In this era of austerity, we can all do with a little freebie, so here’s one from me to you: If you’re looking to buy some mulch, then don’t. Instead, simply go help yourself to the up to 5 cm (2 inches in old money) thick layer of squished mulch covering the Plym Valley cycle ... Read more

I had a chance today to see what progress has been made on Gem Bridge since I last saw it. The pics below are the result of my curiosity.As you can see (and as I said two posts back) about half of the bridge deck has been laid (oh stop that sniggering there in the ... Read more

I’d have loved to have the first post of 2012 to be some wonderful news, guaranteed to put a smile on anybody’s face. Sadly this is not the case. I was looking into the whole debacle surrounding the proposed mountain bike paths that the National Trust aims to build at Plymbridge, when I stumbled across ... Read more

I was again supplied with an updated photo of Gem Bridge by a colleague and friend of mine. I’m quite grateful for that, as I haven’t had the chance to get out there for ages. As you can plainly see, half the decking has been laid, and according to the man who sent me the ... Read more

As a species, we pride ourselves on our ability to reason. This, far more than possessing opposing thumbs, is what sets us apart from any other species. After all, primates also have opposing thumbs, yet don’t compose hauntingly beautiful concertos, nor do they sculpt Venus de Milo, nor indeed do they know how to change ... Read more

Here’s a short little video clip I was given by a colleague, showing the final span of Gem Bridge is now in place. Although not clearly visible in the video, a significant portion of the deck also have been laid. You can see the temporary bridge used by construction vehicles.The small wooden bridge that used ... Read more

As far as I can work it out, this is the route for NCN2 from Cremyll Ferry in Plymouth to Ivybridge. I haven’t updates the Openstreetmap yet, as I’m not 100% certain on a few aspects. And this is where you come in: please will you look the route over and point out any inaccuracies that ... Read more

A Dark Side Ride On Dartmoor, north-west of Burrator Reservoir lies a small body of water known as Crazywell Pool. Almost exactly the length of a rugby field, is isn’t exactly awe-inspiring at first glance. View Larger Map But don’t let appearances fool you! The mere mention of Crazywell Pool is enough to make many ... Read more

I was out cycling a day or two ago, going nowhere in particular. You know the type of ride: you simply get on your bike and go where the wind blows you.Anyway, as I was merrily cycling along NCN27 through the Saltram estate, I paid attention to a particular sign probably for the first time. ... Read more

Drake’s Trail is supposedly a cycle and walking path linking Tavistock with Clearbrook. Oh, alright! If you want to be pedantic, there are also several cycling and walking spurs. In fact, looking at the “official” site, you’d notice almost nothing about the actual route between Tavistock and Clearbrook. Instead, the site seems to be all ... Read more

I’ve been either blessed, or cursed, with an inquisitive nature. Add to this a sense that all people essentially are (or should be!) equal and it becomes obvious that it is easy for me to support the Occupy movement, as well as their values of social justice. Taking things further, when looking at how cyclists are being ... Read more

Thought ‘d post this photo as a teaser. It was taken from part of the deck that was being laid on top of the bridge and shows the 500-tonne crane dropping the main 35-tonne span in place. And before you ask, no, I wasn’t fortunate enough to take this picture. It was sent to me ... Read more

In Plymouth we have suffered some 18 months of severe disruption due to the construction of what is called the East End Transport Scheme. Despite the great inconvenience the roadworks have caused, most people have accepted that it was necessary, especially in the light of the extra traffic a proposed new town to the east ... Read more

Recently I cycled out to check on how the clever people were getting with building the bridge. As per usual,   I cycled up the Plym Valley Trail, and opted to cycle on the road, up the really steep hill near Clearbrook. It was actually quite misty and the view from some vantage points along ... Read more