YOGi Cycling

YOGi excursion to France - the report!

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:23:00 GMT

So you fancy a day trip to France then?... Oh and you want to take your bike too!

Well what another YOGi expedition this turned out to be! The idea of the France trip grew out of committee member Ian Roberts recounting how cheap and good a recent stag weekend had been, ‘Why don’t we do a YOGi cycling one?’ And that was it! A few months later and here we were - our day had finally arrived, the YOGi Road Crew were to invade our southern neighbours, the French.

Departure from Blighty had been carefully planned and booked in advance, and amazingly went without hitch...we all even remembered our passports! The team met at the ferry terminal at the allotted time and before 9:00pm we had all found our cabins, unpacked and ... funnily enough managed to congregate in the bar!!! With a few miles to cycle the following day our intrepid team of Kim Wiltshire, Rachael Darby, Lynda McTier, Holly Russell, Ian & Jen Taylor, Ali White, Geoff Whitlow, Andy Westcott, Sam Nicholls, James Thompson, Jez Ralph and myself were on their best behaviour, food was devoured and a few bottles of wines variously spotted being quaffed as we reviewed our planned route.

Land fall was scheduled to be at the French port of Roscoff, arrival time 08:00am so it was agreed we would meet for breakfast at 07:15...but!! Someone who should know better convinced our group that the clocks did not need changing at this time of year (he was wrong!!). The first our merry band knew of this was the loudspeakers waking us all at 6:00am - UK time! Telling us we would be docking in an hour!!! So a hastened last minute cram of carbs and we were all disembarked before we had time to think. It was significant that the males of the group plus Jen were able to get to breaky in time whilst the all female cabin combo failed to make breakfast with the notable exception of Miss Russell. This organisational trend was to be repeated ;)

Having brought a team bus we met up a hundred yards from the ferry, parked up and deposited all our unwanted gear , then with bikes checked, the map perused, the decision made to make Morlaix at 17miles south our first stop, we set off at 9:00am sharp. We were here cycling, YOGI’s on tour in France!

From Roscoff we headed south through St-Pol-de-Leon and managed, with the exception of a very short stretch, to avoid the main roads. Crossing the river Penzé we soon reached the mouth of the estuary, Rade de Morlaix, that runs down into Morlaix, you only had to see the smiles on everyone’s faces at this point, the road, right on the edge of the water stayed pan flat for about 5 miles and so we steamed along – also benefiting from a slight tail wind....the YOGi’s were flying! Now normally on a Saturday we are all used to a fair amount of riding before our coffee stop, not today, we were going to have a leisurely day, so getting to Morlaix and stopping after only one hour felt decidedly strange! We had however managed an average of over 16.5mph already. Morlaix for those who haven’t been is a small town with a lovely atmosphere. Kim had recommended this cafe and it was a wonderful choice, I am sure the croissants are not so different over there but they certainly tasted fantastic! Maybe it was the ambience!

Leaving the cafe we extricated ourselves through the busy shopping area, but not before Rachael had tried out the new ‘Intro Rider’ road bike (see photo). Morlaix by this time had become a bustling town being market day, a typical scene with loads of cars and shoppers all mixed in together, at 13 we were a large group to get through and the BIG difference was... not one motorist got annoyed or hooted their displeasure.... what a difference!!!

Heading into the country it became very apparent straight away that there were a few differences to riding in France, firstly the road surface was fantastic and seemed to be devoid of any potholes! How do they do it? Next there appeared to be no or very little traffic, and what was around gave us a massive berth and not once did we get an irate hoot or gesticulation! It was chalk and cheese relative to our rides at home - sheer YOGi luxury and we were enjoying it!!!

The next hour of our ride took us up a slow ascent as we headed toward the National Parc area of D’Amorique. The group kept splitting up into sections here and we regrouped several times, there was no rush and we were all enjoying the rolling countryside around us. At this stage we were still on a relatively major route, albeit a deathly quiet one compared to what we are used to! However we now turned off and headed onto a less used route, the lack of traffic now was really evident – there just weren’t any cars around at all – perfect YOGi riding conditions, smooth and quiet roads.

So far the weather had been overcast with a very small drop of rain at one point, but no need for any rain gear, cool but not so cold you had to wrap up, indeed we were slowly taking layers off each time we stopped to regroup. Now we had reached the small village of Lanneanou. It must have been inhabited because there were two young children watching us avidly from their front door on the road, but it was still eerily quiet!

Spirits were sky high still, the quiet, the roads and the company all making it a ride to remember, banter was as usual typically YOGi in style. Moving on from here we were now into the Mont’s Arree area, pre ride this had looked a little like Dartmoor but not as high, the reality was it was very similar to the New Forest. It was here that the roads really came into their own, still generally climbing we were spoilt by some of the nicest car free roads you could wish to cycle on, they were small ascents for those who just had to put the pedal down, and then some lovely descents where... everyone put the pedal down!!!.

