Category: Ride Round Up

This annual event has raised around £1.5 million since its inception in 2000, supporting individuals affected by cancer in Devon. This year’s event aimed to raise an additional £127,500 to care for an expected increase of 150 cancer patients in 2026. 

Honiton Spinners joined the colourful crowd of cyclists gathered at Topsham Rugby Club for what Kev called, ‘ No race, just a good bike ride.’ At this point, John realised that he’d forgotten to charge his bike’s battery and spent the entire ride successfully stretching out only 42% power. Unfortunately, cramp for the last 20 miles was his punishment. Plans for John, Kev, Lin, Chris, Jennie, Rob, Gayle, plus Rob’s brother and sister-in-law to ride the 60 miles together were scuppered by being separated at the start line. After stopping at nearly every traffic light in Exeter, the group were reunited at the banana stop in Tiverton. Here, they decided to ride in two groups and tackled the 3,786 feet of climb through beautiful West Country roads, passing through Nomansland, Morchard  Road and Crediton on an increasingly warm day. Despite the sandwiches, savouries and cakes at the third food stop, the riders found room for an ice-cream back at Topsham, where, not content with her distance, Jennie cycled round the car park to reach 60 miles.  Chris, meanwhile, was not content to ride 60 miles, so cycled to and from the start, clocking up over 100 miles!

Spinners were sorry that Mike Bowman was not well enough to join them, as this is one of his particular favourites, but were delighted to see him cheering them as they cycled through Exeter. Well done to everyone as there were some long, punchy climbs on the route. 

Five Honiton Spinners tackled the coast to coast ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth across Northern England over 4 days at the beginning of July. This is 147 miles long and 10,729 ft of climbing. Saddle Skedaddle, who we have used many times, provided the route details, accommodation and moved the bags along the route for us.  Lin, Jennie, Roger and Simon opted to take the train up to Newcastle with bikes (except Jennie) but John drove up as he could break the journey at his brother’s half way taking both his and Jennie’s bikes.

For Lin the journey started with a big panic as she thought Roger had her train tickets but he had actually given them to her some time ago. Luckily husband Chris managed to find them and delivered them to Lin so she could take the later train. Ticket prices on the day were quoted at £500+ return compared with booking in advance at just over £100!  In the end Lin managed to avoid any penalty charges being on a different train thanks to the helpful Tiverton Parkway ticket office. With that panic over the journey up north to Newcastle was uneventful and an amazing Italian restaurant with a 3 course meal for £20.50 was found to celebrate our arrival.

Day 1 Whitehaven to Threlkeld – 34.4 miles 2545 ft

After a long drive across the country from Newcastle the ride started at the harbour in Whitehaven which had brown water from the local mining. From there an old railway line was followed into the Lake District where Windlatter Pass had to be negotiated where a long steady climb to the top awaited. For some reason Lin decided to take the off-road route towards the top which resulted in Roger cycling back down and not finding her. A telephone call soon sorted it out though so Roger only had to climb the top bit of the pass twice!. He was glad he had a motor though. At the top of Windlatter was a nice café for a late lunch. On the other side of Windlatter there was a descent with great views into Keswick and then along a lovely cycle track, which some of us had done before, crossing a river many times to a Pub in Threlkeld our overnight stop. The views in the Lake District were spectacular making this day the most scenic part of the ride.

Day 2 Threlkeld to Alston – 40.7 miles 3541 ft

This was a day of undulating terrain leaving the Lakes behind us in light rain but thankfully the rain soon stopped. A coffee stop in Penrith helped fuel us for the challenge to come. Lunch was eaten in a large stone circle sheltering from the wind. The largest stone called Long Meg stood apart from her sisters and had ancient carvings on it. These stones are from the Neolithic Period (3200 – 2500 BCE) and form the third largest stone circle in England. The ascent of Hartside Pass was energy sapping being 4 miles long and about 1200 ft of climb with an average 6% gradient up to 1900 ft asl. Luckily the wind was behind us for some of the climb but we did get blown sideways part of the way up. From the top there was a lovely long descent down to our hotel in Alston, a quiet country town.

Day 3 Alston to Blanchland – 22.4 miles 2510 ft.

This day was a short distance to ride but with some good climbs to negotiate starting from Alston. Again we started in light rain but it did clear again after a few miles. Curlews were flying over us calling out as we approached the climb to Black Hill. The top is the highest point of the ride at 1998 ft asl. This was where the bleak Pennine Moors came into view. We descended to an isolated cafe for coffee and cakes in Allenheads to refresh ourselves. No red squirrels were spotted though but some lovely flowers in the gardens. After that the climb to Blanchland was the steepest yet ~20% in places taking us back over the moors and then a long descent to Blanchland. The accommodation there was an ancient Monastery and very well appointed with a maze of eating rooms and a bar.  The short ride although tough gave us time to do a pleasant 3 mile walk out of Blanchland up on the moor after lunch. Afterwards John managed to finally find some fruit cake to consume with tea as it’s not a popular option up north apparently.

