B Rides

REPORT ON LATEST RIDE

Ride Report—13th April 2025

A Solo Spin for Graham Reed

Graham Redd was the only 'B' rider out on Sunday. After two rides earlier in the week and a heavy gym session, I found myself completely spent and, with some reluctance, decided to sit this one out.

Graham called later to say it had been a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Despite the gloomy forecast, the weather held up beautifully—a classic case of the day turning out far better than expected.

Perhaps, at the grand age of 80, it’s time I reassessed my limits and adjusted the pace a little.

Ride Report—6th April 2025

Graham Reed’s Ride to Weir Quay

This weekend's ride was led by Graham Reed and headed to Weir Quay—a favourite destination for both our A and B groups.

Sue is still out of action with a broken arm, but there's good news: the bones are knitting nicely, and it looks like surgery won’t be needed.

Mike, Graham, and I set off along the trail together. I left the cycle path just before Clearbrook and rejoined the others at the top of the hill where the trail picks up again. Along the way, we spent some time chatting with a friendly group of Filipino cyclists—all now living in Britain. One of them very kindly showed me how to untangle my new gadget, the Osmo 6 gimbal.

We met John Durham at Scarlet's Kitchen. Only Graham and I continued on to Weir Quay, as John had a meeting to attend and Mike had work waiting for him at home.

After a pleasant stop at Christine’s café, we made our way back. Graham shot off ahead before I could warn him of something. I returned to Coypool via Bickleigh.

46 miles on the clock—altogether, a very satisfying day’s riding.

Ride Report—30th March 2025

David joined us today for his last ride before heading off to Cornwall until autumn. Dartington was on the schedule, and Dartington we did—though it ended up being just David and myself. Sue is still out of action, Mike was away this weekend, and Graham Reed unfortunately ran into trouble with a stubborn tyre.

Setting off a little later than usual, thanks to the clocks springing forward, we enjoyed fair weather throughout. Our outbound route took us through the scenic lanes of Harbertonford and Rattery. On the return journey, however, a slight detour turned into an unintended adventure. My Satnav got thoroughly confused, spinning us around in a complete loop until two friendly locals in Week kindly pointed us in the right direction—albeit a different one than planned!

We made our way home via Buckfastleigh, then onto the familiar route through Bittaford and Ivybridge. A pleasant refreshment stop at the Gatehouse Café was very welcome.

The final tally was 45 miles with around 1,300 metres of climbing. All in all, a good day's cycling! 🚴‍♂️

Cycling Beyond the Illusion

There is a world that has always been there—the sky, the sun, the trees, the quiet presence of nature. It asks for nothing; it just is. This is the world I encounter when cycling down country lanes, where each turn in the road reveals something real: a leaf on a path, a dry stone catching the sun, the timeless rhythm of the seasons.

And then there is the other world—the one of endless expansion, concrete spreading into green fields, the hum of traffic drowning out the birds. A world built on greed, self-interest, and control where the natural order is overwritten with artificial constructs.

Cycling is, in a way, an escape from that world—a reminder that reality isn't found in headlines or high-rises but in the is-ness of things. The moment when the wind shifts, a scent of earth rises, and for just a second, you exist in a place untouched by illusion.

That’s why I ride. 🚴‍♂️