With only about 6 miles to our destination of Huelgoat, we came up on a crossroads in a small hamlet called Berrien. You could wait in the middle of the road for the group to come together as it was that devoid of traffic! Taking a left we started a downhill here, and what a downhill it was, you could max it, you could see around all the bends, the road was wide, there were no cars, you were in the woods, and it was a 5% gradient on a dead smooth swooping road - awesome is the only way to describe it! Now so far our ‘Tandem Twins’ of Wiltshire and McTier had been at the front and the back variously choosing their pace and taking the scenery in, but oh how a descent like this can change things! On this descent the Tandem was let loose and boy did they fly, 35mph flat out all the way down and left all in their wake, an awesome sight and one which even Russell and Ralph working together flat out couldn’t catch, check out the photo’s and see the smile on Lynda’s face.

The sting in the tail however, which no one had yet been told was that we were going to have to do this 3.7 mile climb straight after lunch... ooops!!! Maybe we’ll save telling them that till after lunch! Now of course all YOGi’s know that if there’s a down then sure as eggs there is going to be a bigger up, and usually pain is involved! And so it was with the next 2 miles being a steady slow climb at 5% on a lovely smooth and steady road, this took us through woods and opened out onto a 13 hectare lake that sits in the middle of our destination Huelgoat, see the photos!

So at 41 miles we had all arrived safely without incident and only smiles, lunch was now in order and a classic Pizza house right on the edge of the lake was chosen. Now, as is not the norm on a Saturday ride wine, rosé and beer was ordered and loads of Pizzas which arrived in amazingly quick time, as you might imagine banter was the order of the day with loads of talk of our ride so far. The food, the wine, the service here was brilliant, and the surprise for our riders was that having been told the cost of our trip was £42.50 we were able due to our numbers to pay a large part of the lunch bill for them! Having had the obligatory espresso it was now time to hit the road and look forward to the fantastic long descent back to Morlaix… Whoops!!!

Leaving Huelgoat we back tracked the last 6 miles of our route to get back to the small hamlet of Berrien. So, yes a lovely 2 mile swooping descent, and then… oh dear! It was back up that fantastic descent we had done pre lunch, at just under 4 miles it was a steady 5% climb on some lovely smooth roads, the thing was it went on and on and on. This was a classic climb done at a good average speed but demoralising as you’d get around a corner, see a nice straight for 200 yards then another bend and then yet another straight… and so it went on for the full 4 miles. With our group well spread out on this climb, we again regrouped and took a few more photos in Berrien, lots of questions were asked here as to what happened to our lovely long descent to Morlaix? Well after a quick review of the map it was… well we have a nice short descent now and then one more uphill before we get to the promised treat! And so it was, the next 6 miles took in another down and up before a short regroup at Le Plossis, a few of our riders had started to stretch their legs by now, the long steady climbs bringing the horns out – they know who they are!! With 10 miles to run to Morlaix it was now that we finally hit the stated long descent, and it was! Whilst the run in was only a maximum of 2% down it was a fantastic road through wooded valleys, and here a small group just let go, another of those famed YOGi trains developed as they hurtled down the full 10 miles, just check the smile on Rachael’s face as she steamed along dragging every one with her... well most of them!

Stopping to regroup on the outskirts of Morlaix, it was now that we had our first mechanical, Ali had suffered a shredded tyre and having fixed it now had a bulging tube that was going to go at any time…..and yes, true to form as we stopped at a small supermarket to buy a new tyre – bang!…and off it went. Being in Morlaix Ali and the main part of the group managed to find our delightful café once more whilst a trio of volunteers shot off and purchased a new tyre. Being in France anything goes and the tyre was duly fitted in the warmth of the café – thanks to Ian who volunteered and did the maintenance. We’d garnered quite a lot of interest throughout the day, primarily dressed as we were in YOGi kit, and not dissimilar to the black & white of the Breton flag. Jen Taylor was soon sat at a table in conversation with a French gentleman who was interested to know where we had been.

With 17 miles to run to Roscoff we finally left Morlaix and retraced our route from the morning, alongside the estuary and seeing the sun start to go down it was the perfect end to a fantastic days riding. Kim and Lynda had to stop off at the supermarché in St.Pol de Leon in order to complete Kim’s wife’s shopping list. Tarragon purchased in the market – tick. Dijon mustard, Camembert, Rochforte, goats cheese etc. Lynda was left to guard the tandem from a group of French chavs whilst Kim ran around the Super U doing a supermarket sweep. Apparently French yoof understand Anglo Saxon spoken in an Irish accent!

Of course our expedition didn’t end just yet!…we were now back on our ferry, showered and changed and regrouped in the bar, what then went on you will have to ask those that went, suffice to say talk of routes, marriage, chocolate, bikes, and of course banter were all in there… and indeed the YOGi’s were the last to leave the bar at past 2 in the morning.

