Devon Dash
26th March 2011
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The first 2011 ride-out for England XIV proved a little too much for your esteemed Chapter Editor to cope with and despite the starting place being advertised on the web-site as the Haldon Grill, I managed to get it into my head it was Sourton Cross, on the A30! As Billy No Mates was eating his breakfast there, the sensible members of the Chapter, Simon with carer Jackie (Claire being away) John Cooke, son Dan, Muddy, Brendan, John Rolfe and Pete the Pres’ were all enjoying theirs at the Haldon! Webmaster's note: You can rest assured that no-one mentioned Pat's mistake during the day :-) Did someone draw a comparison with Kermit and Miss Piggy perhaps?
I managed to get it together for the start time and Pete led off for one of his “not sure where we are going but I’ll make it up as I go along” jobbies. Simon and Jackie headed off home after enjoying their breakfasts. Thanks for taking the trouble to come Si.
Pete led us on minor roads through Budleigh Salterton, the delightful village of Otterton and on to the rather wet Sidmouth, where there had obviously been a heavy shower but before we arrived. Good judgement Pete. Toilet stop for we oldies (psychological effect of seeing the rain is my excuse) then off through Newton Poppleford, a bit of the A30 towards Honiton, then up the A373 towards Cullompton, until reaching the “Keepers Cottage” pub near Dulford, last visited during the 2009 East Devon Dawdle. A popular spot for farmers and Range Rover owners generally, we were greeted warmly as the “Hells Angels, SAGA Chapter” as some of our older members led into the bar! Charming! I think we could blame them for some of the country smells we encountered during the day.
Light refreshment was taken before once more heading off for Cullompton, Tiverton and Crediton, via Cadbury. Turning South (ish) the group then crossed the A30 at Whiddon Down before making our way towards Moretonhampstead. John Cooke and Dan then left us to make their way back home to Weston (thanks for coming Dan), as did Brendan, near Two Bridges as we made our way across Dartmoor, experiencing the few drops of rain that managed to fall on us, eventually ending up at the Badgers Holt café, Dartmeet, where the final group of self, Pete, John and Muddy took refreshment once again. Cream Teas – yum.
Temperature fine, almost completely dry and the 2011 first ride-out a success. Total of 140 miles covered. Thanks Pete and to all who attended. I’ll try and get the meeting place right next time!
Pat Sturman
Chapter Editor
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