Category: Ride Round Up

Seven Spinners turned up at the Topsham Rugby Club on Sunday 29th to ride in the Nello on behalf of the ‘Force’ cancer charity. Most people drove to the event but Chris rode from Honiton, just to warm up!  Everyone chose the 60 mile option and a hot sunny ride was expected. Fortunately the clouds remained steadfast so while it was reasonably warm, the sun stayed hidden and the full heat of the day was avoided, in fact there was even a bit of cooling drizzle.

John and Angie nearly missed the whole thing due to last minute tyre issues, John resolved his but Angie had to revert to her substitute bike. After signing in and a welcome breakfast, Kevin, Angie, Chris and Robert set off first. John and Mike followed and Steve brought up the rear, setting off a while later. 

There was a good turnout. The route took riders to the Countess Weir roundabout, then right and out of Exeter. Passing Poltimore, Killerton and Bickleigh, everything looked familiar, a normal Sunday social ride but instead of heading back, riders continued to Tiverton and the first feed station. Bananas were the order of the day, lots of them (including a banana woman mascot). From there the 60 mile route attacked the appropriately named long drag hill’ before heading onto the moors. There was a second feed station at Woman’s land cricket club where John and Mike joined the lead four, for the remainder of the ride. 

Mike had family members cheering him on at various points around the ride and there was no shortage of people along the route cheering anyone on a bike. Heading onward to Crediton, there were many ups and downs with great scenery. Some riders added an extra challenge: Chris missed a turn and added a few miles and a big hill to his day. A mystery rider was seen carrying a dog in a basket on his handlebars and another in a rucksack. Another rider was circulating on a delivery bike with no gears. All very commendable and for a great cause.

From Crediton it was a straight run back to Topsham with just enough time to stop at Wendy’s feed station. Wendy is a fixture of the Nello having been on ‘duty’ looking after riders for many years. Fairly heavy traffic through Exeter and along the Topsham road where everyone receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome back. Arm bands were handed in, bikes stowed away and drinks and ice creams purchased, it was time to relax. Steve appeared having also successfully completed the ride. Time for home, all driving except Chris who still had a ride to Honiton to get to his 100 mile target for the day.

Robert Oakley, Kevin Goss and Tony Peek from the Spinners rode all or part of the Dartmoor Classic on 22 June 2025.

They rode the Medio route of 66.6 miles or 107km with 6000ft or 1830 metres of climb. The route is the middle distance route option of the Dartmoor Classic Sportive. The route starts with a 2.3 mile neutralised segment from Newton Abbot racecourse to Clay Pits Way. Here you will see the ‘Timing Towers’ and your official ride time will begin.

After scenic climbs through Dartmoor, at 30 miles you arrive at the famous Princetown feed station to enjoy a variety of food and drinks along with energy bars and Tea or Coffee. Mind you don’t eat too much of the Homity Pie as 10 miles on from Princetown, at 40 miles is the Closed Road Hill climb segment. Here you will have the opportunity to test your climbing strength against fellow participants with prizes to be won for the fastest male & female riders of each age category.

Robert’s Ride

With the knowledge that we were less than half way to the feeding station at Princetown, there was nothing for it but to just grind out the miles and where possible enjoy the views and appreciate the claps and cheers of the few brave souls who stood at the side of the road to encourage us onwards. As we descended towards Princetown, it was a bit disappointing to see some quicker riders coming back up that same hill. I don’t know why but climbing back up a hill feels worse than tackling a new climb.   

We arrived at the feeding station, racked our bikes and one of the first people I saw was the Spinners very own Kevin Goss. Kevin had set off a group in front of us and was looking much more comfortable than I felt. I have to say that as with everything that day, the feeding station was excellently organised with a great selection of food, drinks and supplements. Fed and watered, we set our sights on the finish line and set off once again with climbs and falls until we got to the foot of the time trial stage. While virtually every steward was doing an excellent job, I had little time for the guy at the base of the climb encouraging me to ‘give it everything’. For me this was a steady uphill ride, dropping down the gears until I ran out and then just a long slog to the top (where Tom was waiting once again). We saw Kevin while catching breath at the top and I believe he also took it at a slow but steady pace.

