Ursula Malagon	Derek Gibbings	Ben & Graham Brodie

End to End riders on their way.

Several riders form Torbay section are on route from John 0 Groats to Lands End this month. Derek Gibbings and Ursula Malagon are almost a week into their ride, and have had a stiff SW headwind on most of the ride so far.
Ben and Graham Brodie set out this Thursday from John o Groats, and have over £2000 of sponsorship for the radio Devon Chestnut Appeal and Amnesty International. A special website has been set up to track the riders progress daily.
The address is www.endtoend.freeuk.com

Feathered friend or foe?

More Buzzard " Strikes" on the A3072.

This weeks Audax events from Tavistock saw more cyclists being attacked by Buzzards. At least 2 riders reported being struck on the head by the flying foes, and this follows another recent report of an incident in the same area.
It is also exactly one year to the day when Ken Roberston was attacked whilst time trialling on that road.
It's not clear wht the implications are, or what cyclists should be advised to do, other than to take great care when riding in this area.

UPDATE 9/06: Apparently almost all the riders on the 300Km and 400Km rides were attacked, several suffered cuts to the head. Clearly in the short term this bird represents a signifcant hazard to cyclists. Riders on this weekends Coast to Coast are warned to take great care.

Regular updates now via the Live Journal.

Website now has it's own "Blogger"

Users may have noticed our new blogger on the intro page of the website. This has been added to allow section officials and a few other people to put notes or bits of news live to the site. As I'll be away for a month in August and unable to do much in the way of updating, it should be a good way for people to keep the information flowing.
Graham Brodie

Bicycles and Cyclists not welcome!

Local cyclists banned form Dartmoor "beauty" spot. (carbunkel?)

After a pleasant club ride to the 10 commandments stone near Buckland on Sunday 16th May, the ride returned through Manaton where there had been thoughts of afternoon tea/refreshments, and chance to shelter from the heat.
With nothing available at Manaton, Becky falls seemed a good option with a cafe there which the club has used in past years. Observing the "No cycling" sign on the path, the riders walked down to the cafe, but were intercepted before they could enter, and advised that they were on private property, and that bicycles and cyclists were not allowed. Deciding to see if the bikes could be left in the car park, and then walking to the cafe as pedestrians was an option, - the car park attendent advised that this was an option, but it would be £5 each to park the bicycles!
So at £25 plus a potential £20 for refreshments the 5 club riders left the area thirsty - could this be Britains most expensive cuppa stop?
Our advice to members and friends would be to avoid this location, which considering their admission system should not be a difficult option.

Signing in at the racecourse.

Hundreds take part in local charity event.

Hundreds of cyclists turned out in glorious sunshine, to take part in the and rganised charity cycle event for the Torbay Heart appeal.
The event was organised by the Mid Devon Cycling Club in association with the Herald Express.

Riders had a choice of three rides, and easy 10 miles out to Chudleigh and back, a 25 mile run up the Teign Valley, or a 33 mile loop taking them over Docombe to Moretonhampstead and back.

Norman Wells.

Norman Wells has been killed.

We are very shocked and sad to have to report the death of Norman Wells from Exeter.
He was killed when he was hit by a lorry whilst he was cyling near Abergavenny in Wales.

We have very little information about the incident. Norman was until recently the secretary of Exeter "A"s and one of the sections regular riders for both "A" and coffee pot runs. He was one of Devon DA's key members for many years.

The DA extends it's deepest sympathy to his wife Anne.

In training, Ben and Graham Brodie.

Torbay members prepare for the long diagonal.

Father and son members of Torbay section Graham and Ben Brodie are preparing to ride from John 'O Groats to Lands End. They plan a 19 day trip with 2 rest days during August, and will visit many Scottish and English Youth Hostels along the way.
The pair will be collecting money for 2 charities, - the local "Chestnut Appeal" for a new centre for Prostate Cancer in Plymouth, and for the International charity- Amnesty International.
13 year old Ben has already completed two 100Km Audax events, and several other long rides to get in some training miles for the 950 mile excursion.
www.endtoend.freeuk.com is the website where you can follow progress and sponsor the pair.

New book - by Kevin

Devon CTC member is author of new Bike Book.

ON YOUR BIKE in DEVON, is the title of a new book published by Countryside Books.

