoor Classic Weekend looms.


This weekend 23rd/24th June, sees up to 2800 cyclists registering at the start of the
Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive.
There are some concerns about possible poor weather for this weekend.
The event was first run in 2007 with heavy rain for the first few hours.
Since then the weather has been mainly kind, with a couple of very warm events!
The event is based around Abbrook Park in Kinsteignton.
Good luck to all riding the 100Km and 100mile rides.

JUN
2012

Pothole near Tedburn - June 2012

Devon Talk - Summer 2009

Devon County Council stashes £11million underspend, whilst roads fall apart.

Devon County Council hve just decided to stash an £11m underspend.

This at a time when many roads are still in a poor state of repair, and damage is being accelerated by continuing wet weather.
The move was critiscised by Labour and Lib Dem members.

JUN
2012

Midnight sun in Norway

Okehampton Globetrotters in Norway..

Tim Bridgeman and Sharon Pitts and Sara from Okehampton have spent the last two weeks touring in 24 hour daylight in Norway.


Sharon is riding with a painfully swollen hand, believed to be an allergic reaction to a plant. They are mainly camping as they head South on a two year tour of the world.
See their blog for some stunning photos!
Tim and Sharon's website and blog:
http://north2northcycletour.wordpress.com/

JUN
2012

Ruth, Frances and Neil at Lands End.

JOGLE - 1000miles in 14 days.

Congratulations to Neill Crispin, Frances Crispin and Ruth who battled strong winds and rain for several days on their end to end ride.
They arrived at Lands End on Friday 15th June after 14 days on the road, and staying at B&B's and Youth Hostels.

<<CLICK HERE>>
to donate to their charity.

JUN
2012

CTC Map reading competition.

The CTC Devon Map Reading competition is this Sunday 17th June.
It starts at Escot House near Fairmile at 10am.
Entry fee is £3 and you will need an OS Map No: 192
(1:50,000).
Finish by 3pm for afternoon tea.

JUN
2012

Dog follows cyclists 1000 miles.

A stray dog in China followed a team of cyclists for 1000 miles after being thrown a chicken leg!

The group came across the dog five days after leaving Chengdu, in the mountains around Yajiang, a Tibetan area of Sichuan.
Over the course of the journey, the dog climbed over 12 mountains that were higher than 13,000ft, and stuck with the group during heavy storms.
The dog named Xiao Sa, now has celebrity status in China.

JUN
2012

Devon Delight - starts at Newton Abbot

Devon Delight 2012 - New route.

The 2012 Devon Delight has a new route for 2012 and also a new HQ for the start.
The Pro Cycle Centre is on Wharf Road, opposite the old HQ at the Recreational Trust, and there will be some parking available here, and the Osborne Road car park is FREE on Sunday. GPX files available.
The TORPLEX 200 also starts from here at 8am on 1st July.

JUN
2012

Jurassic Classic in East Devon.

Jurassic coast to host Classic Sportif.

The Jurassic Classic Cyclosportif takes place on 8th July 2012.
100Km and 100mile routes are available, and the ride is in aid of the Prostate Cancer charity.
Riders who raise over £200 will receive a Prostate Cancer charity shirt.
<<CLICK HERE>> for details.

JUN
2012

Neil and Frances on a soggy End to End.

JOGLE'rs getting a soaking.

Spare a thought for the many cyclists doing the End to End during the inclement weather.
Neil Fran and Ruth are at Clitheroe, halfway on the journey with 450 miles to go,

<<CLICK HERE>>
to donate to their charity.

JUN
2012

Mike Hall ( photo road.cc)

Around the world in 92 days.

Yorkshireman Mike Hall has sliced almost 2 weeks off the round-the-world cycling record by covering the 18,000 miles in 92 days, averaging almost 200 miles per day!
The 31-year-old from Harrogate took around 91 days, 18 hours to circle the world from west to east.
As well as crossing the finish line on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Read more at road.cc

JUN
2012

Halfords Tour Series - Torquay.

Halfords Tour Race finds a weather window.

Heavy rain and winds on Tuesday 5th June, forced CTC to abandon their publicity stand in Torquay. However teams did take part in the Big Community Races in the afternoon, and later in the evening the weather abated for a few hours, as the crowds gathered for the spectacle of the Halfords Tour Series races.
An exciting course with a climb and some tight corners made for an interesting race.
In the final runinto the finish, Bialoblocki was given a free run to the line, after Opie tried to dive through on the last corner, puting himself and Thwaites into the barriers.
Torbay Council and Mid Devon Cycling Club were instrumental in organising the days events.