From here there were more falls than climbs until we arrived at Doccombe, yet another challenging hill. Having conquered this penultimate hill, I was delighted to find a long, fast, downhill section which dropped down to river level and followed the water for a few miles. This bit I really enjoyed and it even showed up as one of the quicker sections on Strava (for my age group) until the inevitable, another hill (Tappers). This time quite a tame climb compared to its predecessors.

Only a few more minor ups and downs until we hit the 66.6 mile marker and the finish line. A nice gentle ride through Newton Abbot back to the race course and a welcome drink. The biggest surprise of the day was when I was handed a gold medal, not a quick ride, just a reasonable ride in an older age group. I found out later that I had a slightly better time than Kevin but only because he stopped to help another rider who had run out of spare tubes, always the gentleman. 

Would I do it again?…..ask me in a couple of months. Next week is the Nello, another charity ride of similar distance but with less elevation. Hopefully my legs will be OK.

Tony’s Experience

So I arrived early at 6.50am on Sunday morning at the race course, in plenty of time to get my race number, collect my DC jersey and fuel up. Last year I made the mistake of not drinking enough and suffered with cramp for the last 10 miles. Lesson learned, 2 bottles, 4 gels and a bar to get me to the feed station. I had also been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and rain was possible from 11 am onwards. Not a problem as I would be near the end by then and so I decided that no jacket was required.  

The marshal was a stickler for time so we were not allowed to go early and had to wait till 7.35am. But at least I was right at the start of the medio group. We set off behind the lead vehicle until we got to the timing towers and we were off.  I decided early on to do my own thing. Not to keep up with people, nor to slow for riders. Just to enjoy it. 

The route was different from last year and it wasn’t long before we were at Bovey Tracy and the start of our first proper climb Hay Tor. A climb of 3.3 miles with some steep but manageable 10 to 13% sections. Dipping back down to 5% before going steep again and then Hay Tor itself was in sight. Then a final push up to the top before a slight down hill and another bit of climbing. 28 minutes to climb Hay Tor with a cross wind. And by this time the rain had settled in ! 

At 12 miles you go over a cattle grid and turn left. Same as last year only nobody said it would be this windy. We were suddenly slowed right down by lots of cyclists stood in the road and bikes everywhere. Unfortunately a rider had hit a pot hole and come off . From the look of her, she wasn’t in a good way. I did find out later she needed hospital treatment.  So I carried on along the road which was slightly climbing and then it was the down hill time. A long downhill of about a mile maybe . I checked my speed , 40 mph!. I started to slow as I knew there was a bend coming up. As I approached the bend I noticed gravel on the corner and then……… It all happened so fast ….. 

The next thing I knew I had hit the ground. I’m still not sure what happened or how it happened. But then there was a crashing sound and the guy behind me came tumbling off his bike. A combination of speed , gravel, wet roads and over confidence. So I picked myself up. Slowed others riders down as the came down the hill do we didn’t have a multiple pile up of bikes and bodies. 

 I picked my bike up to ride it and thought ” there’s something not right here” it was then that I noticed my saddle was missing. In fact the seat post had snapped off at the frame. Later on I realised that the rear mech and hanger were damaged along with the front lever. So my race was over just like that. 15 miles done. There was no way I could carry on. Unfortunately I don’t have a back up car with 5 spare bikes on the roof. 

About 100 yards from where I crashed was a marshal at a T junction. He called for help and arranged for myself and the other guy to be collected along with our bikes. I have a garmin cycle device that if it detects a fall will alert an emergency number and if not stopped in time, will notify the emergency service. I did stop it in time from calling the emergency service but it had already notified my wife. She had a message and called me to find out if I was OK. I was then able to get her to come down and collect me from the race course, once we were taken back there by the DC vehicle. Unfortunately due to the accident earlier involving the woman it had taken longer to get to us then expected. But still I was grateful for the lift back . 

I did get checked out and patched up by the medics at the DC village. A big thank you to them for looking after me. I did buy a new helmet at the DC village, just to be on the safe side. 

But as we are all cyclists, we understand the risk we take, everytime we go out for a ride. As for my bike…. time will tell if it will live to be ridden another day. 