For the price of £35 we had had two nights accommodation, considerate and friendly drivers to contend with, fantastic smooth and empty roads, some fantastic scenery, brilliant company, some excellent food and drink, and in a nutshell an awesome awesome YOGi trip.

Facts and figures: Distance 80.8 miles in 5 hours of riding time.

The Garmin route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26959129

More pics on the way when we get time to post them!

Road Ride Report for 13th March

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:56:00 GMT

With some of our riders away on a Jolly in France this weekend I thought our numbers would be down. I needn’t have worried however as we had a good number turn up at B&Q, and even more of the late risers met us at the Tamar Bridge. Rapha Dave Sammel sent his apologies for not making it this week but kindly lent his luxury Rapha attire to his wife Rapha Taffeta.

I counted 30 riders altogether including a few newcomers out to enjoy the glorious weather, good company and the cross-border expedition into Cornwall. I say expedition because for a small part of the trip between Saltash and Callington we were using Yogi-uncharted roads so we could have ended up anywhere! I don’t think anyone noticed my nerves and we made it to Callington in one piece managing to avoid the fast main road “Phew”!

As we rode along the heights heading towards Gunnislake the views to the right, out over the fields, with the Tamar river as a backdrop and tinged with spring sunshine were amazing. To the left, the views were crap.

Next, the decent into Gunnislake where some top-end speeds can be reached, until you have to whack on the anchors pretty sharpish as you come to a set of traffic lights as you enter the village, and of course the price for this 5 minute thrill, the 20 minute climb up the other side urrrrrrrrrrrrrr! There are still more downhill thrills to be had just after the climb with sweeping bends that only the brave and foolish can get around without dabbing the brakes. Just a few miles on to Tavistock, and a well earned coffee stop in an old Yogi favourite, a greasy spoon on the sunnyside of the market, perfect for a bit of vitamin D top up and a chin wag.

This is where the large group ride ended really, with some heading straight home, others deciding to continue basking in the sun at the café and a few diehard pain merchants deciding to take on Porky Hill up to Princetown. I took the painful option and along with four other heroes was rewarded with the brilliant decents and lifts that take you back to Plymouth and home. I was a bit shy on my predicted distances, well a lot shy actually, racking up 52 miles against the estimated 65 miles, that’s pretty close is it not?

If anyone fancies giving their journalistic skills a go and doing a write up for any future rides, let us know before the end of the ride and give it a go.

This Weeks Rides News

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:18:00 GMT

Tuesday Road Ride – 16th March
Meet 6.30pm B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

After the usual social banter we usually set off together and if necessary then spilt in to 2 groups both riding around 30 miles, one at <15mph average, the other at up to 18mph.

MTB Cross Country Ride – Tuesday 16th March
Meet 6.30pm B&Q Marsh Mills.

Fast and technical MTB ride. Lately these have been unled rides. The fast group is very quick. Hopefully there will also be a slower group. However, this ride is most definitely not for novices. Good off-road lights are required.

Thursday Road Ride - 18th March
Meet 6.30pm B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Basically the same as Tuesday; 2 groups covering around 30 miles, one at 15mph average, the other at up to 18mph.

MTB Adventure Ride – Thursday 18th March
Meet 7.15 pm Yelverton Co-Op.

Windy does appreciate confirmation that you are riding so please confirm by e-mailing him. If you are new to this ride first contact us via our web site just in case of any late change of plan etc. There is an optional post ride social drink so bring a change of clothes. Off Road Lights required.

Steady Road Ride - Saturday 20th March
Meet 9am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

The usual steady ride of 45-60 miles (or more if you want!). We incorporate a café stop after which the group often splits for either a shorter or longer route. Average speed is usually around 15mph. The planned route is usually posted on the website by Friday evening.

Intro Road Ride Saturday 20th March

Meet 9am B&Q, Coypool for this steady paced road ride of approx 25 miles. A taster session for those wanting to try group/club riding in a friendly environment. led by a club member who ensures the group stay together.

Wayne’s World MTB Cross Country Ride - Saturday 20th
March
Meet 10.30am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Steady but technical MTB ride, not for beginners (first try our monthly MTB Fun Ride if unsure). Expect to be out for approx 3 hours. Maybe worth checking with Wayne (07895 850757) to ensure the ride is actually on, it invariably will be!

Steady Road Ride – Sunday 21st March
Meet 9am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Steady ride of 45-60 miles. You can do as little or as much as you like. This is often an unled ride with the route being decided by those taking part.

Early Bee MTB Ride – Sunday 21st March
Meet 8am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Technical reasonably fast mountain bike ride often unled so turn up and take yer chance.