JUN
2012

Clare and Simn Clarey

Clare and Simons Eurocycle blog.

Clare and Simon Clarey are cycling around Europe on a 6 week trip which will see them end up in Vienna.
Their log details the trip with some fine photography as they cycle alongside the Danube.




http://clareyeurovelo.blogspot.co.uk/

MAY
2012

Round the world on Thorn bikes.

Tim and Sharon set off around the globe.

Tim Bridgeman and Sharon Pitts from Okehampton are about to set off on a world tour
.

They begin their touring in Norway this weekend, and will end up in Alaska in July 2014, after traversing Europe, The Middle East, Africa, The Americas, and the US and Canada.

They will be using trusty Thorn bikes for their epic tour, and have a blog set up for the ride. They also hope to raise some cash for the worldwide charity "Shelterbox" based in Helston in Cornwall.
Tim and Sharon's website and blog:
http://north2northcycletour.wordpress.com/

MAY
2012

More family rides planned
The Easter family rides at Totnes failed to attract any riders, so more are being planned.
The next rides are plannedfor Saturday 9th June.

For a poster with dtails and application form <<CLICK HERE>>


CTC FAMILY RIDES

MAY
2012
Tour Series in Torbay in 2012

The Tour Series races will come to Torbay next week on 5th June.
Races begin at 7pm, but there will be themed cycling events throughout the day.
Several local CTC riders have entered the community races, and CTC will have a stand at the events during the day.
MAY
2012

David Bailey

London Edinburgh success for David.

David Bailey from Dawlish has successfully completed his ride from London to Edinburgh, which he had been planning and training for for several months.

He has raised almost £1600 pounds for Friends of The Earth.
To support his efforts you can visit his JustGiving pages at:

http://www.justgiving.com/David-Bailey6

.

MAY
2012

CTC Devon - WIKI fault,

There are some ongoing problems with the CTC Devon Wiki site.
Repairs to the server are under way, and much of the website has been restored via backups.
People who access the site are advised by Kirby not to make any changes to their pages for a few days until everything is sorted out.
The bikeweb.org news pages and ctcdevon.co.uk are unaffected, but all the editable part of the website are being restored.

UPDATE: 29th May - site now up and running.

MAY
2012
CTC Medal - Kirby James
Volunteering Award for Kirby James

Congratulations to CTC Exeter's Kirby James who has received a "voluntary services to cycling" award from the CTC.
Since being involved with the CTC in Devon he has done a huge amount of work promoting the CTC via our website, and organising rides and tours, and forming permanent.links with other clubs like the Axe valley Pedallers.
He also organises the popular Bike Bus rides where people can join the ride at specified points and times.
The award was presented at the CTC National Dinner in Sheffield.


MAY
2012
SHRED CLASSIC

Shred Classic - thrills arrive at Plymouth Hoe this weekend.

Action packed cycle racing returns to Plymouth Hoe this weekend.
The Sky Ride taked place in the city for most of the day on Sunday, and then a highlight is the Shred Classic race which takes place on the Hoe at 4pm.

The Hoe's tight circuit provides a great opportunity for spectators to view the race, and enjoy the fine views across Plymouth sound.

<<CLICK HERE>> for more details.

MAY
2012

With the Bennetts at Polzeath.

Chris Bennett 300Km

On 29th April, five riders from CTC Torbay took part in the Chris Bennett 300Km Audax. Chris had been planning the event before he died on 1st April, so the ride was done in his memory.
Five riders set out from Newton Abbot on a cold wet morning. It rained all the way to Winkleigh, - the first control.
The ride then took the riders to Torrington, and then onto Bude and Widemouth Bay. At 4pm they arrived at Polzeath and were greeted by Chris's family, who plied them with cakes and flapjacks!
The ride home was hard, straight into a cold NE Headwind, via Altarnun, Launceston and Okehampton.
At Cheriton Bishop the rain started again, and the finishing leg down the Teign Valley was more reminiscent of the Dartmoor Devil, roads strewn with debris. The tired gang finished the ride at 01.40 in the morning. <<CLICK HERE>> for more.