The Heathfield Inn, Honiton Tuesday 19^th November 7–9 pm

Chair’s Report

Tony welcomed 17 Spinners to the 2024 AGM and outlined the various events, club rides, Sportives and achievements of club members during the past year. He then outlined the results of the club survey, concluding that there is a strong feeling to continue to be a registered club, with club rides on Tuesday evenings in the lighter months, whilst acknowledging that there has been a shift towards daytime riding. The challenge for the next year will be to encourage new members by meeting varying needs and preferences.

Tony then dissolved the previous committee after confirming that he has stepped down as Chair after two years, and also thanked Claire for her contribution to the club as she, too, was leaving the committee.

Treasurer’s Report

Hannah outlined the club’s financial situation. With all expenses for the BBQ and AGM now paid, the bank balance is currently £1,744.9. The balance at this point in 2023 was £1,748.46. The year end and interim accounts will be presented at the next committee meeting, where affiliations and membership fees will be discussed further.

Membership is currently 38.

Hannah also updated attendees on the recent changes to the Spond groupings.

After tucking into the buffet, attendees were entertained by Roger Saunders’s account of his two-day Coast to Coast ride from Ilfracombe to Plymouth. Both his enthusiasm for the ride and photographs have tempted club members to consider it as a club ride in 2025.

Criag Boyde then amazed us with his account of his attempts and final success at riding the challenging Trafalgar Way from Plymouth to London. The difficulties faced and his sheer determination indicated why he should be so proud of his achievement.

The new committee

Tony announced the new committee, welcoming new Chair Rob Oakley and new committee members Tim Lamb and Matt Camps.

2024 – 2025 committee: Chair – Rob Oakley, Treasurer – Hannah Dingle, Secretary – Jennie Sleeman, together with Lin Grady, Tony Peek, Matt Camps and Tim Lamb. Roger Saunders will continue to maintain the club’s web site.

Rob explained his thoughts for the coming year and handed out a discussion document, which will be emailed to club members prior to the next committee meeting.

Awards

The awards were then announced as follows:

• King of Members to Rob Oakley
• Queen of Members to Sue Jones
• Huff and Puff to Chris James
• Annual Achievement Award to Roger Saunders
• Members Award to Jennie Sleeman

Tony thanked everyone for attending and close the meeting at 9pm.

Two years ago several Spinners attempted the Devon coast to coast ride from Plymouth in 1 day but gave up after 70 miles finishing at the Puffing Billy at Great Torrington. Since then I have been yearning to try again but to do it at a more leisurely pace in 2 days and to start at Ilfracombe which I think is the better way to do it. I rode it at the end of August 2024 in ideal weather and hope these notes may be useful for anyone who wants to do it in the future. I used the official gpx file downloaded for navigation and followed the route 27 signs which were very helpful. My gpx route which has a better routing through Tavistock though there are one or two short mis-steps where I realised I was heading on the wrong route, available on request. Over the 100 miles (161km) there is 5189 ft (1581 m) of climbing.

Day 1

The main problem is getting to Ilfracombe and I have to thank my long suffering wife for driving me there with bike. After the mandatory photo by the official start at Verity (Damien Hirsts sculpture) at the harbour I rode out of town and was immediately confronted with a decent hill to climb. However once that was climbed the next significant hill wasn’t until right at the end of day 1.  From Ilfracombe to Braunton there was a mix of cycle track and rural lanes. I descended into Braunton and found a perfect coffee and cake stop on a roundabout after the large car park. The Tarka trail proper starts here and for the rest of the day I was cycling along it. Barnstable confused me as the official route seemed to take a long detour to avoid any road bridges. Riding along the river Torridge was a joy although quite busy. Bideford station seemed a good lunch stop but the menu was very limited (pasties) and there were no loos so I would recommend carrying on another 5 miles to the Puffing Billy below Gt Torrington which serves an extensive menu and even had a second hand bookstore. After this the trail continues through woods for another 8 miles. There is a cafe about 4 miles after the Puffing Billy which would be another good option to stop. Once you leave the Tarka trail you encounter the final climb of day 1 which after 40 miles was hard work! The ride on the first day finished in a quaint village called Sheepwash about 44 miles along the route where I checked into the Half Moon Inn. It had a place to lock bikes away, may have catered for e-bikes and served a good evening meal. The downside was it cost me around £100 but it was quiet and comfortable. 