Day 4 Blanchland to Tynemouth – 49.4 miles 2133 ft.

A final long day of riding to the North Sea. The first 10 miles included another long ascent to the high moors with a strong cross wind and large lorries threatening to blow the bikes and riders off course. John was able to video some of us on the way up. Once we reached the summit a cycle trail starts which led all the way to Newcastle on a gently descending gradient initially on the moor. We left the moorland before Consett a town which lost its main source of employment as the steelworks closed down in 1980 but there are still signs of the steel works infrastructure around the town. The trail was a mix of fine gravel and tarmac and so was ok for road bikes although a gravel bike is ideal for this part of the route.

Jennie’s ride unfortunately came to an abrupt end after Consett at Black Path when a short steep downhill section with deep fine gravel combined to cause her to fall off her bike whilst braking and injured her shoulder and grazed her elbow and knee. Saddle Skedaddle were very good and came out and picked her and the bike up and took her to our lunch stop at the Cycle Hub on the quayside in Newcastle. The rest of us headed on to Newcastle after making sure Jennie would be picked up. We managed to get somewhat lost for a while after crossing the Tyne where the signage was not great. After lunch at the Cycle Hub the final section of the ride to Tynemouth was mostly on bike paths and through gardens. When we reached Tynemouth we met up with Jennie again and the mandatory photos were taken with the North Sea in the background. There is no obvious sign to mark the end of the route but we did find a sign post with C2C on it on the coast path.

Summary

The route was more challenging than our previous Saddle Skedaddle holidays with some tough climbs to negotiate but there were no difficult off road sections as we experienced on the Northumberland rides. The Saddle Skedaddle organisation was very good and the accommodation this time was excellent. The support given to Jennie shows the benefits of booking with them. Hats off to all those without e-bikes who got round under their own power.

Takes place at Pembrey Country Park Carmarthenshire in late March. It is a 41 km off road race taking in a 5 mile stretch, of the stunning coast line, which is ridden 3 times, gravel forestry tracks along with some fast flowing single track in the dunes and forest within the park. All bikes are welcome. Gravel,CX,Fat bikes, mountain bikes and even tandems. Most people ride gravel bikes but certain sectors are more suited to mountain bikes. So take your pick! I rode a CX bike for the event The event sells out within a couple of days when entries open on New Years Day at midnight. So you need to be quick. Over 1000 riders of all ages and abilities take to the start line The weekend starts on Saturday with children’s races in the afternoon and then a night race of about 5 km using some of the dunes and single track from the main race. You started off at 10 second intervals so are more than likely going to catch or be caught!! The main race starts at midday on Sunday The first 200 riders are gridded and the elite. Unfortunately that’s not me. I had to find a spot in the start pen with everyone else. I queued up an hour before the start so had a decent spot fairly close to the start line. I was soon overtaken along the beach by what seemed a lot of riders. It’s a 3 lap course. The first 2 are the same with the 3rd being slightly shorter. There were a couple of ‘puddles of doom’ which were a lot deeper than they looked. Water and sand are not a great combination and soon all you heard were squealing brakes and grinding from the drive train. Even though it’s only 41 km the terrain makes it a tough day out in the saddle. Certainly worth it if your looking for a crazy race! At the end there’s a chance to grab a drink and some food and to cheer in finishing riders. The winning time was 1 hour and 15 minutes. My time was 1 hour 45 minutes which got me a finish position of 220. I would definitely recommend this race and look forward to seeing you on the start line in 2027 

18 Spinners enjoyed festive food and drink at the Sidmouth Arms on 11 December 2025. It was a nice way to catch up with club members. Thanks to Kev and John for organising.

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Tuesday 21^st October at 2 Combe Hill Cottages, Combe Raleigh 7pm

In a departure from previous years, the 2025 AGM was hosted by Lin, who prepared a delicious meal of lasagne, with garlic bread and salad. This was followed by very tempting desserts made by Sue, Gayle and Jennie. After the first course, Robert began the formal part of the evening, followed by a break for dessert and further discussion.

Welcome and Chair’s Report 

Robert thanked Lin for her hospitality and welcomed the significant number of members present, some of whom were new.

In his report, Robert thanked Kevin for hosting the 10^th anniversary BBQ and commiserated with Tony for his accident during the Dartmoor Classic earlier in the year. He noted the good attendance at the charity rides, the Nello and the Cycle 42, despite poor weather and punctures, and mentioned several successful club rides, including the Coast to Coast, organised by Roger and Steve.

