FUN RIDE REPORT

Fun Ride Report at the Tamar Trails
on Sunday 3rd April 2016

A total of 63 horse riders braved the rain for the Fun Ride on Sunday 3rd April at the Tamar Trails near Tavistock. Over £700 was raised and this will be split between the Tamar Community Trust for upkeep of the Trails, and South West Riders.  It is hoped that the money will fund a non slip surface on the wooden bridge at the Canal Portal.

The Tamar Trails, a 25 km network of multi use trails in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have been created in the old mining area of Devon Great Consols.  Many of the riders were new to the Trails and were very appreciative of the well made trails, interesting surroundings and beautiful views.  Several riders also stopped off at the Beech Café for a welcome cup of tea.

The main reason for the ride, was to show riders what a wonderful place it is.  It is only through individuals and organisations like South West Riders pressing for multi use of new trails that we get to ride them.  So often cycle tracks or walking routes are created and horse riders are forgotten. Riders came from as far as Exeter, and nearly everyone said they would come back and explore the rest of the Trails.  When they found out that they could make a day of it by having lunch or a cuppa at the Café, they were delighted.  There are also picnic tables dotted through the Trails.

South West Riders would like to thank the Tavistock Woodlands Estate and local farmers John and Rosie Steer for allowing them to park on private land as the normal car park was not big enough.   We must emphasize that if you go to the Trails again you should park at the public car park which can be found on the right hand side half way down the hill from Gulworthy Roundabout to Gunnislake bridge.  As usual a lot of work goes into organizing events like this, and hearty thanks go to all the helpers who made it possible.