Day 2.

Leaving Sheepwash in the mist there were a few significant hills to encounter before Okehampton including the one up to the start of the Granite way. Once on it there were great views of Dartmoor as you cross the Meldon Viaduct. I don’t understand why there is still a short off-tarmac section in the middle of this great cycle route. Then a stop at Lydford for a drink and on another road section which included a short proper off road bit requiring a short walk on very rough ground. Another route 27 anomaly. The next town was Tavistock which was confusing as the gpx route made no sense so I followed the route 27 signs which were fine. I seem to remember last time we did it we got lost there. After Tavistock it is almost all dedicated cycle routes (the Drake Trail) and it was a wonderful ride mainly downhill over impressive viaducts, through cuttings and in tunnels (note take a front light) and apart from the odd pony pretty quiet. I am tempted to repeat that section at a more leisurely pace sometime. A lunch stop was not obvious by the route after Tavistock and I was a bit nervous of finishing well in time to catch the 16:25 train from Plymouth so I continued on to the NT Saltram estate. A busy stretch along the river but a good way to approach Plymouth. The final ride into Plymouth is a bit mixed but good to go past the Aquarium and up close to Smeaton’s Tower. I clocked 99.5 miles at the official finish point so had to go a bit further to get 100 miles on Strava!. After a relaxing drink and snack on the Hoe in the sunshine I headed to the station (all off road) and caught the train. It was the same one I caught to Northumbria so very familiar with how to store the bike. Once at Exeter St David’s however all the trains to Honiton were cancelled for the next 2 hours so I resorted to calling my wife to come and get me as I was not up to cycling back from Exeter. Such a shame our trains can’t be relied upon. Overall it was a good challenge to do it in 2 days and some stretches were just wonderful to cycle. 

After the Pisa to Florence ride last year 5 Spinners decided to stay closer to home in 2024 and explore Northumberland. John and Mike drove up with their road bikes (not e-bikes) and Lin, Sue and Roger took their bikes on the train a new experience. The Ladies had a stressful start on a packed train from Tiverton parkway unable to sit down for sometime. It was noted it took longer to get to Alnmouth than to Pisa!  The drivers also had a stressful journey with much of the motorway being 50 mph up north. Once again we were using Saddle Skedaddle to provide a route and to transport our luggage. We all took our road bikes but gravel bikes would have been more suitable as there were a few challenging off-road sections. The first 2 days were riding north to Berwick on Tweed along the coast and the second 2 days returning south inland closer to the Cheviots. The final day was a loop mainly south of Warkworth. 

Day 1 Warkworth to Seahouses 46 km 320 m climbing

The ride started in Warkworth a charming town with a Castle and the river Coquet. The first day saw us riding to Seahouses in the N. Sea mist. After Craster a fishing port  we decided to walk up to Dustanburgh Castle an eerie sight in the clearing mist as its walls are partly damaged from previous battles. Further on the walk we came across a sanctuary for black legged Kittiwakes on the coast. Back on the road we arrived in Seahouses, explored the beach and then enjoyed fish and chips. Roger then proceeded to teach Scrabble to his fellow riders.

Day 2 Seahouses to Berwick on Tweed 70 km 470 m climbing

This turned out to be a much longer ride than planned. First we looped south from Seahouses to visit Beadnell harbour and then stopped at Bamburgh Castle  to visit this intact castle where The Last Kingdom series on Netflix was filmed, something recommended by Mike. We then rode on to Lin’s favourite cafe stop which had a wide range of gluten free options not normally available so she had a feast of lunch and desert. The next stop was Holy Island. We had to wait to 14:30 for the tide to allow us to cross the causeway and then it was another 6km to the village to see another castle and ruined monastery. Riding late in the afternoon we then made our way to Berwick along the coast mostly on challenging off-road paths through fields of long grass and coarse gravel. Mike remarked it was worse than the Nello. On arrival in Berwick we stayed in a rather dodgy hotel but enjoyed a great Italian meal with limoncello although we were all a bit knackered. 

Day 3 Berwick to Wooler 47 km 460 m climbing

Climbing out of Berwick we entered Scotland for a few kilometres. A quick look at Paxton House an impressive mansion with extensive gardens and then coffee in the charming village of Norham.  Then diving down on a path along the river Till to Etal for lunch. After another session of riding through long grass we arrived at Wooler “The gateway to the Cheviots”. Roger, Lin and Sue walked around the area and John managed to find a bookshop in town. 