Treasurer’s Report and membership summary

As Hannah was unable to join us, Robert gave a brief summary of the club finances. A  full report is available on request.

2025 income = £380. Expenditure = £830. Year loss = £450. This was an exceptional year due to the anniversary celebrations, so high expenditure was planned. Opening cash balance was £1,988 and the closing balance was £1,619. The £81 fee for British Cycling affiliation had not been claimed for the year back, so was not included in the figures owed in order to give a true picture for the year.

Dissolution of the committee.

It was with regret that Robert accepted Hannah’s resignation as Treasurer/ Membership Secretary and thanked her for the considerable time and effort given to the club. No position on the committee was contested, so the new committee is as follows:

• Robert Oakley – Chair
• Jennie Sleeman – Secretary
• Lin Grady  – committee member
• Tim Lamb – committee member
• Matt Camps – committee member
• Robert has agreed to act as temporary treasurer
• Roger Saunders agreed to continue to maintain the club website
• John Burgess agreed to take responsibility for Spond and memberships.

Awards and acknowledgements

Roger and Steve were presented with gift tokens from The Bike Shed in recognition of the considerable effort put into the successful Coast to Coast ride. Lin and Jennie received a bottle of wine as a ‘thank you’ and a special 10^th Anniversary Award was presented to John Burgess as acknowledgement of his considerable contribution to the club over the past ten years.

Discussion of 2026 rides

Robert commented on the shift of attendance from Tuesday evening club rides to daytime rides, possibly reflecting the age profile of current members. It was agreed that the Tuesday evening club nights would recommence in 2026, with emphasis on rides for those who prefer to ride in the evenings and at a faster pace. Use of Spond will be amended to ensure that members are well-informed of rides. Other features of Spond will also be explored.

Several routes for 2026 were suggested. Robert will create a calendar of rides for 2026 to include local club-led rides, various starting points for rides further afield, sportives and also special events. Members are encouraged to let Robert know of possible dates when they are able to lead rides and to suggest routes. It was agreed, however, that rides will be confirmed about a week beforehand, taking into account weather conditions and level of interest. Robert has chosen The Nello and Cycle 42 to be the club-focused rides for 2026 and hopes that these will be well-supported. It was agreed that efforts to attract membership should continue and that increased membership offered the possibility of greater funds to support rides further away.

A hardy band of intrepid Honiton Spinners set off to the flatlands of Somerset on Sunday, with some trepidation about exactly what the weather would throw at them.

Robert set a pacy start as the stragglers chased after the advanced party, catching them at about 4 miles, though Robert was so keen that he missed the first photo stop.

Rain jackets promptly came off, but it wasn’t long before the drizzle arrived and, for the last four miles, there was a strong wind and heavy rain. John took heed of the weather warnings and planned a cut-off at Kingsbury Episcopi, neatly organising the downpour for his drive home.

The organiser, Iain Crabtree, created three interesting cycle routes: the 62 mile Tour, the 42 mile Classic, and the 22 mile Debutante, as well as marathon and half marathon run routes. Honiton Spinners chose The Classic this year and started at Isle Brewers. The route took them past pretty houses, in golden ham stone, and through quaint villages with wonderful names, such as Curry Mallett, Islemoor, Huish Episcopi and Muchelney , all reminiscent of past times.

 There were some steep slopes down, some sharp bends, and plenty of loose gravel, potholes and puddles, plus a couple of little bumps to wake up the legs.

Winter bikes and gravel bikes were the popular choice, though Mike didn’t get the message and, unfortunately, suffered a puncture less than a mile from the end and in torrential rain. Well-supported by Kev and Robert, Mike made it back safely, as did Simon, who chose not to mend his puncture, but to pump up the tube and hope for the best. He also made it back safely, though he was aware of every bump in the rough final miles.

The drowned rats had chilly fingers and soggy shorts, but thoroughly enjoyed the hot coffee, tempting homemade cakes, sausages, burgers and jacket potatoes provided at the end.

It was good to see new member, Simon Coles, cycling with friends and to chat to the local cycle group from Langport.

Honiton Spinners would like to thank Iain and his team for the superb organisation, friendly marshals, super refreshments and hope that lots of money was raised for the cancer research and Yeovil Hospital. Iain always has a kind word for us and we enjoy joining in.

The cheque for the money raised was presented at Walronds Park to Amy Phelps of Yeovil Hospital Charity for: £20,920.25 This is a staggering amount of money, well beyond the expectations of the event organisation. Next year the event is on Sunday 13th September when they hope to surpass £100K for all 3 events.

Last year Roger Saunders rode the Devon coast to coast route which is mainly on dedicated cycle trails away from main roads from Ilfracombe to Plymouth. His blog is here. He enjoyed it so much he organised a weekend for the Spinners to ride either the whole route in 2 days or half the route from Okehampton in 1 day. Steve Carpenter and Roger devised a cunning plan to provide the riders with transport to the start and end of the route with their bikes as we had no support drivers to carry our bags and bikes.

