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Tues 7th Feb 2012
Pottsie's ride from The Exeter Inn, Clyst Honiton. 4th March
This is a repeat of the aborted Pottsie bash ride of the 11th Dec. This is a tarmac only ride. However, can I ask for a volunteer to organise something for the S.A.S/Headbangers. ~ Last time, I believe, Blowtorch was good enough to organise it from Four Firs Car park. Woodbury, and afterwards, we all met up in the Exeter Inn at approx 2pm for some very tasty roasties.~ Maybe we can do the same or similar again....Any volunteers please??
Here's thanking you in anticipation. Pottsie
Here's thanking you in anticipation. Pottsie
Mon 6th Feb 2012
"WikiBash" leaked communications from Bobbiball's arctic exercise!!!
Classified media from the Welsh Bicknor weekend has come into our posession. In spite of the threat of extradition and Court Marshall, we feel that it is our duty to lift the lid on this most secret of operations. Here are some extracts from intercepted communications....
On 4 Feb 2012, at 23:55, "John Potts" wrote:
MAJOR "DANDY" NICHOLS WILL YOU PLEASE CONVEY MY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TROOPS ON THE BOBBIBALL ARCTIC TRAINING WEEKEND. IT'S GOING TO BE TOUGH BUT I'M CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL ALL BENEFIT FROM THIS UNIQUE, DEMANDING EXPERIENCE. THEY WILL BE PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY "I WAS THERE".
P.S IF, GOD FORBID, ANY OF THE MEN OR INDEED SOLDIERS OF THE OTHER KIND CRACK UNDER THE PRESSURE DO NOT HESITATE TO SHOOT THEM~ FOR THE GOOD OF THE REST OF THE BRIGADE. THE MISSION MUST SUCCEED !!! IN THE NAME OF BOBBIBALL ,NON COMMISIONED SOLDIER & CUNNING STUNT WITH BAR & RIBBONS
FINALLY, IS CAPTAIN DEBACLE LOOKING AFTER THE ENLISTED TROOPS i.e. JOINING THEM IN LOCAL ALE HOUSES,SWEARING AT AND THREATENING LOCAL INEBRIATES WITH VIOLENCE WHILST DEMONSTRATING THE ANCIENT DEVON ART OF GLASS TOSSING.
RIDE ON POTTSIE
And the reply from Major Nicholls...
From: Anthony Nicholls Date: 5 February 2012 23:04:25 GMT To: John Potts Subject: Re: BASH BRIGADE ARTIC TRAINING EXERCISE
Sah,
Report from front line. All men safely returned from campaign. Private Slush fell from his steed in battle but was revived by MO to the men's assistant with the aid of a digestive biscuit. Injuries were sustained to Hank's elbow (Nothing at all to do with cycling!) and Mustang Sally's knee, though both should be fit for duty shortly. Private Spiderman also took a tumble whilst performing one of the more hazardous descents, but was thankfully uninjured. Traction of bike tyres on snow and ice predictably poor, but no serious problems.
Supplies and logistics report few problems. The brigade was superbly catered for, as usual. Food was both plentiful and delicious. However the electricity supply was intermittent. We understand that this is not unusual in these wild and disputed border regions between England and Wales.
I regret to report that a fire broke out in the kitchen on the morning of the 5th Feb, setting off the fire-alarm. The fire was quickly extinguished, but the fire-alarm could not be de-activated, and the brigade was forced to call in the specialised services of the YHA fire-alarm deactivation team. An investigation into the cause of the fire will doubtless be commissioned at some later date.
Finally, it was reported that Buktu, the brigade chef, had deserted the unit during Sunday's operations. I am pleased to confirm that he was spotted by local intelligence officers (from the Gloucester Citizen Newspaper) undertaking a solitary campaign. The evidence can be seen here
Fuller report at 2100 Thursday.
Respectfully yrs
Dandy
Next Sunday's ride from Totnes. A message from Bobbiball Could I please have a volunteer to do the road ride this Sunday or will give out maps. Maybe it would be a good to meet at the Steamer Quay car park on the other side of the river. There may be a charge for parking!
On 4 Feb 2012, at 23:55, "John Potts" wrote:
MAJOR "DANDY" NICHOLS WILL YOU PLEASE CONVEY MY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TROOPS ON THE BOBBIBALL ARCTIC TRAINING WEEKEND. IT'S GOING TO BE TOUGH BUT I'M CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL ALL BENEFIT FROM THIS UNIQUE, DEMANDING EXPERIENCE. THEY WILL BE PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY "I WAS THERE".
