Day 252 - AVP Remembrance Ride

This morning was beautifully sunny and dry, perfect weather for our Sunday ride out to Rousdon to attend the Remembrance service, something which has become a regular and poignant annual event in the AVP's cycling calendar. 

Before meeting up with the main group at 10:00, Andy and I decided on a quick 10 mile warmup circuit of Beer and Seaton. After climbing Quarry Lane and turning towards Stafford Cross, we stopped briefly on Bovey Lane to look in on Bovey House, a property so off he beaten track that I never knew it existed.  The site of this house has an amazing history dating back to Saxon, Roman and medieval times, the present house having been built during the Elizabethan period, in1592.

Jonathan .. new AVP jersey glowing in the early morning sun

Andy .. ready for the off

We then headed up to the main road and dropped down swiftly into Colyford before returning to Seaton in good time to meet up with the rest of group. Meanwhile, Ed and Cockle had impressively cycled over from Honiton,  so we were not the only ones putting in a few early miles!

In all, 13 AVP cyclists headed out to Rousdon via Axmouth and the regular climb up Green Lane on a plethora of machinery: full carbon and aluminium racers, Bobble on his 'shopper', Ed with obligatory saddle bag of goodies, Kilian on his mountain bike and Barbunny on a new electric assisted cycle .. a sight for sore eyes!

Pausing before the Green Lane ascent 

Arriving at the Rousdon memorial, we were warmly greeted by the very friendly locals who were really appreciative of us joining them for their very intimate service. Many remembered those who had attended the year before and it was quite humbling the way that we were so openly invited to join them for coffee and biscuits after the service.

Remembrance service at Rousdon

After gathering for a team picture, we each headed off on our different routes home. The Honiton team and others, completed a near 50 mile ride by returning through Hawk Church, Membury & Stockland, while Andy and I completed our 20+ mile ride by taking Boshill in an exhilarating flat out decent.

The AVP Remembrance Team - I'm behind the camera!

I have a feeling we'll be back again next year.