Our Ethos
We welcome all newcomers
Our bikes are in a safe to ride condition
We wear helmets on all road and MTB rides
For safety reasons any type of music ear phones will not be worn, this ensures you can hear messages about cars/obstructions/directions as passed down the line
We ride with front and rear lights in poor visibility and within normal lighting up hrs
We remain aware that we are riding under the YOGi Cycling Banner and do not behave in a manner that can harm the clubs reputation, this means following all traffic rules, riding in single file when cars are behind, and refusing to get involved in any kind of abuse with other road users no matter what the provocation
Caring passionately about the trails we ride
Everyone shares our ethos and ensures YOGi Cycling is seen as an exemplary cycling club
Everyone brings spare inner tubes and basic tools

YOGi's storm France!!!

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Allo Allo people - I will say zis only once...

YOGi's listen up!!

Here we go, the YOGi's first official road outing abroad (?) is here and tomorrow we set sail from Plymouth for the far flung shores of France. For those that will not be going........shame!!!!......we sympathise!!...we will of course report back and gloat for many weeks after........we hope!!

For our merry band of 13, a reminder; we meet at the ferry port at 2000hrs (passport, Euro's, toothbrush...oh and a bike will help!!) we will sail at 2200 carbo loading during the trip south over night, cabins are allocated on boarding.

We will arrive 0800 on a glorious Saturday morning in Roscoff - the weather forecast is good , our first stop is likely to be for breakfast in Morlaix (17 miles). Thereafter we will slowly ascend on a route south to the Monts d'Arree. This is similar to Dartmoor but not as expansive or as high (), a small town called Huelgoat is our goal (37 miles), and it is here that we shall partake of some french cuisine and YOGi banter.........at a leisurely YOGi pace!!!

After we have had our fill we shall depart and start a different route north that has a glorious descent through woods back towards Morlaix. In Morlaix we will likely take an afternoon tea and some more French hospitality.

From Morlaix our route is a steady meander along the river back towards our waiting ferry at Roscoff, we may board between 1800 and 1900 with her sailing back to our shores at 2200. The trip back overnight will of course require a YOGi debrief in the vicinity of the bar! We will arrive back and disembark in Plymouth at 0800 on Sunday morning, in good time to make a YOGi Sunday ride or indeed the Soggy Bottom.

The full route is here

6th March Mountain Bike Fun Ride Report

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:12:00 GMT

Fun Mountain Bike Ride

Spring is in the Air (insert appropriate musical notes) and sing along. Yep it was blue skies all round, though yet another morn when a windscreen defrost was in order. How many have there been this winter? By far the most I can ever remember. Anyway with a visible screen, MTB and kit loaded it was a quick trip to Coypool to handover yet more YOGi membership takings to Chris Glazier, our esteemed treasurer. 159 now the membership count by the way. A quick hello to the roady boys and it’s off to Burrator.

Arriving quite early I was surprised to see a good few had beaten me too it, before long we had taken over the whole of Quarry Car Park and the sound of clicking gears, tyres being pumped up and various Quick Releases being clicked in to place. A quick estimate of the number of new arrivals clearly showed it was far more than my feeble memory for names could hope to cope with. A list then: in attendance were newbies Jim and Sue Jennings, Colin Grayburn, Andy Styles, Paul Harris, Neil Westerman, Tom Nickson and Dan Regan all joined by a number of our regulars giving us a brilliant total turn out of 27 riders. It was good to see Clive Evans and Martin Griffiths out again too. Think Clive might be in line for my bragging rights of having the cleanest bike! Oddly also a Cannondale. Maybe it’s something about the mark! Oh I don’t class the brand new carbon S works that John Wilson had literally just picked up from Certini in this category. Envy stops that!

The unluckiest being Mike Deacon who arrived to find his free wheel had seized and was clearly beyond recovery. Gave Vaughan Brean and Mark Darby chance to errr pretend to feel sorry for him. Typical of Mike I saw him later in the day taking some solace by riding his road bike.

So usual introductions over Windy took responsibility for the off but first took the opportunity to have a laugh with Sue Jennings last seen on a deepest winter Adventure Ride night fully submerged and still sat on her bike in Drake’s Leat. Think he was feeling a tad responsible for that little incident. With husband and wife team of Roger and Penny following Windy it was time for a quick warm up in the form of the short climb out of the car park to the crags at the top of the old quarry and then some switch backs and a taster descent bringing us right alongside the Burrator ice cream van and a chance to ensure everyone was okay with that typical terrain for this ride. Helen Ballantyne who readily admits to being more at home on the road decided she would happily leave us too it and do some laps of the reservoir.

