Are there any riders from Barnstaple?

Sponging-Machine

Got myself a road bike a few weeks ago and I'm loving it but a bit lonely on my todd. Any groups about in Barnstaple who fancy some extra company?

I'm a mountain biker so my fitness isn't too bad. I've been getting out for some 2hr rides and keen to start getting some longer rides in. I've only lived here a few months (I live in Roundswell) so learning my way about too.

pbracing

No, I live in Braunton Good on yer for getting a road bike. No point in asking me to come for a ride as I'm the most unreliable person I know. :oops:

South Fork in Braunton have a weekly ride on Tues (I think) after work. Pop in and have a chat, they're friendly chaps and will let you know.

Sponging-Machine

I'm not cool enough to live in Braunton.

Got my road bike as the local mountain biking isn't that great - it seems to take an hours driving in any direction to get anywhere good - but I'm really enjoying it. I had a Langster for a couple of months but found the single gear a bit restrictive in terms of where and how long I could ride.

I would imagine the Southfork lot would be way too fast for me. My mate Jimmy went out with them once and found it a struggle, and he's much fitter than me. I seem to hit my head in their shop a lot too!

pbracing

I think that's a problem round here, finding a group with a slower element. The South Fork lot are all experienced and obviously go at a fair pace.

Talking MTB I find Exmoor and The Quantocks hard to get a long flowing route together, though there is a book 'S.W MTB'ing ' or something which has plenty of routes in. I just haven't done many yet.
I've decided to go to the proper laid out tracks in S.Wales this year. I think it'll be worth the drive to have a couple of days of unbroken riding.

Sponging-Machine

pbracing, have you ridden up the Quantocks much? I know it pretty well and would say it's my favourite place to ride in the UK. I'd be glad to show you about up there.

As for Exmoor, I've done a few good rides up there and bought myself a GPS a couple of months ago, so intending on getting some miles in up there this Spring.