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.

Day 129 - Fast & Furious

Thankfully, although still under a beautiful blue sky, the excessive temperatures of earlier in the week had abated slightly for my evening ride out with the AVP (Axe Valley Pedallers).  It was a close run thing that I was going to make it, with a last minute office call delaying my departure but although feeling a little rushed at the starting line, I was feeling in good fitness for what was to come, or so I thought.

We were lacking, today, any female riders. Not that our ladies are any less able, it is just that there is more willingness to take things easy when they join the peloton. Also, there were a number of new, younger faces making up the 12 cyclists which, lowering the average age, tends to increase the speed and it did! We rode out to Colyford along one of my well worn routes and up hill in the direction of Lyme Regis, turning almost immediately off the A3052 towards Uplyme. It is amazing how these guys get to know all these narrow single track roads as I could have been in another country, as we rode I had no way of knowing where we were! After 14 miles of hill after hill cycling, we dropped down into Axminster and took a cycle path out to Kilmington. I may get ribbed for having one of the only hybrids in the group, but for the surfaces we traversed, I can not think of a better machine to have than my Crosstrail Sport. Also for training purposes and for its range of gears, it is the perfect cycle for me. That is not to say that if I'm still into cycling this time next year, that I won't have moved up to a full road bike - the performance some of these guys get out of their machines is very impressive!

After working our way through a field of inquisitive bullocks, with their horns, we made the 4 miles back to Colyford in a quick 15 minutes where I split with the team to return home. On reading my stats, the feeling that it was a fast and furious ride was born out. I achieved another 3 PBs!

Stats: 22.01 mi, 1h:57m:23s , Avg 11.3 mph, Max 33.5, 1301 kcal

PBs:

  One hour: 12.43 mi, 

  10 mi 43m:0s, 

  20 km 59m:59s

Day 88 - 300 Miles 20,000 kcal

The rain cleared sufficiently today for my steed and I to venture out after the abhorrent weather of yesterday. Still very damp under rubber, I headed out on the Gnome on the Run route, first ridden two weeks ago; up Barnards Hill Lane past allotments and out to join Harepath Hill and down through Colyford to return via Axmouth and the marina. You know when it's been raining as a giant puddle always forms at the threshold to the Underfleet cycle path and not another to be seen anywhere else along the same stretch of road. Thank goodness I say again for those long mudguards!

No photos, today. I forgot the camera and after recent issues with Endo, I was not going to risk multitasking again. What makes me laugh is that Endomondo have just launched an update to the app which allows, at the end of a workout, for you to attach any photos taken during it .. very funny!

I'm now 88 days through my tour, it was the 2nd March when I first set out on my steed, almost 3 months ago. Not quite an anniversary yet but still a day to reflect, in that I've reached my 300 mile / 20,000 kcal milestone! I had some doubts all those days ago that I'd still be at this cycling lark and after not seeing the pounds come falling off after week one, being the impatient man I am, I'm surprised today that I'm still at it. I'm enjoying the challenge of getting out every day, seeing the changing scenery, discovering new routes and taking on those hills - although there are times when moving to Norfolk sounds like a good idea!

So, where to tomorrow? I'm hoping the weather stays dry, as tomorrow's the day when the Axe Valley Pedallers meet and I'm looking forward to another peloton circuit and may be this time I'll get that après cycle beer which has so far alluded me!

Stats: 6.80 mi, 36m 37s, Avg 11.2 mph, Max 31.7 mph, 406 kcal

Day 81 - Musbury

I was up earlier than usual today, these lighter mornings playing havoc with my body clock, which offered me the opportunity to take that longer ride I spoke of on Saturday. Now that the Axminster road   has reopened following its collapse last week, I had in mind to extend my Colyford circuit to take in Musbury, the next village along.

Starting up hill and across to Harepath, I used the recently discovered lane out to the main road. Dropping down into Colyford, I amazingly broke my latest speed record by a further 3.8 mph, reaching 32.8 mph by the time I hit the bottom of the dip. It was going to be a good ride. Through Colyford and before the tram crossing, I turned into Colyton and headed out under what would have been the old railway bridge, before Beeching's destruction of the local rail network. The hill that followed rivals my Three Hills and even the 'daddy' of them all, Seaton Down Hill but once over the brow, the next 5 or so miles were wonderful. As they say, 'what goes up must come down' and in this case it certainly made for a pleasant ride through small hamlets and into Musbury itself.

