Seaton Wetlands Cycle Path

Back in 2015 there was a new cycle path laid through the Seaton Wetlands to join Colyford to Seaton. This cycle path was all part of a major investment proposed in 2009 and finally approved in 2011 to make the Wetlands more accessible, with hides and raised walkways for visitors to enjoy this tranquil environment and to extend the Stop Line Way cycle route. The former has been a total success the latter, well, we've yet to see.

The cycle path is accessed from Seaton via the cemetery's shingle carpark and exits abruptly onto the Colyford road with no signage at either end. Just as only Hogwarts Students know how to access their platform at Kings Cross, only those in the know would ever be aware of the Season Wetlands Cycle Path, let alone how to access it!

It transpires that not everything is as straight forward as one thinks it should be. I understand there's been a bit of an issue with landowners and a misaligned council agendas .. much of the human race is naturally flawed to be narcissistic and sociopathic. It just has to be accepted these days that it takes years to conclude something which should take seconds to agree and put in place, though I'm not sure anyone actually benefits in the long term.

I had the opportunity to meet with our local town mayor a few weeks ago and put to him the issue of the lack of signage for the 'new' Wetlands cycle path. This led me on the trail to Devon County and East Devon District Councils. Oh don't we love our bureaucracy. Anyway, the upshot of all this is that some signage will be put up but they won't be official Cycle Path ones as the path is not actually finished ... !

The positive news, is that Martin Shaw, Independent East Devon Alliance County Councillor for Seaton & Colyton, informs me that the County Council is at last formally proceeding with the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) for the Wetlands route, as seen marked in this map of the land to be acquired.

Also, Cllr Ian Hall (Axminster) has also apparently recently expressed an interest in the development of the rest of the Seaton-Axminster route; this Stop Line Way

I am informed by a fellow Pedaller, however, that this is similar to a position we were in back in 2016 so, I'll keep you posted.

The Tour de France & Memories

One thing that has always been special about the modern day coverage of the Tour de France is the amazing photography and scenic shots from the helicopters which follow the peloton as it weaves its way across France. Having spent many a happy summer’s holiday across the Channel, it is alway a thrill to catch a view of a familiar sight which brings back fond past memories. One year I am determined to combine the two!

Anyway yesterday the peloton was in Nîmes and memories of a steamy visit to the amphitheater flooded back. We were there last June, when gladiators were replaced by a music act rehearsing for an evening show.

The peloton was later seen crossing the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct and the destination of another of last June’s holiday excursions. Amazing to think of the peloton crossing that narrow ancient structure just as we had, I wonder if they were in as much awe as us or was it just another road to traverse?

One attraction I did not see them passing or visiting, as we had on that day, was the Haribo museum! I’m sure they would have had they known they were so close, those little sugary morsels being such a good friend of the cyclist .. or is that just this one!?

End of my First TT Season

This evening I completed my 4th local time trial event and the final one of the season. Although only achieving my 3rd quickest time over the course, I’m still pleased to have maintained my targeted sub 30 minutes.

I’ve been amazingly consistent on the first split with most time, gained or lost on the second; so something to work on for next year. My season’s times for the 10 mile course were - 29:57, 29:15, 29:30, 29:54.

It’s been a blast and naturally I’m now going to be looking out for those bike upgrades and personal improvements to make those all important marginal gains which could help me achieve a sub 28 minute time next year!

Thanks to Clive & Richard, my AVP racing buddies, for their encouragement and support in getting me into this new area of competitive cycling.