Two options for the rest of us then, one group took the road and the other a secret detour through some stunning single track and a planned rendezvous at the top of Joeys Lane. Here the opportunity to contour the foot of Sheepstor or join the challenge of clearing the very steep route to the stone marker. Being as modest as I can be I think I was the only one who did so without putting a foot down. I think my bravado at the bottom when trying to convince Morgan and Andy Ball that it was doable left me with no option! Andy reckoned it was because I was on a hardtail! Now there’s another discussion then! Hannah, Morgan, Neil, Scott Parrish and Andy himself did ride pretty much all of it with just the odd foot down. The sensible ones remembering this was a Fun ride followed Windy on the level but challenging Sheepstor Bridleway.

So all together again and another choice, a sandy fire road flat ride, guided by Hannah or a technical rocky climb on the bridleway that picks up ????????? but not for us we just have to hang a left to take in the little gem that we know as Hidden Valley. No time to appreciate the real beauty of this unique little spot tho’, too busy picking the right lines. If you were to stop and take it all in you would see a steep rocky valley, strewn with tangled trees all draped in hanging Lichen’s and thick moss. Meanwhile Windy showed his mettle by risking the dubious looking bit of home made North Shore taking the big drop off so fast he landed way down the slope. And yes he did intend to! No one else was brave enough, tho Tom Nickson very nearly did, luckily he saw the drop off just in time to bail out. At least he had the best near miss tale of the day.

Another rendezvous and we all stay together until Paul Harris managed to snap his chain, Neil Vingoe and I went back to offer our help in the form of watching and chilling. At least it gave Ruth Arkle chance to have a breather by now the effort of riding a bike with a binding front brake had not surprisingly taken it out of her by now. A final bit of single track delight and a final descent and back to our start point pretty much bang on schedule. Respect for Carl Hutchins here as he had not only ridden his full suspension bike from home but was now happily setting off to ride it back home. I caught up with him (in my car!!) at Tesco roundabout. His fitness level as improved some since his first ride in early winter, another regular who has found some fitness is Eshan Honary. Maybe we will see them on some of our other rides from now on eh! By now I was pretty pleased I’d opted for an MTB day, looking around I think that was a pretty commonly shared viewpoint.

If you were on this ride we would appreciate your honest feedback on how suitable it was as a Fun level ride so by all means add your comments below and help us to plan future Fun rides!

Powells Sport Relief Round Dartmoor Challenge

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:03:00 GMT

Our very own Andy Powell and Sam Powell plus two other budding cyclists are to undertake a 90 mile ride along the Dartmoor Way for Sport Relief on the 20 March. The route takes them over some pretty steep climbs.

You can sponsor these lovely people online here.

Andy contemplates the enormity of the task!!!

Sam Powell and some fellow victims... sorry I meant participants.

Give genourously folks! This is a tough challenge.

CS Dynamo 2up Time Trial Results

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

YOGi had 4 teams riding in the CS Dynamo 2 up time-trial on Sunday. For some it was their first experience of time-trialing and I think we aquitted ourselves very well.

Top YOGi team was Chris Glazier and Kim Wiltshire in 29th place with a time of 26:57 for the 10 miles. Close behind were the only all female team in the event; Debbie Hancock and Rachael Darby 39th with 28:53 but no prize for 2 up women?

Results here.

We'll have a full report and more photos soon, in the meantime here's a great shot of the dynamic female duo. Thanks to Ann and Richard Owens for the fine photographs

Rides Update Week Commencing 8th March (Note Words re Tues Road Rides))

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:22:00 GMT

Tuesday Road Ride – 9th March Meet 6.30pm B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

After the usual social banter we have tended to set off together and if necessary then spilt in to 2 groups both riding around 30 miles, one at <15mph average, the other at up to 18mph. We are however conscious that our group size is now such that common sense means we are likely to have to spilt right at the start and even choose two separate routes. So from this week onwards we may well do some pre ride group sort. Hopefully we can achieve this with a modicum of (quick!!) democracy.

MTB Cross Country Ride – Tuesday 9th March Meet 6.30pm B&Q Marsh Mills.

Fast and technical MTB ride. Lately these have been unled rides. The fast group is very quick. Hopefully there will also be a slower group. However, this ride is most definitely not for novices. Good off-road lights are required.

Thursday Road Ride - 11th March Meet 6.30pm B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Basically the same as Tuesday; 2 groups covering around 30 miles, one at 15mph average, the other at up to 18mph.

MTB Adventure Ride – Thursday 11th March Meet 7.15 pm Yelverton Co-Op.

Windy does appreciate confirmation that you are riding so please confirm by e-mailing him. If you are new to this ride first contact us via our web site just in case of any late change of plan etc. There is an optional post ride social drink so bring a change of clothes. Off Road Lights required.

Steady Road Ride - Saturday 13th March Meet 9am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Possibly a reduced number this week as some of our regulars will be enjoying the delights of riding on the wrong side of the road across the Channel but expect the usual steady ride of 45-60 miles (or more if you want!). We incorporate a café stop after which the group often splits for either a shorter or longer route. Average speed is usually around 15mph. The planned route is usually posted on the website by Friday evening.

