Dartmoor 12th - 16th May 2006

[McVicar]

During our last escapade to the Lakes some people indicated that they would be up for a trip to Dartmoor in the Spring. So here we go................
The Plume of Feathers is a pub in Princetown that does B&B accomodation
(Roy) has a bunkhouse with rooms with 2, 4 or 10 beds and a campsite for those who like to do it under canvass. I have spoken with XRV Jim and we suggest meeting at the campsite on Friday afternoon 12th May and leaving Tuesday morning 16th may. Have a look and let me know if you're up for it.
www.plumeoffeathers-dartmoor.co.uk

[Lord Stig]

Sounds like a good idea - I have a friend over at Woolavington (although he rides an F650 GS Dakar) who would probably be up for this too. The beer at this pub had better be good though.....

Stig

[Maverick]

I went there for the last 3 years with the GS club although missed it this year. That is normally held around September and never had a dry weekend to date.

Will put it in my dairy and the roads around there is brilliant and close to everthing. You can also camp there at a very small fee and showers etc is available.

Luckilly the weather always turn when you about to pack your tent up and go home :D

http://www.maverick-evolution.150m.com/2004/princetown_2004/sunday/princetown_sunday_5.jpg

[McVicar]

Dates changed to Friday 12th - Tuesday 16th May due to original dates being Bank Holiday

[Richie B]

You can count me in. Perhaps McVicar you can say a prayer the next time you are at your 'pulpit' for sunny weather? :study:

I know the area a little, but only when I used to be force marched around the place on exercise. Horizontal rain springs to mind. Digging a trench only for it to fill up immediately with water is another fond memory.......

Anyway, if there's bikes involved and a pub nearby, that's enough to bring sunshine to any rainy day. Christ, I should've been a poet......... :D

[McVicar]

Good man Richie - Welcome aboard.

[wheeliebin]

A little early yet to confirm, but sounds good.

Do they allow campfires :wink:

http://www.transalp.nattyweb.co.uk/assets/images/db_images/db_112.jpg

[McVicar]

I really should hold on tighter when I am riding pillion. :oops:

[DaveS]

Excellent this is my old stomping ground. I may well be up for this.

[Richie B]

Hey Keith, I like that hand in the picture. Looks like there's magic afoot whilst you're chocking to death on fumes. Pi**sed off you got the bad side of my (roman?) nose in the pic though! :D

[McVicar]

I'm Steve who's Keith ?

[Richie B]

Just testing. Well spotted :oops:

[paultheold]

I will put this one on the list [pending bike condition]

[Roy]

sounds good to me !
and tracy.....best stick us on the list


Roy (oh and Tracy)

[Chad]

i like the sound of this 8) so long as your not botherd about a relative newbie coming along ive never combind the camping and biking together so it will be a good exsperience :D
note to self : must buy a tent :shock:

[IanS]

Don't worry about it Chad, I was a newby on the Skye trip, only passed test a few months before. 1000 mile run out, great fun and fab people.

Go For it.

IanS

[paultheold]

Just remember when Wheeliebin goes camping it rains :P

[Chad]

he must know all the best waterproofing tips then. does he quack when he rides :lol:

[wheeliebin]

Just remember when Wheeliebin goes camping it rains :P

It IS me then, quack.

[Chad]

touche ! what about the waterproofing tips :lol: :lol: :lol:

[wheeliebin]

touche ! what about the waterproofing tips :lol: :lol: :lol:

Sorry, no tips on waterproofing, I only know how to get wet.

..

[Chad]

well whatever im really . looking forward to this . :D any probs if i bring my sv riding mate along :shock: im trying to convert him :)

[francis_geoff]

Count me in.

[McVicar]

Nice one Geoff.

[jvaughan]

No form commitment, but If I can, I will tag along.

No midges please !

[xrv_jim]

No midges please !

Go on, you'll miss 'em when they're not there!

[jvaughan]

No midges please !

Go on, you'll miss 'em when they're not there!

F**K will I .. Little B4stards.. I still have the scars on my legs.
Next time I go to Scotland, I will take Ricin with me.. that should kill the Feckers !

[McVicar]

:D

[Darkenbad]

I'm up for this.

