A dozen Axe Valley Pedallers took advantage of the unexpected sunshine on January 13 to visit the labyrinth of lanes around Combpyne, writes Robert Watson.
Wrapped up against the low temperatures, the riders met as usual by the bike racks outside the Seaton Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and set off along the cycle track towards Colyford. The route then took them across the River Axe to Boshill before diving into the narrow lanes at Brucklands, where there was still plenty of water running in the streams and ditches, and along the lanes themselves. A sudden intake of breath was exchanged with the driver of a car on a blind bend, but other than this, a dog, and a single stationary horserider there was no traffic and the group soon made short work of the hill up to the village sign.
Combpyne has the distinction of being the current home to the giant AVP bicycle, which found its way there after appearing at Seaton Carnival.
The bike, which was ridden in the carnival by members of the AVP, and won the award for ‘best human powered vehicle ‘(until its wheels fell off) is now somewhat battle scarred, but AVP hope to bring it back into use later this year.
The group moved on up the hill to Rousdon and then it was downhill all the way to Axmouth, where the Axe Valley Runners were encountered toiling their way up.
Cycling is easier than running. Then it was home to Seaton along the estuary and on to the seafront.
?Details of rides for 2013 at axevalleypedallers.org.uk
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