APR
2012
Coast to Coast Audax event - 19th May

CTC Exeter are running the coast to coast Audax on Saturday 19th May.
Srarting from Kentisbeare Village hall, (EX15 2AB) there are two events, 100Km and 170Km in distance.
Friendly controls will provide you with food, and the entry fee is only £6.
Entry details are on the Coast to Coast webpage
<<CLICK HERE>> for details.
APR
2012

Chris's Grand Plan.

Cyclists from CTC Torbay will be taking part in a 300Km Audax ride on Saturday 28th April.
The ride was devised by Chris Bennett who passed away on a club ride three weeks ago, and goes to Polzeath in Cornwall.
The ride will start from Newton Abbot, and go via Okehampton and Launceston to Polzeath where members of the Bennett family will be there to greet them.
The return leg is up the coast of Cornwall towards Bude, and then heading across to Okehampton for a finish down the Teign valley.
The ride will be a permanent event, and it's hoped to run it as a CTC Devon event in the future.

APR
2012
TOB 2012 - Stage 7, Barnstaple to Dartmouth.

Stage 7 of this years Tour Of Britain will be from Barnstaple to Dartmouth, a 170Km stage going across Dartmoor.
The penultimate stage in Devon will visit the towns of Great Torrington, Okehampton, Princetown, Buckfastleigh an Kingsbridge.
TOB Stage 7 takes place on Saturday 15th September and is likely to be a decisive stage in the tour, which will finish on 16th September in Guildford.

<<CLICK HERE>>
for route information
APR
2012

Sky Ride - Plymouth. 13th May.

Thousands of cyclists are expected to take part in the SkyRide in Plymouth on 13th May.
Sky rides are free events which people of all abilities are encouraged to ride, on routes using cycle routes and parks.
The joint intiative between British Cycling and Sky aims to get 1 million more people cycling regularly.

<<CLICK HERE>> for full details.

APR
2012

Climbing from Bovey Tracey.

10 year old Alastair Shapland

Devon Dirt attracts almost 400 riders

The 2012 Devon Dirt attracted almost 400 riders. The start at BigPeaks was busy as CTC Devon helpers checked everybody in.
The riders took to the muddy lanes, and after a hefty climb out of Bovey Tracey, there was a checkpoint with food at Trenchford Reservoir.
Next was a loop around through Bridford, back to Trenchford, and then some long climbs back to the finish at Ashburton.
The ride was a great success, with the only injury a fractured arm when a Plymouth rider fell following a puncture.
With 37 miles and 4700ft of climbing endured, riders were glad to get back to Bigpeaks where the coffee machine was working overtime.
Thanks are extended to the gang of CTC helpers and the staff at BigPeaks who made the event possible.


Website.

2012
Photos
APR
2012
 
Chris Bennett leading hard run, 1st, April, 2012 Chris leading the run on 1st April.
Chris Bennett passes away on club run.

Members of Torbay and Devon CTC have been shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Chris Bennett from Kingsteignton, whilst riding a clubrun to Zeal Monachorum.
Four riders had left the Moretonhampstead coffee stop, continuing on the ride,when Chris became ill. A passing motorist asissted.
He was taken by AIr Ambulance to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
Chris (54) had held many posts within CTC Torbay, and was the runs coordinator. He was an accomplished Audax rider with the London-Edinburgh-London under his belt in 1997, and had also taken part in tours in Europe with other CTC friends.
He had ridden with the local club for many years since moving to the area in 1986 to work for the CPS.
He leaves his wife Cathy and four daughters, and will be greatly missed by all the friends who knew him.
APR
2012
Tour of Flanders at Route 2.

Things have been busy at the Route 2 cafe in Topsham. The Cafe Bar now has a small workshop with cycle-hire facility, and amongst some of the regular events taking place there, this weekend was the showing of the Tour of Flanders, together with a special menu.
Exeter CTC are visiting Route 2 for a coffe stop on 15th April on their ride to Budleigh.
APR
2012
South Hams Hammer

South hams gets Hammered!

The first South Hams Sportif took place at the weekend, and saw riders taking in 150Km circuit, with over 800ft of climbing.
The route left Kingsbridge and took riders anti-clockwise on a route through Slapton, Dartmouth, Dittisham, on the edge of Dartmoor, and back to South Brent, then down to the South Devon coast along some hilly valleys to Salcombe and back to kingsbridge.
The event has been aptly named "The Hammer" and was held in support of Diabetes Aid.

APR
2012
Mud and sweat
Mud & Sweat event on Woobury is popular.