[McVicar]

All the usual suspects I see. Hope you had a good time in Africa Pete.

[Darkenbad]

How you doing Mac, saw your tent on the shufties of the last lakes run; Maroc went OK, only destroyed one of my new touratech boxes; when I figure out how to post pictures on this 21st century comms system, I'll upload some of my lame attempts at digital photography. See you on or in Dartmoor, hopefully the former.


PK

[Colin]

Chad you were a virgin to off roading yesterday and lost your cheery with out to much trouble. Erecting a tent should be a dodell.

[Chad]

i dont think it will matter i think my feet will still be wet after yesterday :lol: :lol: :) what a great day though

[Dee Duble Yuh]

If this event is still on, I'd like to join you. Unfortunately I may have to be back in work on Monday 15th (unless I can swing a favour with colleagues!)

[Carport]

If this event is still on, I'd like to join you. Unfortunately I may have to be back in work on Monday 15th (unless I can swing a favour with colleagues!)

I'm hoping to make it to this too. :wave:

[Darkenbad]

I think its going to rain on that weekend what about the 19-22 May :D

[Whealie]

I think its going to rain on that weekend
Are you South African?

[Darkenbad]

I think its going to rain on that weekend
Are you South African?

No

[McVicar]

Right. Just spoke to the people at the Plume of Feathers and we don't need to book in advance. She said there will be plenty of room at that time of year. Just turn up,pitch your tent,go into the pub and pay. £ 5.50 per person per night.
So who's DEFINITELY up for this?

[McVicar]

If it's not pouring down on Friday I will have a ride down there for a reccie and I'll take some photos. (Mostly of the beer and grub probably)

[Whealie]

It's in my diary. I have to get back on the Sunday night though as I'm in court on Monday morning defending my no car claims bonus against a motorcyclist, unfortunately.

[Carport]

So who's DEFINITELY up for this?

Pretty sure I'll be there but for Friday & Saturday night only.

[IanS]

Yep :lol: As best as I can tell for now.

IanS

[markincyberspace]

Yep, I'm up for this (if you don't mind another newbie). Probably looking to set off Saturday morning....

[Cie]

Can't say definately, but I could be there

[IanS]

If it's not pouring down on Friday I will have a ride down there for a reccie and I'll take some photos. (Mostly of the beer and grub probably)

Nothing changes then. :lol:

IanS

[McVicar]

:shock: Ouch !!

[Tricky]

Count me in too please, as long as you don't mind it just being for friday night, in Cornwall for a christening that weekend but would like to join you for the one night if thats ok.

[McVicar]

Great, see you there Trickster.

[Lord Vader]

I believe the force is strong down there :wink: and the pub looks good for planning the invasion of another galaxy or make plans for my next death star :D
I can't confirm yet but i might be able to join for frid. and sat. night :D :D :D
Would there be a facility to dry wet gear overnight or does one just stay wet :?: :?: :roll:
Of course i could sit in the pub till the gear is try again 8)
(sorry guys cant join the ride, my little finger on my glove is still wet.Another beer please)

[IanS]

'O' great Lord Vader you are learning fast :lol:
Pint of best bitter please :drunken:

IanS

[Lord Vader]

Do not worry about me :wink:
With regard to these things i am a born natural :D :D

[willb]

i might make it to this, depends upon how the other chaotic stuff in my life is going.

I've been round this neck of the woods before, but normally on nice little wanders across the moor!

[McVicar]

Due to changes at work I can now only make Friday morning until Sunday. This shouldn't make any difference to anyone else wishing to attend for longer or shorter periods.
Does anyone know any good routes for rideout in this area?

[McVicar]

Looking through the previous posts so far we have:

McVicar
Maverick (Maybe)
Richie B
Wheeliebin (Maybe)
DaveS (Maybe)
Roy&Tracy (Maybe not as they're now in Scotland)
Chad and his SV riding mate.
Ian S
Geoff Francis (Are you still about Geoff?)
jvaughan (Maybe)
Darkenbad
Dee Duble Yuh
Carport (If his WIFE allows)
Markincyberspace
Cie (Maybe)
Tricky
Lord Vader
Willb (Maybe)

Only 4 weeks to go. You maybees had better get you thinking caps on. :idea:

[Darkenbad]

Won't make this, "she who must be obeyed" is taking me to Italy for some culture, I think thats how you spell it.