P.S IF, GOD FORBID, ANY OF THE MEN OR INDEED SOLDIERS OF THE OTHER KIND CRACK UNDER THE PRESSURE DO NOT HESITATE TO SHOOT THEM~ FOR THE GOOD OF THE REST OF THE BRIGADE. THE MISSION MUST SUCCEED !!! IN THE NAME OF BOBBIBALL ,NON COMMISIONED SOLDIER & CUNNING STUNT WITH BAR & RIBBONS
FINALLY, IS CAPTAIN DEBACLE LOOKING AFTER THE ENLISTED TROOPS i.e. JOINING THEM IN LOCAL ALE HOUSES,SWEARING AT AND THREATENING LOCAL INEBRIATES WITH VIOLENCE WHILST DEMONSTRATING THE ANCIENT DEVON ART OF GLASS TOSSING.
RIDE ON POTTSIE
And the reply from Major Nicholls...
From: Anthony Nicholls Date: 5 February 2012 23:04:25 GMT To: John Potts Subject: Re: BASH BRIGADE ARTIC TRAINING EXERCISE
Sah,
Report from front line. All men safely returned from campaign. Private Slush fell from his steed in battle but was revived by MO to the men's assistant with the aid of a digestive biscuit. Injuries were sustained to Hank's elbow (Nothing at all to do with cycling!) and Mustang Sally's knee, though both should be fit for duty shortly. Private Spiderman also took a tumble whilst performing one of the more hazardous descents, but was thankfully uninjured. Traction of bike tyres on snow and ice predictably poor, but no serious problems.
Supplies and logistics report few problems. The brigade was superbly catered for, as usual. Food was both plentiful and delicious. However the electricity supply was intermittent. We understand that this is not unusual in these wild and disputed border regions between England and Wales.
I regret to report that a fire broke out in the kitchen on the morning of the 5th Feb, setting off the fire-alarm. The fire was quickly extinguished, but the fire-alarm could not be de-activated, and the brigade was forced to call in the specialised services of the YHA fire-alarm deactivation team. An investigation into the cause of the fire will doubtless be commissioned at some later date.
Finally, it was reported that Buktu, the brigade chef, had deserted the unit during Sunday's operations. I am pleased to confirm that he was spotted by local intelligence officers (from the Gloucester Citizen Newspaper) undertaking a solitary campaign. The evidence can be seen here
Fuller report at 2100 Thursday.
Respectfully yrs
Dandy
Next Sunday's ride from Totnes. A message from Bobbiball Could I please have a volunteer to do the road ride this Sunday or will give out maps. Maybe it would be a good to meet at the Steamer Quay car park on the other side of the river. There may be a charge for parking!
Tues 31st Jan
An Invitation from Mash.....Lunch Party (for charity) - Friday 10 February
I would love to have your company for a lunch party (with optional bike ride).
Lunch will be served at 12.30.
If you would like to take part in the Ride, please meet at my house in Torquay at 10.30.
WHY? I am doing a London to Paris cycle challenge in June, in aid of the Hope Cove Lifeboat (which has to be replaced this year and we need to raise a large amount of money to buy the new boat).
RSVP Cathy Gillard (aka Mash), For full details, email cathy.gillard@btinternet.com
Lunch will be served at 12.30.
If you would like to take part in the Ride, please meet at my house in Torquay at 10.30.
WHY? I am doing a London to Paris cycle challenge in June, in aid of the Hope Cove Lifeboat (which has to be replaced this year and we need to raise a large amount of money to buy the new boat).
RSVP Cathy Gillard (aka Mash), For full details, email cathy.gillard@btinternet.com
Sun 29th Jan 2012
TVPB Annual Awards 2011
Thanks to Tonto for typing up the awards list in super-quick time and emailing it to us for publication.
For those of you who couldn't make it to the Welcome Inn today, you missed a treat. Food was plentiful and Pottsie was on great form ...where does he find those jokes?
Anyway....here's the list....and a photo!
Stirrer Spoon Julie (Fallen Woman) Ridd
Hospital Case Ann (Mudsie) Wareham
Most Promising New Basher Linda (Flappy) Proctor
Drinker of the Year Ian (Blaster) Glendinning
Helping Hand Shirley (Poppy) Ware
Engineering Officers Award Nick (Blow Torch) Chandler
Pottsies Plinth Anna (Bothways) Reffell
Dope Pedlar John (Unda) Ware
Tandem Award Stuart (Stretch) Munday + Irene (Diamond Lil) Agass
Special Achievement Award Dick (Sticky Dicky) Owen
Mike Wareham Memorial Glide Award Female Cathy (Mash) Gillard, Male - Antony (Dandy) Nicholls
Best Bash Pub The Dartmoor Lodge Motel, