Summoned by email and a promising weather forecast, 9 riders, and one lucky pillion arrived at the new EG services in Barnstaple, to join Andy for the 08.45 briefing.

The briefing included a comprehensive overview of the superb route that Andy had planned for our enjoyment, as well as ensuring that all riders were comfortable with the 2nd person drop off system.

A mix of motorcycles, Triumph, KTM, Suzuki, Kawasaki and the ubiquitous BMW’s, departed in light cloud, with the sun just breaking through, led by Andy Pratt and superbly swept by David Strickland.

Heading out on the B3232, the group made great progress through a series of sweeping bends, before tuning off towards High Bullen.

 

Progress from High Bullen to Atherington was a little slower, as a long stretch of the road, featured areas prepared for new tarmac, leaving frequent changes in surface level, and unavoidable ramps, followed by resurfaced miles, still holding loose grit. 

All hazards were negotiated with skill and restraint, whilst making timely progress where safe to do so.

 

More good bendy roads led us to the A377, where we headed south to pick up the South Molton road at Kings Nympton. The B3226 offered a great mix of bendy roads and great scenery, as it wound along the Mole Valley to the outskirts of South Molton.

A cut through led us to the wonderful B3137 road to Tiverton (known to most Northem DAM members as the Witheridge Rd). Andy led us on a progressive romp on a wonderful combination of straights, sweeping bends and slightly tighter challenges, eventually arriving at Morrisons Café in Tiverton, where Richard,Hamish and Caroline from the DAM Southern Division joined the adventure!

With all riders refreshed by a relaxing cuppa and friendly chat, Andy called time, and we remounted to set off on an amazing trip through Exmoor.

Following the A396 along the upper Exe Valley must be one of Devon and Somersets’ best riding routes. Our enjoyment was heightened, with a few miles of the route near Wheddon Cross, being brand new tarmac, rather than the surface dressing that we’d met on earlier parts of the ride. Boundless joy!

 

The route then led us through the beautiful, medieval village of Dunster where a brief stop allowed us to regroup, following miles of twisty roads and copious overtaking opportunities.

 

Leaving Dunster and heading West on the A39 took us past Minehead and into Porlock where the traffic became a little denser. Filtering opportunities were limited by bends and visibility, splitting the group into ones and twos, for the technical run up Porlock Hill.

 

Porlock Hill gave way to a fast sprint along the stunning, coastal A39, a challenging bendy road, allowing many well planned overtakes.

The group became spread out, when half of us stopped for photo opportunities with a bunch of strangers, having mistaken them for our own!! On discovering that Andy was not amongst the strangers, we took off in pursuit of our ride leader!!

After more A39 fun, the group was reunited at the Ramblers Rest Tea Room, a small café with BIG views of the moor and the sea.

As if we hadn’t had enough fun, Andy led us onto the steep, downhill, slow speed riding challenge at Hall Hill, leading down to the East Lyn River in Brendon.

Following the East Lyn River along the base of the valley, offered superb views of the rocky Salmon runs, before climbing out of the valley and joining the road to Simonsbath.

From here, a picturesque and entertaining romp over Exmoor led through Challacombe on the B3358, before a right turn led down to the Old Station House Inn at Blackmoor Gate, for lunch.

The last and brief stretch of the ride followed the beautiful twisty and challenging A39 past Arlington to then re group and depart from Barnstaple.

 

Smiling faces and enthusiastic discussions of the route we had ridden, suggested that we had all had a brilliant time!

Thanks to Andy for leading and to Dave for keeping the group together. Well done!

 

Chris Buxton.