After another successful event yesterday, with The Joker on Woodbury Common, we are now looking forward to Mud and Sweat's future events. We really appreciate those that have supported us over the last 2 years, and we have built up a following of riders who enjoy the challenge of Mountain Bike Orienteering.
The results of the event are <<HERE>>
MAR
2012
National Trust open with Free Bike Hire!

The National Trust house and gardens at Killerton have been running led cycle rides with a free bike hire.
As part of a grand new opening they have been providing a Dr.Bike maintenance clinic, and tours along the new Killerton to Broadclyst cycle path.
MAR
2012
Kingskerswell, 50 in 4 starts.
50 miles in 4 hours event takes to the hills.

The weekends 50 miles in 4 hours ride was blessed with bright sunny weather, and a good helping of steep hills.
Most riders finished in good time at the Two Mile oak near Abbotskerswell.
The event is the second in the Devon CTC events calendar for 2012, and finishers can use their qualifying points in both the local and national touring competitions.
50 in 4 photos 2012
PHOTOS
MAR
2012
50 miles in 4 hours event.

This weekend sees the Devon CTC organising the second event in the calendar, the 50 miles in 4 hours Tourist Trial.
Geoff Sharpe has organised the reliability ride named "WidecombeFair".
The route takes riders out past the Torbay Reservoirs, and over towards Chagford, nd back through Ponsworthy and Widecombe in the Moor.

The Entry is £3 on the day. <<CLICK HERE>> for a route sheet (.pdf)
MAR
2012
Pothole reporting down 60%.

Pothole reporting is down about 60% this year according to the CTC's "Fill that Hole" website.
The reason is believed to be a mild winter with few frost periods, so road damage has been much less severe than in 2009 and 2010.
However many councils have already spent extra monies allocated to them in 2011, and in some areas road surfaces remain very poor.
Fill That Hole is a good way to report and track potholes and repairs by the authorities.
MAR
2012
Tour Series in Torbay in 2012
The Tour Series races will come to Torbay this year on 5th June.
Races begin at 7pm, but there will be themed cycling events throughout the day.
Adding his support to the Torquay round of The Halfords Tour Series is ex MDCC rider now Endura Racing’s Jon Tiernan Locke, winner of the Skoda King of the Mountains title during the 2011 Tour of Britain and recent victor in both the Tour of the Mediterranean and Tour du Haut Var.
Highlights from the Torquay round of The Halfords Tour Series will be shown on ITV4 the following evening.
MAR
2012
CTC Cornwall - Equinox rides.
Nieghbouring CTC Cornwall are organising the 2012 Equinox rides on 18th March.
There is a whole range of riding available, Trail rides of 28,22,17 and 5 miles and road rides of 50 and 25 miles.
Start is at Devoran Village Hall, Quay Road , Devoran ( near TRURO). TR3 6PW.
You are required to raise a minimun £10 sponsorship for Shelterbox.
More info at www.ctccornwall.co.uk or 01326-378305
<<CLICK HERE>> for pdf flyer.
MAR
2012
Easter Eggs

Family Rides
CTC Torbay are organising some family cycle rides this Easter. It's a while since the family rides have been run, but on 7th April Michele Radant is leading some rides from Totnes.
Route is about 6.5 miles maximum.
Click on the Easter Egg basket picture fore more details.
CTC FAMILY RIDES

MAR
2012
Devon MP wants speed limit lowered on rural roads to protect cyclists

Speed limits on rural roads should be slashed to 40mph to reduce the number of cyclists being killed and injured in the countryside, according to Totnes MP Sarah Woolaston.
The Conservative MP said the Netherlands is changing speed limits to the equivalent of 40mph on its rural network.
By contrast, ministers are considering increasing speed limits. She added: "We need to get more people cycling because there is safety in numbers and we don't want to scare people off cycling." Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, who has not owned a car for 15 years, called for the reinstatement of Cycling England and said getting more bikes on the road was key to improving safety.
FEB
2012
Jackie Whatley leading.

Animated TricolourSuccessful soggy Brittany Tour

The Torbay Tour of Brittany was a great success. The weather wasn't up to the usual standard but 43 riders enjoyed a good day out on the roads of Finistere
The longer rider covered about 85miles and the shorter run about 75 miles.
In the evening all the riders met up for a meal in St.Pol De Leon before the final few miles back to the ferry terminal.

Brittany 2012 photos
PHOTOS

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