Next Intro Road Ride

Our usual 3rd Saturday of the month Intro Road Ride will take place (yeah you’ve got it) on the 20th March. Details next week.

Wayne’s World MTB Cross Country Ride - Saturday 13th March

Meet 10.30am B&Q Coypool, Plympton. Steady but technical MTB ride, not for beginners (first try our monthly MTB Fun Ride if unsure). Expect to be out for approx 3 hours. Maybe worth checking with Wayne (07895 850757) to ensure the ride is actually on, it invariably will be!

Steady Road Ride – Sunday 14th March Meet 9am B&Q Coypool, Plympton.

Steady ride of 45-60 miles. You can do as little or as much as you like. This is often an unled ride with the route being decided by those taking part.

Early Bee MTB Ride – Sunday 14th March.

Meet 8am B&Q Coypool, Plympton. Technical reasonably fast mountain bike ride often unled so turn up and take yer chance.

Our Ethos
We welcome all newcomers.
Our bikes are in a safe to ride condition. ·
We wear helmets on all road and MTB rides.
For safety reasons any type of music ear phones will not be worn, this ensures you can hear messages about cars/obstructions/directions as passed down the line.
We ride with front and rear lights in poor visibility and within normal lighting up hrs. We remain aware that we are riding under the YOGi Cycling Banner and do not behave in a manner that can harm the clubs reputation, this means following all traffic rules, riding in single file when cars are behind, and refusing to get involved in any kind of abuse with other road users no matter what the provocation.
Caring passionately about the trails we ride.
Everyone shares our ethos and ensures YOGi Cycling is seen as an exemplary cycling club.
Everyone brings spare inner tubes and basic tools

Saturday 6th March Road Ride Report

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Decisions, decisions, decisions…….thermo tights or knee warmers? Winter or summer bike? Too early to do away with mudguards? Overshoes or cold feet? How much pastey flesh is too much? These are some of the all important questions which face us lycra-luvvies at this time of year, but today we were blessed with a taste of the summer to come we hope).

The Yogi route of choice today, the Loddiswell circuit, saw us stopping at Avonwick Mill Garden Centre for our caffeine fix. I was surprised at the shortage of riders today; I thought the sun would have brought out a few winter hibernators, but still, 20+ is a good show with two new riders joining the usual collection of dodgy characters.

So, we headed out towards Ivybridge where Chris Sammels being the true gent that he is, thought he would take Taffeta (his daughter in law), on a sneaky shortcut but alas, this failed miserably as they headed towards Smithaleigh and the rest of us toward Ermington, opppppps! Obviously a day for losing people as later we managed to lose a few more when they missed a junction, double opppps! With our ever decreasing numbers we battled on to the cafe with a little flurry of sprinting to try to be first in the queue and take prize of the choice cuts of cake.

When we walk or hobble into these places you can see the horror on the assistants’ faces when confronted with twenty ravenous cyclists and the old dears think we are going to eat them. Today I heard one elderly lady comment as she walked in “Oh look at this lot, they must have been canoeing”.

As we were soaking up the sun like a flock of giant penguins (the black and white kit!), chatting away and eating cake who should show up but our missing persons! Now back to full capacity and after a bit of mickey-taking we started on the return leg, straight into some steep climbing which is a bit grizzly on a belly full of fruit cake and latte. Crossing over the A38 we headed back through Bittaford, past Moorhaven on to Ivybridge where we had our one and only puncture of the day - the victim being Louis. Soon we were rolling again at a leisurely pace back to Eldorado or Plymouth as it’s better known.

Another classic Yogi ride of approx 50 miles with an added bonus of some early season sunshine - who could ask for more?

Photos here

MTB Fun Ride Saturday 6th March

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:48:00 GMT

Intro MTB Ride - Saturday 6th March - Meet @10:00 am Quarry Car Park, Burrator Reservoir Ever wondered what it's like to join a like minded group on a real 'Off Road' ride and if you want, receive some 'Real Time' techniques advice? Oh and we give everyone the chance to try something a little bit technical (with opting out a perfectly acceptable option). This monthly part of our rides schedule aims to encourage anyone to try this great leisure activity/sport and experience the benefits and camaraderie that are part of riding with like minded people. Many of our regulars started with these rides so be prepared to be hooked! We ride at whatever pace is necessary for the slowest rider. Aiming to be back at the start by approx 13:00, we usually cover six to eight miles with frequent stops to ensure we all stay as one group. No need to prepare for the pain barrier then!! Spread the word and invite friends and family. If you want to a faster paced ride see 'Wayne's World Ride' on our 'News' page. All we ask is that your bike is in a safe condition, as a fitness guide you are reasonably able to ride ten flat miles and if you are a junior you bring along a parent or legal guardian. 10 year olds are prob' the youngest we advise coming along. We will be writing a ride report for our web site and aim for everyone to get a mention! So anyone whose riding antics raise a laugh is guaranteed to get their name in lights! Oh and on camera!

