All of Helen's promises of an exciting and challenging weekend were more than fulfilled. The venue for our 'FastTrackMTB' experience was a two-storey camping barn dug into the hillside above Dulverton; it's an extension of a working farm complete with watermill. The rustic accommodation was basic but comfortable with views across to the Exe valley where we would enjoy the delights of off-roading in Exmoor.
Our ride on Saturday was under cloudy skies whilst the rest of the country was bathed in brilliant sunshine, but this was a bonus. We only covered around 25 miles but the landscape of Exmoor is far more challenging than anything we have locally. The narrow V-shaped valleys presented us with long steep climbs, measured in cheekiness; and exhilarating descents with very few level tracks. The surface was often loose and rocky with a varnishing of moss to keep us on our toes. And the views across farmland to the moors beyond were stunning.
The sunshine streamed though our dormitory windows on Sunday morning and stayed with us all day. We covered even fewer miles as we were dogged by mechanical failure - but only one puncture. However we 'enjoyed' the longest slog uphill I have experience, with a heart-stopping descent as reward down a long grassy spur into the Winsford valley.
Our weekend was really made special, though, by our hosts and guides, Darren and Debs. Darren, who is a very gifted off-roader, tailor-made the routes to suit our group of 8 RCC members and 2 independent riders, Brian and Gary. He leads regular rides once a month and caters for all-comers ranging from novices to the 'hard core'. I doubt that anyone would come away from one of his jaunts feeling less than satisfied with their own performance and having felt fully tested.
Debs fed and watered us with hearty breakfasts, a barbecue on Saturday evening and a picnic lunch brought to us on Sunday - all in spite of suffering the queasiness of early pregnancy. Heroic indeed! I must also mention the enormous Devonshire scones with cream and jam... And the extra pounds I came home with!
Many thanks to Helen for organising us and liaising with Darren and Debs, and to all for such good company. It was a perfect weekend with plenty of wow-factor. When are we off to the Quantocks then?
Oh, and we went though a lot of gates but I didn't count any of them!!!
Fran
Please find below messages of satisfaction from some other happy campers:
'Dulverton was just a name: now it means Debs, Darren, camping barns, great breakfasts, diesel-flavoured Weetabix, terrific descents, tortuous ascents, open moorland with terrific views. Frank wearing a helmet because teacher says so. Doorstep sandwiches, home-made cake on the village green next to the stream. Helen attempting the world's first underwater crossing on a mountain bike in the horizontal position (and failing). Freshly burnt sausages, a tinny or two, camp fires under the stars and all that stuff.
Above all - GREAT COMPANY.' Frank
'A gem of a weekend - the hills, the fords, the picturesque villages, the cream tea, the campfire, the barbeque, the spirit of fun with the other club members, Darren’s endless patience and low key professionalism. These are all things that have become cherished memories.' Phil
'Can't separate out highlights. This Exmoor package was possibly my best mountain bike w/end. I have come back just wanting more. Thanks Helen for setting it up. When can we do the Quantocks??? asap please.' Terry