Sunday 29th December, east & mid Devon rideout.

[Robbo87]

The weather's looking very promising for this Sunday and my Triumph's begging for a bit of road testing after it's early winter fettling.
Ride details later but it'll be an a.m. start (not stupid o'clock though) and around 150 miles.

[ptolemyx]

Otherwise engaged Phil. See you in '25 pal.

[Robbo87]

Right, details for Sunday - Two pick up points:
(1) Bluebell Cafe at the Esso filling station on the B3181 in Willand EX15 2PF - leaving at 10.00 hrs prompt so please be filled up and ready to move out.
(2) Shell filling station on the A38 Wellington ring road TA21 9AD - leaving at 10.30 hours prompt.
Anti-clockwise route taking in Wiviliscombe, Black Cat, South Molton, Atherington, Jonesy's Cafe in Winkleigh (coffee stop if open), Crediton, Bickleigh, Tiverton, finishing at the filling station at junction 27 M5 - EX16 7HD.
Miles: Approx 103.
Pace: Making progress but nothing manic as I'm breaking in and trying out some new(ish) stuff on the red peril 🏍
Weather's still looking very promising so hoping to see some folks who are keen to shake off the Christmas blues.
Here's the route: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Blueb ... FQAw%3D%3D

[Mervin]

Jonesys Cafe

Holiday Announcement
We’d like to wish all of our wonderful customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our team will be taking a break over the holiday season:
Closed: Monday, 23rd December
Reopening: Tuesday, 7th January
Thank you for your support this year! We look forward to seeing you in 2025. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and have a magical holiday season!

[Robbo87]

Thanks for the heads up Mervin , good to know in advance instead of turning up to locked doors . I'll look for an alternative coffee refuelling point .

[ptolemyx]

Phil, no cafes open in or near South Molton tomorrow, including Jane's Tearooms cos we're otherwise engaged. Honey farm should be open though full of screaming brats (and their kids). If you want to stop near here try The Castle Inn at George Nympton...
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Cas ... FQAw%3D%3D

[Robbo87]

Cheers Brian. The Honey Farm's closed and, as you say, most other cafes are too.

I'll now be stopping at Sth Molton's Esso filling station as it has a coffee machine, hot snacks and toilets.

So folks, consider arriving early at the pick up points and snacking there first (The Bluebell is open for proper breakfasts, the Shell station has take-away everything) or have it at home, but I'll still be leaving at the stated times.

Weather's still looking good for Sunday, a bit of mist first thing but then fine and dry: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2656422

[Tvrv37]

See you at the Shell station

[Robbo87]

Thanks to Phil T for joining me today . It was 100-odd miles of very mixed weather. North of Wiviliscombe and all around around south Exmoor and mid Devon it was pretty damned damp e.g. misty, drizzly and definitely not race pace conditions , south of that it was pretty fair . On the way home and as soon as we were south of Crediton it dried up nicely.
Whatever, it was great just getting out and about on the bike after a month or so off it. . . . . . . . and I'm pleased to report that all the hours of spanner waving and general fettling was worth it as I've now got a bike that handles and performs properly .

[Tvrv37]

An enjoyable day all around. Always a better day when you're out on a bike. Great company as well helps. Thanks Phil hopefully a bit dryer next time.