With the idea of parking our car at the finish in Whimple and cycling the four miles to the start, Geoff and I found ourselves leaving home at 6.30 on a cold and frosty morning.
When we arrived at Cranbrook, we registered and enjoyed sharing a bacon roll and coffee provided by the local cubs. And off we went – chilly but very sunny as we rode across that blue hoop like bridge which spans the M5. Down into Exeter city centre and then out on the Tiverton road along the Exe valley. Geoff, Mike and I stopped for a quick bite of a sandwich at Bickleigh (15 miles) and, having re-fuelled, felt better able to tackle the undulating road from Tiverton up to Bampton. At Bawdon’s Bakery we were persuaded to eat some very sweet treats which saw us along to Wiviliscombe. A quick cup of tea from the cafe there and then down to Coffee 6 at Wellington, where we went for something savoury and a little more substantial. After this, and with the help of Google Maps, we steered our way through the villages and along the lanes back to Whimple just outside Exeter, arriving at the pub just as it was getting dark. Geoff, Mike and I all had to get home fairly promptly but we thought that next year it would be great to stay on at the pub for supper. A big thank you to the organisers for another great ride.
