Journal of a novice cyclist, Exeter route

This a journal of my cycle rides (as if you couldn't guess!!) . I have had many grand plans about cycling instead of using the car but really I cycle for fun. Today's little route is a mix of towns, canals and country, and beaches! Yes we have it all.

We started off at Eexter quay side, a thriving little area of pubs, cafes, cute little shops (oh and a billion tourists in the summer) but now it's a great place to be. Mingling around are old and new boats canoeists, rowing boats, cyclists walkers and runners, everyone enjoying a little sun.

The lovely thing about this route is there are so many stop offs. We cycled along the canal to Topsham and the Estuary. The route is about 4/5miles I think. And at the tip of land space we arrive at the Turf locks, a lovely pub which does some good food.

We intended to cycle further, along the route that takes to the beach, but we found a gate that was locked on route and I just couldn't face getting Arthur out of his seat so we turned back.

We took another stop off after a few miles at the Double locks this time

And most importantly what was I wearing, yes in compliance to the Me Made May, I wore self stitched linen trousers and 70s style yellow top (one of my favorites!) What an awful photo though!!

                             Ah this is better!! Arthur had a great time too with lots of stop offs.

And when we got home he was enjoying his den that we made this year, it's looking lovely.

And finally look what we found in the park!! Even Callums hair matches his suit!!

 A great day when the sun is shining, although I think I'm ready for a slightly longer ride now.

Journal of a novice cyclist

So my journal continues, somewhat slowly! What happened to my plans of cycling every week getting fitter slimmer, saving the planet from my car fumes?????

So first things first, every cyclist should stylish is my motto, and yes wearing self stitched goodies. I'm wear a handmade top, and trousers from a clothes swap. I must admit this isn't the most stylish as the weather was a bit grim.

So our ride this time takes us to North Devon to the Tarka Trail, a walking and cycling route that cover 30 miles ish, and is of course famous for the Tarka the otter tales and and Solomon the Salmon of which started there stories in Torrington which is along this trail.

Our destination was this wonderful stopping place called Orchard Yarde. They have made a rustic coffee shop, they also have the most wonderful camping area of three yurts and a camping barn. If you stay you usually get dinner by the fireside and often local musicians stop by for impromptu sessions.

I find this a wonderful place and have longed to stay over night, I'm planning a full cycle ride and stop over when the weather improves, so for today we had great coffee and hand made cakes in the homely but rustic shed.

                                                            Then the 8 mile cycle home.

I can not tell you how much I love this place, I'm sure I will bore the pants off you with more tales from Orchard Yarde.

OPOW day two, and a cycle ride!

Day two with Tilly and 91 others OPOW certainly has captured the imagination of the blogging community. I personally have really enjoyed my journey.

Today my little top started life a skirt! A broken zip and waist that was far too small meant refashion time, and I thought it had a little "hello sailor" about it.

A really heavy cotton, almost made the sewing machine needle stick I wondered if it had been treated with something to make it do this?

No Fancy trims today, but this has been the first time I have used stripes and I think I did ok with matching them up.

oh how lucky my best shoes match!!

Then off for a cycle ride. My journals of a novice cyclist have been somewhat lacking, this being only the third ride of the year. Not exactly what I had planned to keep fit and reduce the use of the car.

It is so much easier to look stylish on a bike it the warm weather.

Every good bike ride will have a pub stop and this was no exception, we had two!! MrPB enjoyed lots of cider. I think this is rather a nice shot for the celebrating of hands project.

This was our view for most of the journey home, up hill!

For some all that hard work peddling was too much.

Journal of a novice cyclist, Madien voyage.

So one of the 2012 challenges was or is to cycle more. It has long been an ambition of mine to use the car less and become lovely and fit, cycling through Devon's hills.
So thanks to MrPB who has attached Arthur's seat I am now up and cycling, we took our maiden voyage today!

Our ride took us four miles to a neighbouring village and good pub. I must admit it was hard work, not because of the extra weight rather than I am not as fit as I once was.  I have always felt being a cyclist or any kind of sporty person doesn't mean we should loose any sense of style. Although I may not look my most stylish today (it is rather cold you know) I am wearing my self stitched pin stripe trousers, and planning to make a few nice things for my new adventures.