Once out of Musbury, the road becomes busy, this being the main route between Axminster and Axmouth. I powered on my flashing taillight just to increase my visibility on these winding narrow lanes. Just before entering Axmouth, I passed over the new tarmac being the only evidence of the land slip which had earlier blocked this road for almost a week. The Axmouth estuary road is now a familiar and bumpy one, past the pill boxes, the thatched cottages, bird hides and entering Seaton at the marina.

Heading back inland along Route 2 / 33, I thought I'd share with you some of the obstacles placed in the way of cyclists along this so called cycle route. It is also interesting that in the three months I've been cycling this route, I've never seen another cyclist use it!

First obstacle is the set of parallel bars which may have some value to warn cyclists they are joining a main carriageway but these precede a minor lane leading to a sewage treatment works! The second is a narrow bridge and lane hardly wide enough to get a bike through. Luckily, I've never met anyone coming the other way, as when I last looked my bike had no reverse gear! Finally, within the last few weeks, Devon County Council have as good as blocked the entry to the cycle route with a metal bared gate with the only purpose of displaying a giant no tipping sign as this is not a lane which goes anywhere! Also, why do this when there's a perfectly good wall a few feet to the right which would have done just as good a job?

OK .. rant over, Sustrans take note!

Overall this was one of my best morning rides of the year. The weather was kind, the legs held out and the scenery was delightful, I also achieved three new PBs: a new top speed of 32.8 mph, a new distance record of 11.74 miles and a 10 mile record of 47m:51s which is a 3m:28s improvement on my Day 77 circuit last week.

Stats: 11.74 mi (PB), 59m 31s, Avg 11.8 mph, Max 32.8 mph (PB), 660 kcal

Day 79 - Warm Start

This morning must be the warmest of the year as, for the first time, the air was a pleasant temperature from the start and positively warm when the sun broke through the clouds.

The route today took me up my Three Hills and across the park. I've not done that before, but it looked so idilic and in the absence of any No Cycling signs, impulse took over. As the park overlooks the sea it was also an obvious decision to stop for breather and to rehydrate with the view of views.

As much as I would have liked, I couldn't stay here all day, so once the path down to the Esplanade was clear of pedestrians, I headed off for one of my usual return loops.

Stats: 5.04 mi, 32m 10s, Avg 9.4 mph, Max 28.9 mph, 356 kcal

Day 74 - Giro d'Seaton

While the wind seems to have blown yesterday's torrential rain away, cycling this morning against 30mph+ gusts was a bit of a challenge! I headed out early aiming to tackle my 3 hills but at the top of the first it was clear that the other two would have to wait, after all they'll still be there tomorrow.

It also sounds like Wiggins, competing in the Giro d'Italia, is not on the form of last year and he too appears to be suffering in the bad weather and with the hills .. it's great to be in such good company!

Stats: 4.84 mi, 27m 29s, Avg 10.6 mph, Max 22.5 mph, 305 kcal

Day 73 - When the Rain Comes

You know the song?  .. "rain, I don't mind", well I don't know about that but what I could do with, when caught out in the rain, is windscreen wipers on my glasses as a twinkling soft focus is not the best vision selection for when out dodging cars.

The route today was an erratic one to say the least. My main aim was to stay out of the cold driving wind as I'm not putting my winter layers back on. It is May after all! I am, however, feeling better to be back in the saddle again, so weather permitting .. because I really do mind the rain .. I'll be out again tomorrow.

Stats: 5.40 mi, 33m 06s, Avg 9.8 mph, Max 20.6 mph, 367 kcal

Day 59 - Spring Air

Finally, I feel spring is in the air! Under clear blue sky, although still a little chilly, we headed out for a gentle circuit. After struggling nearly a whole week, a month back, to complete my three hills in one, I now pretty much glide up them without noticing .. well almost without noticing. At the top of the hills the views can be superb and today I even came across a friendly couple of ponies, if only I were carrying an apple or carrot, although where in my lycra I could hide such items is anyone's guess!

This dark pony was very keen on having a pat.

Heading on down to the sea was equally idilic. Had the temperature been a little warmer and had I been dressed for such an excursion, I would have been over the pebbles and in for a swim. The sea was like a mill pond.