Day 4 Wooler to Warkworth 47 km 610 m climbing

After the start Lin worried she hadn’t packed her toiletries bag so a panicked phone call had to be made but all was well. There were more hills on this leg in the undulating terrain with warmer weather as well so the coffee stop was very welcome in the morning.  We then arrived in Alnwick a picturesque town with castle, garden and for John Barters bookshop housed in the former station where we had lunch. John revelled in the shop all afternoon but the rest of us visited the gardens designed by the Duchess of Northumberland with many impressive water features. It was an easy ride back to Warkworth to revisit our original hotel by the castle. 

Day 5 Warkworth loop 52 km 337 m climb

The last day was a loop up to Alnmouth and then down south along quiet lanes before returning back up the coast. John left to head south so there were only four riders for this final day. Due to the lack of coffee stops we whizzed around this loop which was flat except for one hill and after lunch at Druridge Bay nature reserve we stopped at the port of Amble. Having discovered we were in time to take a boat out to Coquet Island we decided to take the trip which circumnavigated the Island to see the Puffins. As it turned out we not only saw Puffins but many seals and a pod of dolphins which bobbed up and down close to the boat. This was the highlight of the trip for us. 

Overall we were very lucky with the weather with no rain or strong winds and Mike in particular was pleased to make it round not on an e-bike so felt much fitter at the end. It would have been easier with gravel bikes but all our bikes survived intact and no punctures! It was a good way to see the Northumberland countryside. 

What a ride, probably my most audacious yet, certainly this year anyway. The ride start was from Padiham on the outskirts of Burnley and was packed full of climbs. It was the Tan Hill 200 audax. My aim was to get around and just complete it as I knew already that I had a slim chance of finishing the ride in time. I didn’t quite succeed. There would have been 8 massive Lancashire and Yorkshire Dales climbs including 2 ascents of Buttertubs from each side but it wasn’t to be, Buttertubs proved to be too much and I never made it to Tan Hill. But I bagged 6, not bad for a ride in the area.

The first climb came straight out of the starting gate and was a beast, it was the Nick o’ Pendle, on the other side we rode through Clitheroe and climbed again, next up was Waddington Fell which was a bit easier on the legs. After this was the first control at the Riverside tea rooms in Slaidburn, to show how tough this ride was I arrived at the first control 20 mins over time. After refuelling I set off again and next up was the most spectacular climb yet, Ravens Castle. A real narrow mountain road. First 3 climbs done and I was still in Lancashire, but I soon crossed into Yorkshire and the 4th climb which happened to be the easiest, Newby Head. This had its own challenges, the hoards of people parking anywhere they could to go and see the Ribblehead viaduct. Hawes was rather nice and I set about having a 2nd coffee stop simply cos I need the rest in between climbs. Timing had gone out the window anyway as the time I arrived in Hawes (3pm) was the time I should have been at the Tan Hill Inn. This was a turning point though, to get back I had to ride back over Buttertubs to Hawes if I carried on to the Tan Hill Inn. I gave it my best shot but Buttertubs was 16% from the side I was on and that was tough going after the ride I’d done so far, in fact it was the straw that broke the Camels back and when I saw the other side was 25% that made up my mind and I turned around, headed back down to Hawes. By this time it was now 5:45pm and went in search of more food and had sausage and chips from the local chippy. But I still had one more climb to get over yet, the highest of them all Fleet Moss. Another absolute beast with a very steep final ramp to the top. It was every bit like climbing over a wall it was that steep. Ridiculously steep! After that I still had the ride back which was still a fair way but thankfully mostly downhill. The first part coming down from Fleet Moss was through Warfdale which was absolutely beautiful. After a final stop at petrol station near Gargrave I made it back but with 2 very weary legs it was gone past midnight by the time I returned.