YOGi Women Win

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:17:00 GMT

We were represented at St. Austell Wheelers 21 mile hilly TT event on 28th Feb by newbie Jenny Kingdon.

Sean Childs won the event in 48mins 56secs, Jenny was 39th in 1hr 9mins 4secs. Jenny was the first woman.

Springtime Pursuit 2 - by Holly Russell

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:38:00 GMT

The race on Saturday saw ten women line up in the car park of the Jack in the Green Inn near Whimple to race the second of the Springtime Pursuit Series. Now, before last week I’d had images of everyone racing off and there being a lot of pain and heavy breathing right from the off. But being women it was much more civilised than that and we all nicely agreed to start with a steady through-and-off rotation.

The previous week everyone pretty much worked together the whole race until the last couple of miles. No such luck this week. It became quite clear that a couple of the women were out to try and push the pace and perhaps try to break away. There were some little digs here, and some accelerations there, but everyone stayed together, carefully monitoring everyone else’s movements. Alli ended up with a string of riders behind her as she tried to shake them off from wheel sucking, biding their time to attack.

I personally found all this quite amusing; when you actually get to ride with Alli on YOGi runs, watching people try to have a go just seems like such a waste of energy! Fine by me, waste your energy! One unfortunate girl ended up dangling in no man’s land for a really long time after attempting to sprint off with Alli and (2^nd place rider) Miriam Freemantle as they battled for the first lap’s sprint bonus (£10). The main group slowly reeled her in over the next half a lap, by which time a marshal let us know that Alli and Miriam had a minute on the rest of us. I loved the way he told us this – as if knowing that would convince us to reel them in! I think we all knew they had first and second wrapped up!

The ‘real’ race was now for third. Everyone bunched up and formed a bit of a ragged paceline that continually broke apart as certain people decided to up the pace. At one point I felt a handlebar resting on my thigh, but I got a very quick ‘sorry!’ and everyone stayed upright.

The course itself is as flat as you’re going to get. Not Slapton flat, but definitely big-ring flat – until the finish where it cruelly ramps up. It’s nothing like a ‘Saturday YOGi Ride Hill’ but after 20 miles of racing, it’s definitely a hill. At this point I had to drop into my small chainring and was aware that like last week most of the riders had dropped off the pace. I now had Claire Frazer (Army Cycling Union) on my shoulder to the right and Fiona Telfer-Brunton (allforonecycling.co.uk) in front of me. I had ridden away from Claire in this spot the week before, but this week she was sticking with me. It’s very funny the detail that your brain works in at times like these and I was already calculating how many places I was going to drop in my head. I had to consciously tell myself to relax as I could physically feel myself wasting energy by tensing up.

By this stage Fiona had begun to ease away, powerfully standing up while I stayed seated. She just inched away, and although I wasn’t slowing down she opened up a gap of several hundred meters. Knowing that we still had about a kilometre to go, I just couldn’t keep up that pace. I concentrated on not dropping my cadence and I got a decent gap on Claire. As the road turned off for the final 800m I could see Fiona ahead, looking as if she were slowing a little, and I realised that I was gaining on her slowly. I kept going and the spectators came into sight and for the first time I realised that if I really wanted to I could catch her. Alli was already watching and I had Garry Pike shouting encouragement (he’d unfortunately had his race cut short by a broken spoke). I shifted up a couple of gears and closed the gap. I expected her to make one last effort, but I rode right past and over the line to third with about a bike length to spare. So exciting!

For anyone thinking of having a go, please do! The atmosphere is genuinely friendly, as are all of the other girls. It would be great to do this with some YOGi team mates –as a team you really can help each other out and try out some tactics. There is FREE cake waiting for you at the end too. What more can you want, eh?

Saturday 20th February - Intro Road Ride Report

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:10:00 GMT

Yuh know the feeling, you awake to hear the sound of heavy rain, think "oh no"! Especially as I had spent three hrs the evening before sparkling up my often neglected but still loved 10-year-old Klein winter bike, and that even included stripping and re-greasing the hubs and free hub. Now that's keen but why did I bother? I also figured such wintry stuff meant a low turn out. Maybe I was just secretly hoping for a zero turn out for the Intro Ride? Okay I’ll admit it I was.

