Dartmoor Cream Tea Run
22nd August 2009
The weather men had done it again! Predicting reasonable weather for the Chapters 3rd Cream Tea Run to Dartmoor had encouraged a decent turn out at the Haldon Grill, near Exeter, only for the participants to be greeted by a dull, overcast sky. Joining Ride Captain Pat Sturman were Pete Lambourn, Si and Claire Anderson, Trev and Julie Hawksworth, Muddy and Leslie Waters and Steve and Gill Derwin.
A variety of breakfasts were enjoyed before preparing for a start. Si went out to admire a neatly renovated Triumph Trident on its first ride with new owner, having just been bought in Taunton. The guy started it for Simon, to hear the unusual three cyclinder engine note, only to fail to restart a little later when wanting to leave. Before the battery failed, a case of flooded carbs I think was eased by a short, unsuccessful attempt to bump start cleared it enough for the engine to fire up on the starter. He’d get the hang of it with time.
The ride began with a run off the A30 along the pretty, tree lined B3212 through Longdow and Dunsford to Moretonhampstead, before crossing the A30 at Whiddon Down and on to a planned coffee stop at Sourton Cross services, passing through Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe. Upon arrival however, the place was heaving with holidaying “Grockles” and the queue for the café and indeed the “Ladies” was rather too long. A decision was made to press on, as the weather, although mild, was becoming threatening. As the group neared Tavistock, at the edge of the Moor, it became rather wetter and Ride Captain Pat made an Executive Decision to shorten the route and headed off more directly onto the Moor rather than via Yelverton as planned. Passing the famous Prison at Princetown, we progressed to Two Bridges and Dartmeet and our destination of the Badges Holt café. Thankfully the drizzle was not too bad on arrival and temperature reasonable so cream teas were taken outside under the large umbrellas intended for protection from the sun (sun, what sun?) one of which Simon clutched, while remaining seated on his trike. Perhaps Triumph will make it an official accessory for the British weather! As usual, the Badgers Holt did not spare the clotted cream and jam. There was some left despite Muddy being present!
As we made to leave, the weather became a little damper. Not too bad timing I suppose. The group made our way via Postbridge to Moretonhampstead again, where Pat deviated off towards Newton Abbot and Torbay, whilst the remainder headed for the A30 and homeward bound routes various. The moorland sheep had behaved and kept out of our way although I do remember seeing an unfortunate squirrel which appeared to be on its way to the “great nut store in the sky”.
Despite the slightly inclement weather the day appeared to be enjoyed by all, with reasonable views of pretty countryside, good company and good food. Thanks to all who attended. See you again soon.
Pat
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