SIXTY-FIVE intrepid cyclists from the Mid Devon Cycling Club were up bright and early to take the coach to Shipton Abbot – also known as Looe in Cornwall, writes Paul Martin.

With their bikes in accompanying vans the roads were quiet and they were ready to leave Looe on either a 61 or 73 mile route back to their Abbrook headquarters in Kingsteignton well before 9am. Those who chose the longer route eventually decided that the wind over the high moor from Yelverton to Moretonhampstead was perhaps not the wisest choice.

Apart from some showers at the start the whole day proved dry and Storm Kathleen was much more of a help than hindrance.

The journey from the Cornish coast to Torpoint on the border between Cornwall and Devon is spectacular on a fine day but had a much different sense of beauty with the moody weather. The high hedges gave some shelter and biggest danger was the gusts that hit side on when passing field gates.

However, apart from two punctures there were no mishaps and all arrived in Plymouth to glorious sunshine ready for a well deserved coffee stop on the Barbican.

It was then through Saltram on the cycle path and the route of the old A38 to South Brent, more coffee, then back home. 

All agreed it was such a fantastic day, which was provided to all members of the Mid Devon Cycling Club as part of their annual membership.