Figuring I could show my face see only the hard core regulars and then head straight back for some DIY in the warmth. This expectation was enhanced by a number of early morning doom and gloom text/phone messages from a few others also looking for an excuse. You know who you are! Nevertheless feeling loyal and committed (err honest) I duly hit the sleety outdoors and slalomed round the odd icy patches to Coypool. On arrival I was amazed (err dismayed?)to see a good few other hardy souls including two newcomers John and Matt (I hope I’ve remembered names correctly guys!). Other’s who deserve a getting out of bed on a raw wintry Saturday morning gold star are Ian Roberts, Dave and Chris Sammells, Ian and Jenny Taylor, Sharon Monk, Sam Nicholls, James Thompson, Jim Murray, Adrian Smart, I'm sure there are others so please ad them under comments (I'll apologise now for my stupid inability to remember everyones names. Maybe we should take a register or slap name badges on each other, LoL!

So hellos and pleasantries duly completed it was democratic route agreement time (my original plan of heading North seemed a bad one as rumour abounded of snow and icy around Yelverton). So question? Shall we ride as one steady group or as is our usual way run two different paced options? Suffice to say I’ve never seen such a rush of agreement, yes miserable weather does have its value, a steady one for all, it was then Chris Sammels with one eye on the sleet suggested a good route which he believed was called The Great Indoor Drake Shopping centre experience. Cue laughs all round. Our usual routes were suggested and equally quickly rejected. What leadership this was proving to be! Procrastination exhausted we eventually agreed to head towards Wrangaton and have another route confab there. I volunteered to bring up the rear and Ian Roberts volunteered top lead, no sooner had I spoken when just about everyone else volunteered to take up the rear too. Yep the weather had done something odd to everyone’s motivation. Okay so we’ll all go at the back then! Luckily the two Ians and James took the initiative and led the group off through Plympton to the Lynham and ensured the pace kept everyone reasonably well grouped.

Once again by now it became obvious that the weather Gods really do favour YOGi Saturday rides and it gradually warmed up, dried up and the sun made scurrilous appearances from then on.The improvement in the weather also seemed to bring an improvement in motivation and a quick check affirming that those who had come for the Intro ride were feeling fine,so we opted to carry on to South Brent and hoped that before we arrived at the village someone will have come up with an inspiration in terms of a coffee stop. No one did! Eventually it was clear the only likely option was the Old Mill near Avonwick. Meanwhile we enjoyed the road to the village. What a brilliant bit of quiet ‘B’ road this is. Now a bit of a favourite of ours, narrow, quiet and typical Devon, hedged throughout its meander right into to South Brent village itself.

On arrival at the Mill things didn’t look too promising. Luckily, well sort of, after sticking various helmeted heads through various closed doors, some one took the hint and offered us the dubious hospitality of outdoor coffee and tea.It seemed they had a little sympathy for a throng of soggy lyrca clad semi humans frequenting their hostelry. To be fair though they were probably closed and busy cleaning but it was a tad cold outside and right then a social spell of indoor chitchat had far more appeal! So did a large chunk of cake for that matter but that was def not on offer! Coffee/Tea requirements satisfied but cake requirements unsatisfied we made our move. Well as far as 20 metres and decided to have a nosey at the Mills little antique machinery display. Here we marvelled at the first ever truly home (acca Heath Robinson) made cycle fitness machine any of us had ever seen before (picture coming soon!). There was also an equally homemade rowing machine! Both looked pretty darn lethal but had to be given high marks for effort. Tempting though it was none were brave enough to jump over and have a go!

According to my Garmin trace (now on Garmin Connect entitled YOGi Intro Road Ride) the next mile was the only truly flat stretch of the day and sits very pleasingly on the eye right alongside an unusually (for deep winter) quiet the River Dart. Luckily (cos we were all still a tad cold from hanging about outside the Mill) it was time to start the steady climb out of Avonwick and on towards the A379 and eventually the three mile down hill in to Ermington. A quick re group and it’s on to Ivybridge, Lee Mill, Plympton and home. Hope our two newcomers enjoyed the day and both will be back as regulars. Have to say this ended up being far more fun the DIY in the warmth.

Steve Clare

YOGi Team Kit - Place Your Order

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:15:00 GMT

It's that time again! We will be ordering another batch of jerseys in the next few weeks. Prices are currently frozen at 2009 rates. We are currently completely out of stock for jerseys but have 1 large gilet left.

If you plan to race or time-trial you will need to be in YOGi kit. We also have over 50 entrants in the Dartmoor Classic so I'm sure that you'll all want to proudly proclaim your allegiance. To be sure that you have the kit, you need to order now!

Please use this ORDER FORM for all orders and handover or post with a cheque made payable to 'YOGi Cycling'. You can type on the form and use the drop-down menu.

If anyone has previously expressed an interest in kit whether by email or verbally will they please submit an order form complete with payment.

You can read about a selection of what is available here but if there's something you're after that's not on the list just ask. Tri-suits, running vests, you name it!

Event Calendar

yogicycle@googlemail.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:33:00 GMT

Graham Lang has painstakingly produced an a YOGi Event Calendar.