The return trip was as on Sunday with an extended loop to include the hospital. I saw potential to move from baby elephant, in my new found interest of 'route painting', to may be a cat? What do you think .. either a cat laying down with nose (the 3 mile marker) in the air or looking out towards us?

Stats: 3.85 mi, 22m 10s, Avg 10.4 mph, Max 27.9 mph, 246 kcal

Day 58 - Weekend Circuits

I had some good friends visiting this weekend so headed out early Saturday and Sunday to avoid eating into our socialising. I have not, as yet, found cycling to be the most social activity .. as a minimum your friends at least need a bike of their own!

Both circuits were easier than I expected, considering my enforced grounding.

On Saturday we (my steed and I) headed out to Colyton and returned via Axmouth covering just under 9 miles in 45 minutes .. it felt good. Later that morning, following the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group recommendation that one in ten journeys should be by bike, I thought I'd cycle the mile and a bit down to the builders merchant rather than take the car. When I got there, however, I found them closed for stocktake. No justice! Also, Endomondo decided to play up, failing to track my ride due to a logon error, was not best pleased with that either.

Stats: 8.95 mi, 45m 23s, Avg 11.8 mph, Max 21.8 mph, 503 kcal

On the subject of the APPCG recommendation, please take time to read their Report and sign the e-Petition, it would make such a positive change if only a small part of this were implemented.

Later that evening, I was back in Colyton with friends for a few beers. Coincidentally, we were invited to 'gatecrash' a 60th birthday party in one of the local pubs, so a great evening was had. On Sunday morning, I confess, I was not feeling much like getting back on the bike; the sky was grey, the temperature cool and the late night revelry was resting heavy on my head and other regions. Thinking that a ride would do more good than bad, I kitted up and hit the saddle. To clear the cobwebs, I decided on the 3 hills route .. a painful climb but two great rolling descents to look forward to.

Doesn't this Sunday Three Hills circuit look a little like a baby elephant lying with its trunk in the air?

Stats: 3.57 mi, 21m 41s, Avg 9.9 mph, Max 26.1 mph, 240 kcal

Day 56 - We're Back

After 10 days, which seemed interminably longer, without my steed, we are back on the road!

As planned, I collected my Specialized from the Bike Shed last night. It's such a great service that they have late opening until 8:00 pm every Thursday and what perfect timing with all the repairs having been completed that morning.

Fast forwarding then to this morning and with the sun breaking slowly through the morning mist, I took my long awaited morning ride down to the sea. We climbed, as we've done most mornings, up hill to complete a 'stall turn' into Marlpit Lane, to then dive down hill, following Marlpit, Sea Lane into Sea Hill and levelling out onto the Promenade .. bliss!

To settle back into the groove, we completed a few mile circuits of the Promenade before heading off across the park towards the wetlands. I can't believe how big the lambs have grown in the last 2 weeks .. so cute!

At the 4 mile mark we leave the Cycle Route and return back into suburbia, steadily climbing back up hill, threading our way through the lanes and cycle paths home.

Two observations from this morning's ride, first I'm talking here of 'we' when there is just myself and my bike and doesn't the route outline below look a little like a gnome sat fishing? Hmm, I think it's time for work!

Stats: 5.63 mi, 32m 26s, Avg 10.4 mph, Max 22.4 mph, 360 kcal

Day 41 - Kangaroo Circuit

I've done well these last two days in avoiding the downpours. The quick circuit this morning was again timed just right, because as I type the rain is again falling while I managed to return dry just some 30 minutes ago. My route this morning, when drawn out on a map, alarmingly reminds me of the shape of a kangaroo! I now need to look back over my previous routes to see if any other objects come to mind. This is like staring into the sky on a summer's day and seeing shapes in the clouds. I can also see something else happening here ... routes predefined by the shapes they will draw on a map, now there's a challenge!

Moving swiftly on, before the sirens and men in white coats arrive, my 4 mile ride this morning has brought my total distance travelled up to 140 miles in 6 weeks and my Endomondo statistics dashboard has finally registered me as having made 0.001 trips to the moon ... those astronauts certainly have a long way to peddle!

Tomorrow is a special day for my bike, but more on that later.

Stats: 4.39 mi, 25m 07s, Avg 10.5 mph, max 21.0 mph, 278 kcal

Day 39 - Spring on Hold

Having just thawed out from yesterday's Seaton short circuit, with a bit of Wetlands thrown in for good measure, I was hoping to get a longer ride this morning, however, nature had other plans for me. A change in wind direction has brought back the rain and a reoccurring pain in the tum has sealed my fate for today.