Routes on Dartmoor; The moor itself ain't that big; however if you head west towards Cornwall & Bocastle (watch out for the river has tendency to wash villages away), then Tintagel (Arthurs castle), Port Isaac (scenic village in the Cornish tradition), Then Rock (surfs up), munch in Padstow, head back over Bodmin Moor (Jamaica Inn) should make a good run.

Have a nice one.

PK

[McVicar]

Thanks Pete. When I went over I realised the moor would only take a couple of hours to ride around so your route will be very useful.

[Carport]

Carport (If his WIFE allows)


:shock:

[Chad]

sorry guys i wont be down for this now work commitments have taken over :roll: :roll:

[Tricky]

I'm still coming down friday for definite, so it will rain, always does when i venture out with tent. :toothy2:

[Whealie]

Looking through the previous posts so far we have:

McVicar
Maverick (Maybe)
Richie B
Wheeliebin (Maybe)
DaveS (Maybe)
Roy&Tracy (Maybe not as they're now in Scotland)
Chad and his SV riding mate.
Ian S
Geoff Francis (Are you still about Geoff?)
jvaughan (Maybe)
Darkenbad
Dee Duble Yuh
Carport (If his WIFE allows)
Markincyberspace
Cie (Maybe)
Tricky
Lord Vader
Willb (Maybe)

Only 4 weeks to go. You maybees had better get you thinking caps on.


Nope, I'm still planning on being there too, Friday to Sunday.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

The best way to co-ordinate this is for everyone to add their names to the event in the "Calendar". Even if you're a "possible", put your name down and add a comment to that effect.

When you eventually know whether or not you're coming, either update the comment or just remove your name from the list. :thumbright:

[Cie]

Unfortunately I can't make this anymore, work has me on a plane to distant lands

[jvaughan]

Cannot stay overnight :( thats me out :(

[IanS]

I,m In. :lol:

Roll on May

IanS

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Wot's the plan, Stan?

Anybody meeting on the way down? Gordano Services near Avonmouth might be a good place. If folks met for lunch and left about 2:00 we'd arrive at Princetwon at about 4:30 ish. See following posts. Leaving Sedgemore at 2:30

I guess in the evenings we'll be eating in the Plume of Feathers and other hostelries. I was thinking about bringing my own breakfasts though. Or did someone say the Plume does good brekkies?

[Richie B]

Sorry guys, as frustrating as it is i'm on a course in Bedfordshire for 3 weeks starting on the 8th May. Last minute place. Disappointed, but you guys have fun. Til the next opportunity.........

[IanS]

I can make Gordano by 2pm, I take that's Friday.

Be good to run in convoy for the last bit. :lol:

IanS

[McVicar]

Wot's the plan, Stan?

Anybody meeting on the way down? Gordano Services near Avonmouth might be a good place. If folks met for lunch and left about 2:00 we'd arrive at Princetwon at about 4:30 ish.

I guess in the evenings we'll be eating in the Plume of Feathers and other hostelries. I was thinking about bringing my own breakfasts though. Or did someone say the Plume does good brekkies?


I'll meet you at Sedgemoor services (Next one down) at 2.30

[IanS]

Lets all meet at Sedgemoor about 1.30 to leave at 2.30.

It's getting near now, Starcom up and running, Scottoiler to be fitted this week.

IanS

[McVicar]

Sounds good to me. Then it's half an hour to the end of the motorway at Exeter and another 30 miles to Princetown.

[wheeliebin]

I'm a drop out

:roll:

[francis_geoff]

Plume does a breakfast, so does the cafe next door. Probably only need coffee/tea supplies (and possibly asprin). May be foggy - normal on dartmoor in the mornings at this time of year. May join you at sedgemoor if I am not already in the Plymouth area.

[Whealie]

What's the riding plan while we're there? Serious off-roading or some twisty country lanes?

[IanS]

What's the riding plan while we're there? Serious off-roading or some twisty country lanes?

I'm a long way from base, a nice bimble around the country lanes will do me :lol:
I need of a chill out weekend, Slow bikes, Slow women, and Slow food.

