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Following the success of last years event, when 6 Chapter members succumbed to the delights of Devon clotted cream, it was decided to make it an annual occasion. Pat Sturman volunteered to arrange and a route was decided upon. Come the morning of Saturday 28th June and the weather looked promising, A bit of sun was peeping through and better to come, according to the Met’ Office and we all know they are never wrong !
An early morning text from Reg Walker told a sorry tale of his bike being attacked by electrical gremlins, so that was one less, unfortunately. There seem to be a few about but more of that later.
0930 and Ride Captain Pat, assisted by passenger Carole arrived at the Haldon Café on the A380 near Exeter to find Pete Lambourne already there and breakfasted. Rumour has it that he thought that he had better get there before Muddy to guarantee that some food would be left ! Muddy dutifully arrived and a leisurely breakfast was enjoyed by the remaining Knights.
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Start at Haldon Grill |
Pete mentioned that he had experienced some misfiring (or should I say his bike had) and not long after the start, his trusty BMW decided two cylinders firing were enough. The small group struggled along for a while before stopping to allow Muddy to fiddle with Petes wiring (then he had a go at the bike!) All was well for a while and the leafy lanes along the B3212, from the A30 towards Moretonhamstead were enjoyed. The route then covered Whiddon Down, Jacobstowe and the A386 to Sourton Cross service area, where a pause was taken for a coffee (and blueberry muffin for those not watching their waistline) and a prayer for Petes bike but soon after leaving the café it was clear all was not well again and Pete decided to abandon the ride and return home, as he was not far away.
The two remaining bikes continued in the sunshine to the pretty market town of Tavistock, onwards through Yelverton, Princetown, Two Bridges and arrived at the Badgers Holt café, Dartmeet where they met up with Chapter President John Cooke, Tina and springer ‘Buddy’, who had travelled there by car, Tina not yet being up to two-wheels due to a recent neck operation. The weather had improved further and it was a pleasure to sit outside near the river, with the resident peacocks and chickens wandering about, teasing the visitors dogs, whilst consuming the obligatory Badgers Holt cream tea. This consists of two wedges of scone cut from a large cake of that substance, rather than individual scones, with more than enough jam and clotted cream. A standard cream tea was also available, if preferred, along with an amazingly varied main savoury menu and tempting desserts. Muddy managed to restrict himself to one cream tea but had to be restrained when the occupants of a neighbouring table left a portion of chips behind !
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Arriving at Badger Holt |
Replete yet again, the riders said their farewells to John and Tina and continued across a beautiful sunny Dartmoor, returning to Two Bridges, then turning towards Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey and met the A38 at Heathfield where Pat and Carole said their goodbyes to Muddy and headed home. The ride had totalled about 100 miles at a steady pace to enjoy the views which the lovely weather had enhanced. Those attending had certainly enjoyed the occasion. It was just a shame more could not make it. Next year perhaps ?
Pat Sturman
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