I'll check back at lunch time to see how the land lies but it looks as though we've more wet and windy stuff coming in and I may need to sit the next few days out. I know my legs will be at least happy with that decision!

Posted with Blogsy

Day 37 - Sidmouth

Something different today .. a park & ride trip to Sidmouth, which lies two further villages west, along the coast from Seaton. Having to drive and drop my wife off in Sidmouth this morning, I thought I'd load up the bike and do a bit of exploring.

With an hour to play with I had intended to do a circuit out along Sid road to Sidford and back into Sidmouth along the main A375, however, after a detour over Mill Street ford, which for some reason was specifically signposted "unsuitable for cyclists", I wheeled upon the Sidmouth section of National Cycle Route 2.

This is an idilic 2 mile tarmac route through parkland along the river Sid, winding its way over bridges on an interesting crisscrossing path which exits either north, in Sidford, my intended mid point or to the east at Fortescue, onto Sid Road.

I enjoyed the outward run to Sidford so much that once back in Sidmouth I circled around and up the beach to retrace my route along the cycle path, turning off this time at the eastern fork to Fortescue where I was able to join Sid Road which took me over the river back into Sidmouth. 

The weather was near perfect, much warmer than earlier weeks and so, I was finally able to shed the majority of the Michelin-man layers that I'd been carrying since starting my Tour-de-Fitness. The strong easterly breeze along the front, however, took a great deal of peddle power to maintain forward motion, while returning in the opposite direction on the second circuit was a dream!

At the 8 mile point, I came upon a coffee shop and after pondering for a while over whether I could risk leaving my steed untethered outside while I took on caffeine within, I spotted a handy takeaway window, from which my beverage was duly served. 

I was then able to enjoy sitting in the sun, overlooking the beach watching the Exe to Axe runners pass by on their torturous route from Exmouth to Seaton, it gets no better than this!

Stats: 9.5 mi, 54m 36s, Avg 10.4 mph, max 26.5 mph, 605 kcal

Sustrans - National Cycle Routes

On Tuesday this week Sustrans published via their Facebook page that they are looking at launching a new way of supporting Sustrans in the future called Sponsor a Mile. The idea is to give current and new Sustrans supporters a chance to support their favourite part of National Cycle Network.

Down here in Seaton, we have a section of National Route 2 which runs along the south coast of England, from Dover to St. Austell and the final stretch of National Route 33 which starts (or will, as it is still under development) in Bristol and will cross Somerset and Devon to reach the English Channel at Seaton via Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and Chard. Here in Seaton, the 33 uses the existing Route 2, so no new development required there.

While in principle, in these days of austerity, I am happy to consider sponsoring the provision of good cycleways, after all, bikes don't need to pay road tax, the very short section available to me in Seaton would need improving. For example, the near impossible to negotiate anti bike chicanes, dogs roaming freely off their leads, stagnant water along side the sewage treatment works, handlebar width lanes and rickety bridges with no passing places, leaves much to be desired. I would also hazard a guess that the length of this path is no more than half a mile.

I've commented on before how on I wished they were more than just a token and intermittent offering. Town planners need to be targeted to promote and install paths to encourage people to get out of their cars. As a car enthusiast, I have frequently come across a lone or group of cyclists out on the narrow Devon roads and feared for their safety. Now finding myself in their position, appreciating how very exposed it is out there, I find it hard to understand why more is not being done. I can now see why some cyclists risk being perceived by us 4 wheeled motorists, safe and secure in our cozy armoured vehicles, as having some form of arrogance when it comes to riding two abreast or a few feet out from the gutter. Most car drivers have no idea what it is to be a cyclist .. may be a day on two wheels should be part of the driving test!

So, should Sustrans put in place this sponsorship programme, I will be very interested to see how they intend these monies be used to improve the infrastructure and not just provide much needed funding for its upkeep. I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops. 

Day 35 - Feel No Pain

Today, cycling through light snow flurries, I was determined to beat these three hills which had so far caused me such pain and grief. Having returned day after day this week to this same route, it is funny how by telling myself that "if you do this today, you'll never have to do it again", I was able to finally push through the pain and complete my three hills. I wanted to move on to something new, which luckily, I can now do .. phew!