Could do with nipping down to Brixham while down there to book a campsite for family hols in summer and there's an ace veggie cafe near the harbour. :D

Not long now. Scottoiler fitted and ready to go.

IanS

[McVicar]

I don't really know the area so if anyones got any ideas for rideouts that will be good. For Saturday what about Darkenbads suggestion of Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Rock, Padstow and back over Bodmin Moor. Sunday we could nip over to Brixham to sort out Ians campsite and take it from there.
So who's coming and for how long. I'm supposed to be working Sunday night but could always "throw a sickie."

[IanS]

I'm playing out from Friday and returning on Monday.
Was planning to run down to Brixham Monday morning, but it is a very nice fishing village and marina, sent a week there last summer and the kids have asked to go back. :shock: Just need to find a better campsite.
Another place for a run out is to the Eden Project. Fantastic place but needs a good few hours and is not very Bikey.

I suggest we see what everyone feels like when we get down there.
After all it is a holiday and there is 'Beer' involved :lol: :lol: :lol:

:brave:

IanS

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Been watching this post,

What time you setting off Ian?

Like to go, not sure if I can spare time off work :?

Phil

[IanS]

What time you setting off Ian?

Phil

Not confirmed yet, but the plan is 8.30 Friday morning, do need to find a babysitter for lunchtime.

Ian

[Lord Vader]

Sorry Guys it is a no go
(thats all i seem to say on here) but my little brother is coming over from germany and i need at least 3 days/evenings/nights and lots of booze to convince him that it would be a cool birthday(sh.. to late)x-mas(maybe a bit early) present to buy me the crashbars in germany :wink: :wink: :D :D :D
Plus that it would be a very noble an brotherly deed to keep an eye on the german e-bay site for all these things for my @ wich i have trouble to live without. :shock: :D :D
I try to tempt him with a little bike holiday in u.k. so we see
once i got him convinced of what a really great person and brother he is i start taking orders :lol: :lol:

[Whealie]

I'm down on Friday but will have to get back on Sunday night. It would be good to have a day out Saturday and either a morning ride out on Sunday or I can pack up and ride out all fully kitted up and head off at a convenient time.

[Tricky]

I'll be down Friday but not sure what time yet as working till 6am and don't wanna be falling asleep in my beer on friday night :lol: so need to catch some zzz's before i set off, will be deserting you all saturday pm to go to christening in Truro but could well be back for sunday, depends on how lucky i am at the do on Saturday night :wink:

[Whealie]

depends on how lucky i am at the do on Saturday night
At a Christening? What's your name? Gary Glitter?

[willb]

Guys, there might be a problem with this weekend as it's likely to be heaving around Princetown.

It's the Ten Tors Race so there may well be lots of people there supporting teams/camping up there.

[Tricky]

depends on how lucky i am at the do on Saturday night
At a Christening? What's your name? Gary Glitter?

Its my 30something neices little girl who's been christened, but my niece is a nurse and all her work mates will be there, so you never know :lol:

[McVicar]

Guys, there might be a problem with this weekend as it's likely to be heaving around Princetown.

It's the Ten Tors Race so there may well be lots of people there supporting teams/camping up there.

Thanks for the heads up but I think we'll be OK. Starts Saturday at Okehampton 25 miles away from Princetown and the competitors have to camp wild on the moor. Don't think it's much of a spectator event. I'll ring the campsite today to see what the score is.

[Whealie]

Thanks for the heads up

The heads up in our house was that West Ham managed to make the FA cup final on Saturday. Normally football, to me, is just a game played by whe wrong numbr of people with the wrong-shaped ball, but, as my grandfather played for the Hammers and the whole family are supporters, this prompted a bit of soul-searching.
Luckily, it didn't last long and I'm still coming to Dartmoor.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

These weather forecasts are looking good!
http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/dayforecast.asp?zipcode=Tavistock&day=4
http://ukie.accuweather.com/adcbin/ukie/ukie_forecast_1to5day.asp?postalcode=PL19%200&partner=
http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=49&locationID=331&regionID=10

This one is typically pessimistic! :roll:
http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/dayforecast.asp?zipcode=Tavistock&day=4

Expect the ground to be damp though.

