Catenary Dartmoor group ride, 14 Oct 2021

I started the day with my usual banana and porridge, It was a beautiful day for October and I was even able to wear my bib-shorts and a short sleeve jersey, albeit with arm warmers. I was ready to leave early but soon discovered that wasn’t going to happen. I had a puncture! I panicked and ran round the house trying to find an allen key that would enable me to take off my front wheel. Fortunately, I found a key that fit and speedily changed the puncture, and even made it on time!

When I arrived, I met up with Tim and was introduced to some fellow Catenary athletes (mostly Devon based), and then we set off. We started by climbing Haytor, which seemed easier than usual, with good company. The rest of the ride was extremely hilly, with a total elevation gain above 4,000 ft. But the views were stunning!

My favourite part was the ice-cream stop - I opted for toffee flavour - and we enjoyed eating our ice-creams in the warm sun while we chatted. This fuelled me for the 12% climb out of Widecombe. From there it was mainly downhill back to the start in Bovey Tracey, where we stopped for a late lunch in Café 360. I really enjoyed the ride and meeting some other Catenary athletes and I look forward to the next ride.

Fiona German