Several Spinners tackled the Dartmoor Classic in 2024, Rod Inglis and our chairman Tony Peek. Their experiences are described below:

Rod:

A close thing but Gold it was at the Dartmoor Classic. 6hr 44mins for the 106 miles & 3000m of up, one brief stop at Princetown and a euphemism break. Ideal conditions with cloud cover all day and a light breeze with some light, almost drizzle and the temperature just right. I came 3rd on the KoM segment out of 107 in the 60—69 vet group. So virtual podium. A fellow 60’s vet supplied a wonderful tow down the Teign Valley to make the gold time for the both of us, but it was full gaz just to hang on his wheel! For the rest of the route it was Billy no mates all the way.

Tony:

A little while ago whilst on a Zwift ride with Stephen Dabbs I decided to join him on the Dartmoor Classic. I haven’t done this for a few years so my legs had forgotten what it was like. Dartmoor covers 954 km2 (368 sq mi). The medio ride itself Distance: 68 miles / 110 km.  Elevation Gain: 5600ft / 1700 m with a Max Gradient: 20%, setting off from Event HQ: Newton Abbot, TQ12 3A the race course. So I met Steve at the race course for 7am in plenty of time to check in and get ready for an 8am ride start. So off we set through Newton Abbott following a van that kept us all together before we went through the official time check start. After that we were on a roll. Chatting together about this and that, at about 6 miles in we hit a descent of which I flew down and then tackled the 1st proper climb. I pushed on until I got to the top going over the 1st of many cattle grids. Here I wait for Stephen. After 7 or 8 minutes I phoned him. No answer. So I headed on thinking I had missed him. A couple more climbs and then we did a sharp left into a closed road section which was the KoM/ QoM. I decided not to go hard on this section as they use it as part of the Tour of Britain, however I found it to be an easier climb then I thought it would be ! Too late by then so onwards to Ashburton where the climb really hits. A 20% climb before kicking left towards Princetown. That was tough. People were walking it . At Princetown was the feed station. 32 miles done. Now stupidly I never had any ready salted crisps this time. Normally I have two packets before a sandwich. I was really going to regret this later. 

I waited at the feed station for 25 minutes in case Stephen showed up. However I decided to carry on as my legs don’t like stopping for too long. I did mention to a marshal to let Steve know if she saw him. Once again it was climbing. It seemed like my garmin kept telling me there was another climb. I knew this next bit and loved the dips followed by short punchy climbs , on one of the dips I clocked myself doing 44 mph around the bend. Boys will be boys. At 50 miles we reached Moretonhampstead and another climb. This is where I started to struggle. Due to the humidity I was sweating a lot and not taking on enough replenishment so cramp set in. From there on every climb or gradient I was to suffer. At one stage I was peddling with just my right leg clipped in trying to ease the pain in my left leg by letting it just hang. However I did make it to the finish line and got my medal and goodie bag. Here I waited for Stephen to finish only to find out he had two punctures before Princetown. And the lady at the feed station said to Steve we had only just missed each other !  Stephen says that unfortunately he won’t be joining me next year for the Dartmoor classic but in true cycling fashion we enjoyed a well earned pint together at the end.

On Saturday 27^th April, the first Women’s ride of 2024 took place. It wasn’t raining. It wasn’t windy. Even the sun made a brief appearance. New faces and familiar faces met at the start, with bikes ranging from off-road hybrids to sturdy winter bikes to lightweight carbon bikes. It was good to meet riders from the Women on the Run group, thanks to Gerry who encouraged them to give riding a go. It was a social, chatty and friendly ride, with the only hiccup being a chain that came off. That was soon sorted and off went the group cycling for 14 miles round the lanes of East Devon, finishing with cake and biscuits. Thanks to Kev who was glued to his phone in case of emergencies!

Dates of future rides

Rides take place on Saturdays, starting at 10am.

The next rides will be on 4^th May, 18^th May, 1^st June, 15^th June, 29^th June, 20^th July, 27^th July,

10^th August, 24^th August, 7^th September.

If you are interested, please email Jennie at jennie.sleeman@gmail.com for more information.

There seems to be a pattern in the weather at the moment with Tuesday nights being wet but a window of dry weather on following Wednesday mornings. Spinners who don’t have to work have taken advantage of this with the Winter mid-week rides continuing into the Spring. Recent rides in April have included Sidmouth, Cullompton and Seaton. It has been good to see Mike Bowring back riding with us after 9 months of recovery and John Burgess back on the bike so soon after his hip replacement.