The author is kevin Presland from Torbay section, our DA Secretary for several years.
For the last year or so he has been out on his bike devising 20 cycle routes around the county, for inclusion in the new book. The route distances vary from 5 to 35 miles, to suit all abilities.
The book is available from publishers from 22nd April for £7.95, or Kevin has some copies for members which you can get from him directly for £7.00

info@countrysidebooks.co.uk

kevin@preslands.freeserve.co.uk

Plymouth - Holey Sanctuary.

PLYMOUTH is South West's POTHOLE CITY!

CTC are declaring Plymouth the POTHOLE CITY of the South West. Whilst money is lavished around the city on new developments, the cities roads have degenerated to an atrocious state, yet despicte the visual evidence the council claim that regular inspctions are taking place, and remedial works carried out when deemed necessary.

One member had parts of his bike fly off when he hit a pothole at the end of 2003, but PCC say that they have not been informed of any defects in the area - our photos tell the real story - check out the campaigning pages: <<CLICK HERE>>

Tour of

Torbay riders enjoy(?) the French snow.

Brittany - Snow followed by Entente Cordiale.

Forty members met at Milbay docks on 27th, to travel to Roscoff on the Duc De Normandy and partake in three rides around Brittany.
On arrival in Roscoff there was evidence of snow showers, and a few miles inland all the rides has to be changed from the original plans, as many side roads were impassable.
Mike Hunting and Linda Johnston experienced over nine inches of snow at Roc Trevezel.
The 150 Km riders were met by Michel from La Roche Maurice, who escorted the ride to the village near Landeau.
They were treated to sandwiches and wine by twinning committee, and met the local mayor, and were interviewed by the local press.
When the sun came out later, it made for a perfect day awheel, with the comination of snow and sun and Brittany scenery making a "winter wonderland".

<<CLICK HERE>> to view Brittany 2004 pictures.

February 2004

Mark Williams, nursing head and back injuries after A38 crash.

Mark Williams seriously hurt in A38 accident.

Mark Williams from Paignton was badly hurt when he was struck by a Van exiting the A38 on a slip road near Lee Mill on Friday 27th February. He was riding from home down to Milbay docks to meet up with the group for the Tour of Brittany.

He suffered lacerations to the head and face, and also has a back injury, but considering the impact and nature of the accident, he's probably lucky to have survived. The A38 was closed for a time as other vehicles were also involved in the crash.

He is now resting at home, having been discharged from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, and looking to get a new bike and starting to regain his fitness.

Torbay get lost in the pub!

A large gathering from Torbay took part in an evening of quizzes an map reading, followed by film shows of past CTC Tours by Kevin Presland. There were four teams in the competition.

On friday 5th March, there will be more quizzes, at the Newton Abbot Rugby Club, Coach Road, at 7.30 to help raise sponsorship money for Andy & Sue Brimmecombes ride to Poland for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Arthur & Margaret Davies - spearheading the assault on DATC!

( Pictured at the 2003 HARDY RIDES. <<CLICK HERE>> for pictures of the events.)

Devon DA - DATC winners - 4 years running!

This year the DA's most active riders decided to rest from DATC activities, and concentrate on PBP. However after Aurthur & Margaret Davies from Plymouth spearheaded a heavy assault on the championship, it was decided to enter a few strategic events - and the results - Devon DA have the TEAM AWARD for the 4th consecutive year.
Congratulations to all those who participated in this years DATC competition.

Mike ( the unkempft)Hunting & Linda(heels) Johnston, another weapon in the armoury.

Dancing at the 2003 Dinner in Plymouth.

60 Enjoy Festive Fun at the DA Dinner in Plymouth.

Over 60 DA members attended the DA Dinner at the Mountbatten Centre in Plymouth on 30th November. Frank White from Plymouth gave a talk on behalf of " Cycling for softies" about organised cycle tours in France. Dancing was in the from of a Barn Dance, and trophies and certifiates were presented.
<<CLICK HERE>> for the pictures.

Club rides now Risk Assessed and leader Certified!

The club now has to do masses of paperwork to facilitate it's club rides and events. Risk Assessments now have to be done for rides, and runs leaders have be listed with HQ in order to take club rides. Those involved with taking out younger riders also have to register themselves, and guest riders will have to fill out discalimers before they start on a ride.
The extra beauracracy is coming into many aspects ofmany sports and pastimes, but is designed to protect individuals who organise and lead rides and events from litigation. It is also designed to protect fully paid up members in the event of an accident/incident. Provided the paperwork is all in order an liabilities should pass through to the CTC organisation.
Anyone requiring forms should contact the D.A.Secretary Linda Johnston