[Whealie]

Expect the ground to be damp though.


Oh good. Should be able to get the tent pegs in the ground easily.
(breaks into a chorus of "Always look on the bright side of life")

[McVicar]

Right, just rang campsite. Still don't have to book as such but I have reserved spaces for 6 tents (as I still have no idea who's definately coming).

[McVicar]

As I understand it I will be meeting Ian at Sedgemoor services (between jct 21 & 22 M5) on Friday around 2pm. Anybody else gonna be there, I don't want to leave anyone behind. And who is gonna meet us at the campsite.

[Whealie]

Anybody else gonna be there

Need to decide that. The more obvious thing for me to do is A303 it, rather than M4/M5. Anybody going in that direction instead?

[Dee Duble Yuh]

As I understand it I will be meeting Ian at Sedgemoor services (between jct 21 & 22 M5) on Friday around 2pm. Anybody else gonna be there, I don't want to leave anyone behind. And who is gonna meet us at the campsite.I'd already said I'll meet up at the services. Can you please confirm the time though? Earlier in the thread you said 2:30. Either will be fine but why not put this in the Calendar's "Instructions" section?

I've said it before, it would be helpful if people would keep their Calendar entries up-to-date. If you said "hopefully" or "will have to check" or whatever, can you update it now?

It would also be nice if people who signed up but subsequently dropped out would remove their entries... but I guess they aren't reading any more :roll:

[McVicar]

As I understand it I will be meeting Ian at Sedgemoor services (between jct 21 & 22 M5) on Friday around 2pm. Anybody else gonna be there, I don't want to leave anyone behind. And who is gonna meet us at the campsite.I'd already said I'll meet up at the services. Can you please confirm the time though? Earlier in the thread you said 2:30. Either will be fine but why not put this in the Calendar's "Instructions" section?

I've said it before, it would be helpful if people would keep their Calendar entries up-to-date. If you said "hopefully" or "will have to check" or whatever, can you update it now?

It would also be nice if people who signed up but subsequently dropped out would remove their entries... but I guess they aren't reading any more :roll:

You said Gordano but I'm meeting Ian at Sedgemoor. Ian suggested 1.30 to leave at 2.30pm he needs this window as he is coming down from Yorkshire. I live 5 mins away so I will be there at 2pm. People do not keep the calender up to date so I thought people who are going will keep an eye on this thread. We cannot keep individual meeting times on the calender you'll have to do it via this thread or PMs.

[IanS]

Changing bike oil as I type.
All ok for the meet 1.30 / 2pm. phone starcom'ed up if anyone one wants to check on progress, PM for number if you want it.

Not long now. :D

IanS

[markincyberspace]

Right, just rang campsite. Still don't have to book as such but I have reserved spaces for 6 tents (as I still have no idea who's definately coming).


Should be there Saturday afternoon / evening. :D

[Tricky]

Will see you all at campsite, can't imagine i'll be out of my pit early enough to make services by 2pm. :sleepy2:

[francis_geoff]

8) In west country on Thursday, so will see you all at campsite Friday.

[willb]

Unfortunatley I have estate agents coming round on saturday morning/lunchtime so doubt I'll make it to Dartmoor this weekend, let me know of any good routes though and I'll check 'em out next time I'm down there!

[Simon]

Hope you all have a really good and safe trip. I'm very jealous, but i'm sure it won't be as good as the Achill Island trip the Irish part of the site had! :lol:

I'm looking forward to the report and pics!

[IanS]

Bike loaded and ready to roll. :lol:
See you guys tomorrow.

Have a safe ride in.

IanS

[McVicar]

Blue sky, sun just coming up. Gonna be a lovely day again. :lol:

Although we have had thunder storms about 7pm for the last two nights. :roll:

[Tricky]

Just in from work, loaded bike yesterday, so its horlicks and bed, catch up with you all later. :D :D

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Loaded and about to leave. Oh, you've already left so you won't read this until you get back. :oops:

[McVicar]

Oh no I haven't. See you in a bit. :lol:

[markincyberspace]

Oh no I haven't. See you in a bit. :lol:

Arrggh. I'm still at work...and the sun is shinning / roads are dry!!
See you tomorrow. :D