With the weekend now in sight, I feel the next challenge coming on .. watch this space!

Stats: 3.95 mi, 26m 41s, Avg 8.9 mph, Max 26.9 mph, 296 kcal

Day 34 - Hills!

My third circuit of the 3 hills route this week and it's still causing me grief. My boss suggested when I spoke of buying bike, of me getting one of those electric ones for the hills, I'm beginning to think he was right!

I am not giving up though, tomorrow is another day.

Stats: 3.92 mi, 27m 05s, Avg 8.7 mph, Max 26.4 mph, 300 kcal

Day 33 - 3 Hill Challenge

I've decided to stick to one route for this week. It is the circuit I walked Monday and rode for the first time yesterday. I'm finding it to be a bit of a killer. It starts with a 3 hill climb which I've not yet completed cleanly and has 3 superb down hill stretches which bring tears to my eyes and an all body vibration that people would pay good money for! I then get good views of the sea and the estuary before a short final climb to complete the circuit. Phew! I'm short of breath just thinking about it. My plan is to crack it either by the end of this or next week.

My other objective this month is to break the 10 mile distance which I see more as a duration challenge rather than endurance, as I've already come close. I'm just going to need a good book to listen to!

Stats: 3.90 mi, 26m 23s, Avg 8.7 mph, max 26.2 mph, 292 kcal

Day 32 - Back to the Cycle

Inspired by yesterday's walk, I took off this early frosty morning on the same route, but what a climb it is up Bunts Lane before dropping down through the woods to the seasonal water splash. I would have loved to have been able to have continued on along Old Beer Road, but the land slip last year has now closed the road to all traffic forever .. very sad as this was a very picturesque coastal road and path for cyclists and walkers alike. So, I had to climb again, up the new Beer Road. All these hills!

One adventure on the circuit was my first slipped chain event. Doing a sharp turn from Marlpit to Bunts Lane, having performed a quick change down, I had to brake hard to avoid an oncoming car coming around the blind corner. The combination of events dropped my chain off the central cog. Luckily it all looked worse than it was and all now seems OK.

What surprised me about the bicycle v biped mode, was that walking the circuit supposedly burned 100 more calories, my body, however, would say otherwise!

Stats: 3.90 mi, 27m 58s, Avg 8.4 mph, max 27.9 mph, 310 kcal

Day 27 - Axmouth Circuit

What a beautifully sunny morning to be out on a bike. Endomondo says it is -5c out there, so it's still not quite what I would expect from an early spring morning and while I'm itching to remove the Michelin-man layers, I'm not complaining now that at least the sun has come out.

After breaking out of Seaton's parish boundaries yesterday, I felt the need to explore further territories today. Heading out in the same direction up Seaton Down Hill, across to Harepath to join the A3052, I dropped down into Colyford. Avoiding the draw of Seaton Road, which yesterday took me back to the beach, I pressed on, over the tram lines and the Axe River bridges. Turning then south, back along the B3172 Axmouth Road, just before the excruciatingly long climb towards Lyme Regis, which will have to wait for another day, I cycled on through Axmouth. This is a lovely looking village of old thatched houses, pubs and a golden stone church over looking the Axe estuary.

Seaton's 19th Century Bridge

The final mile of road back into Seaton is a little like a drag strip to motorists but at this time of day, not too many were on the road. The road surface itself, however, is appalling at close quarters. The front shocks and padded undergarments were certainly earning their keep! I entered Seaton over the now unused 19th Century concrete bridge, the oldest in Britain. This was a bit of a detour but it had to be done. As too was the route along the promenade and the final loop around the wetlands, it was as if I had to revisit all the interesting features covered in this first month of cycling.

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, we will have to see how inspired I feel in the morning .. after all, I still have Seaton Down Hill the conquer!

Stats: 6.68 mi, 39m 17s, Avg 10.2 mph, max 24.8 mph, 443 kcal

Day 19 - Foggy Wetlands

For a change of scene, today, I reversed the route and took in a loop around the foggy wetlands. I've walked here before but had thought the path was verboten for bikes. Seemingly not, it is actually included in National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network, something which I find hard to believe having seen the narrowness of one of the sections and the rickety bridge to be crossed!

Stats: 3.66 mi, 25m 29s, Avg 8.6 mph, max 21.0 mph, 288 kcal