Dartmoor F&M restrictions - lifting delayed by two weeks.

Dartmoor - partly open, but full opening delayed by 2 weeks..

The foot and mouth restrictions on Dartmoor are not to be fully lifted for another 2 weeks.
The projected date for the lifting was on 1st July, but this is now likely be the 14th July provided there are no more cases reported in the area.

This unlikely to affect any cycling events - i.e. Torplex 200Km, which are taking place on Dartmoors roads. Riders will be advised of the circumstances.
Further details from Dartmoor National Park Authority.

TravelWise officer Lesley Smith officially opens lockers.

BBC Radio Devon has gone green. During the National Cycling Festival week, the station officially opened it's new cycle lockers. Four of the units made by "Bikeaway" from Plymouth have been installed, as several of the staff there now regularly ride to work.
The lockers were chosen because of their low cost and the small "footprint" - less than a square metre.

Dartmoor National Park celebrates 50 years with a cake.

DNPA - 50th Birthday.

The Dartmoor National Park is 50 years old and to celebrate they are having a range of Birthday cakes produced at various cafes around the moor, between 16th and 23rd June. The cake is being sold at 75p per slice, and each of the pubs, cafes and hotels will be baking to their own special recipes.

For more information and where you can get a piece of the action
<<CLICK HERE>>

Gordon Thorp in Hospital.

Gordon Thorp, Highwayman Editor.

Gordon Thorp has suffered a minor stroke and is in hospital in Exeter. Gordon who is probably the DAs longest standing supporter, and current editor of "The Highwayman" - the clubs journal, collapsed in the morning, on Wednesday 30th May.
The stroke was minor and it is hoped that he will make a full and long recovery.

Some rights of way re-open in Devon.

As the holiday weekends have got underway, several parts of Devon have announced re-opening of some cycle routes,and rights of way. Some sections of Dartmoor are now open, and whilst it is manly footpaths that are concerned this does mean that cycling to places like Blackingstone Rock and Fingle Bridge to picnic or walk are now possible.
Dartmoor National Park Authority's web pages have the lastest up to date information for the moors:
Dartmoor National Park:
Devon County Councils site have details of other restrictions:
Devon County Council:

Cycling near Chudleigh.

The Dartmoor National Park will be open for access again on 1st July 2001.
(Target date conditional on no further F&M outbreaks)
This is good news for riders on the Torplex 200Km event, which crosses Dartmoor on that date.
As the number of cases of F&M continues to fall, and the summer weather arrives this should mark the beginning of the return to normality for our events calender.

F&M cases now over 100 in Devon.

The roads are open.

The foot and mouth situation in Devon has now reached well over 100. However government advice is to say that the countryside is not closed, and are encouraging cyclists not to cancel weekend rides.

Click on this link for a compilation of guidance from CTC locally, Nationally and MAFF. Latest Advice

Further Links for F & M information and guidance:

Devon County Council:

Countryside Agency:

Dartmoor National Park:

CTC consider local procedures for F&M precautions.

As the outbreak continues to spread with Devon one of the worst hit counties, there have been meetings between cycling bodies and MAFF. MAFFs position is that it is keen to "keep the countryside open", whilst observing precautions.
Advice from them is that Cycling should continue on tarmac roads, but not off road or near infected areas.

Nearly the whole of Devon is now an infected area http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/maps/map42a.htm
Devon CTC officers are still discussing the local position. Current advice is still to keep away from infected zones, but Barnstaple currently lies enclosed by the area, and Exeter lies on the edge.

Foot and Mouth outbreak. (now over 40 cases in Devon)

The 9 cycling bodies have issued a statement after a meeting with MAFF, to give cyclists clear instructions and guidelines as to how to proceed during the present situation.
Since Devon is on one of the worst affected areas, advice is that members should avoid using smaller country lanes near farms, and keep clear of the affected area. For details of the Press Statement >> CLICK HERE <<

Infection continues to spread. More disruption to cycling activities.

Farm animals - still vulnerable.

The Foot and Mouth outbreak continues to spread, with over 30 cases in Devon. Along with many other recreational organisations Devon CTC are urging members not to ride in rural areas, particularly near farms, or agricultural establishments.
Individual Section Secretaries have been told that they have the authority to cancel or re-route club runs.
Exeter Wheelers Mad March Hare events have been cancelled (18th), as have the Kit Hill events at Tavistock.
Latest Local News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon

Infection puts Dartmoor out of bounds to cyclists.

Open moors - out of bounds.

The present outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease has put a large area of the county, including the whole of Dartmoor, out of bounds to recreational users.
Whilst the roads and lanes remain open, users are being urged to keep off of the open moorland, and not to visit the moor and remote rural areas unless necessary.
CTC has urged cyclists to avoid countryside routes to help curb the spread of foot and mouth disease. CTC says mountain bikers should drop their offroad plans while road riders should think carefully when planning their routes. Campaigns Manager Stuart Reid said: "We have the right to access the countryside but with that comes responsibility."
Where our runs lists indicate rides into the restricted areas, we advise that you contact the secretary to that area prior to the ride, to see if alternative routes have been suggested.
We will update any changes via this website.

More details of the affected areas are viewable at the MAFF web pages: >> CLICK HERE <<
..and also on the local BBC Devon Online Website: >> CLICK HERE <<
STOP PRESS....Dartmoor National Park was closed to all visitors at 3pm on Monday February 26 until further notice, because of the foot and mouth scare. For details call 01626 832093 or visit www.dartmoor.npa.gov.uk

Tour of Brittany.

On the road to Quintin.

Almost 40 members took part in the "Tour of Brittany 2001" organised by Torbay Section.
The rides started from Roscoff on Saturday 27th Feb, after an overnight crossing from Plymouth on Brittany Ferries "Quiberon".
There were 3 rides, a Social run (40 miles), a 150Km ride, and a 220Km Audax PROF to Quintin.
Ten riders completed the 220Km event, on a cold windy but dry day. The limited time ashore in France made for a tight schedule and little time for refreshements.

Devon DATC team winners with Sustrans chief - John Grimshaw.

The six riders fron Devon who won the District Associations Touring Competition, collected their awards at the CTC National Dinner in Leicester.
John Grimshaw (Sustrans) was the honoured guest and presented the riders with individual medallions, and a trophy.
Linda Johnston recieved a cup for winning the ladies competition.
Pictured right, David Johnston, Graham Brodie, Linda Jonston, John Grimshaw, Ian Weatherill, Mike Hunting, Geoff Sharpe....... >>> more <<<

Millenium Medals awarded.

Devon DA Millennium medal.

Special Millennium medals have been produced, and awarded for various DA activities and acheivements.
The medals have been made available to anyone who wants to commemorate a ride or event they did in year 2000.
Amongst the DA's younger riders to receive a medal were Christopher, Alexander and Rebecca Wiseman for completeing a ride in France, and Ben Brodie who completed a 50Km off-road event in Dorset.