The plan was for 5 of us to ride from the start in Ilfracombe to our overnight stop, The George Inn at Hatherleigh which at 50 miles was exactly half way. However on arrival in Ilfracombe Steve suddenly realised he had left his shoes and helmet at Hatherleigh so he left the remaining 4 (Jennie, Roger, Mike and Simon) to ride south whilst he returned to pick up his kit and then rode back up to meet them from the lunch stop at the Puffing Billy near Gt Torrington. Apart from the initial tough climb out of Ilfracombe to the former railway station it was easy riding once on the Tarka Trail as it is flat for 30 miles along the river Taw with lovely views across the estuary. Coffee and cake at Braunton provided a good launching pad for the Tarka Trail. The tide was out so some time was spent looking at the many birds along the estuary including Oyster Catchers. After a circuitous route around Barnstable Steve joined the group and then all 5 Spinners rode to lunch at the Puffing Billy an ideal stop.

After lunch and later ice creams, close to the end of the Tarka Trail the route takes you off the trail and on to roads. Two steep hills were then tackled before finally reaching the town of Hatherleigh at around 5pm. The George Inn was a good place to stay storing the bikes and providing a good evening meal to 5 tired riders and Mike was able to recharge his e-bike. The hotel also agreed to start breakfast early just for us so we could keep to the timetable of an 8:30 departure.

The plan was for Jennie, Mike and Simon to continue their ride south on the route to Okehampton station and meet up with Lynn, Sue and Liz who were going to ride the second half of the route to Plymouth. Simon was navigating using Komoot which seemed to have a mind of its own and guided them up a few false trails before they managed to reach Okehampton. Having met up the 6 riders headed out along the Granite Way crossing the Meldon Viaduct and stopping at Lydford for a coffee/tea. After that there was a short half a mile off-road stretch before Peter Tavy which Liz was not very impressed with.

Meanwhile Steve and Roger drove to the end point in Plymouth to leave the transport there and they cycled north up the trail to meet the others. The meet up was made just south of Peter Tavy. Eight Spinners then headed to Tavistock where lunch was taken in a cyclist cafe with 10% reduction for those arriving by bike and pizzas named after famous Tour de France cyclists which Mike approved of ordering a Miguel Indurain.

After Tavistock apart from one big uphill ramp at Yelverton, which nearly defeated Mike even with an engine, it was all gently downhill on the Drake Way. Two tunnels added some excitement for those with no front lights and there were numerous viaducts to ride over and marvel at how high they were over the valleys. The approach to Plymouth was via the National Trust Saltram estate along the river Plym. The final ride into Plymouth was through a variety of landscapes passing the Aquarium and the lighthouse on the Hoe to the nominal endpoint where the photo was taken with all in Spinners livery. Despite the forecast we managed to dodge all the rain.

This coast to coast ride has three great cycle trails which alone would make a good days riding so this probably won’t be the last time Spinners go out and enjoy these trails.

On Sunday 6 July Honiton Spinners celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the club being founded by having a Barbeque hosted by Kevin Goss with some rides arranged beforehand. Many old and new members came along and enjoyed the food on offer and to catch up on all the local gossip. It was good to see current riders in the club and also those who hadn’t ridden a bike for a while. The weather was a bit damp for the morning rides but it happily cleared up for the BBQ.

There was a 50 mile (Bangers) and a 30 mile (Chipolatas) ride on offer. Four attended the 50 mile Bangers ride, Tim, Matt, new member Andy and Peter (to check out the Spinners ride). The destination was Wrangway near Wellington but they took a wrong turn at Churchinford, so went the wrong way to Wrangway!  Peter managed to direct them back to the route but this involved an extra unplanned climb. They also had two mechanicals, Andy’s bike computer came loose and Peter snapped a rear wheel spoke. A good chunk of time was lost and they were determined to get to the BBQ by 1pm, so the planned coffee stop was aborted. After the inevitable slog up Northcote Hill, we arrived back at Kevin’s at 12:59!

Six Chipolatas rode to Seaton, Roger, Phil, John, Mike, Lin and Jennie (in photos). The start of the ride was rather damp on the descent to Colyton and an early coffee stop was contemplated but overruled so they carried on to Seaton and stopped there in a cafe on the promenade. There was a wide variety of cakes but it seemed only one slice of each. By chance Liz Polley sailed past the cafe on her bike so she was able to join the Chipolatas for part of the ride. The journey back involved a long climb past Shute and up 7 mile drive to Royal Oak. John, Roger and Mike benefited from a motor to get up the hills. All the riders on the day were given a free Spinners snood afterwards at the BBQ.

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.