Devon Dash
27th March 2010
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Organised by El Pres, Pete Lambourn, the Devon Dash was to be the first Chapter rideout of 2010 and proved to be a hit. The weather smiled and 9 participants enjoyed the day, beginning with a gathering for brekkie or otherwise at Cullompton services at junction 28 of the M5. Eight Chapter members assembled and joining Pete were John Cooke, trying out his first major ride after his knee operation, Muddy, Roger Hopes, Hardy Hussain, Paul (Nez) Nesbit-Bell, Jerry Hawkins and myself.
Pete led us off from Cullompton to Tiverton, A396 to Bickleigh, A3072 to Crediton, passing through Cadbury (which, thankfully, did not appear to have suffered from any American influences), A377 Copplestone then A3072 through Jacobstowe and A386, Hatherleigh, Meeth and to a viewing point with convenient fast food cabin and toilet at Great Torrington, where we met up with Taff Greening (I’m sure I’ve told you before not to hang about the toilets Taff).
After a chat, we carried on up the B3232 to Barnstaple and passing the towns attempt to compete with Stonehenge, on to a late lunch stop at the Tarka Inn, near Chivenor, overlooking the Taw estuary. We had already enjoyed some lovely scenery. Some chose to eat and others, having enjoyed substantial breakfasts, declined, however the two did not necessarily coincide! The light hearted chat sticks in my mind and the sight of John calling into the void underneath the crust of his pie, insisting he could hear an echo! Although not partaking myself, I think the food was at least acceptable.
It was mid-afternoon when we left and Roger, Hardy and Nez left the main group to return home. The remainder allowed themselves to be led by Taff on the very “interesting” road North to Blackmoor Gate, taking in some hairpin bends, gravely patches, steep inclines and one ford! The road was quite narrow at times and I swear we passed through two farmyards and one front room! Turning East, we tried hard to keep up with Taffs Burgman (I know it says 650 on the side but I reckon it’s a lie) along sweeping roads with epic views across Exmoor, seeing Challacombe and Simonsbath, then A3223 to the pretty village of Dulverton, Exbridge then on the A396 through Cove to Tiverton before taking our seperate ways home from J27, M5, having covered about 125 miles.
The sun shone almost throughout and temperature was most acceptable but our bikes looked a little dirtier than when we started due to many areas where water was running from saturated fields onto the roads. Being “Tail End Charlie” can I thank Muddy for pointing out to me road kill as we approached. However I must say that he didn’t seem to allow me sufficient time to collect any. Badger hot-pot anyone? (tastes just like chicken!)
Thanks to Pete for organising and he and Taff for leading for their stages and to all who attended for making it a very enjoyable first rideout. It was good to see a few fresh faces and look forward to meeting more. Can I say to any new members attending, I doubt you will regret it. For my own benefit, as official scribe, can I ask that all have their names tattooed on their foreheads to assist an ailing memory (not that anyone notices, or ever mentions it!)
Pat Sturman
Chapter Editor
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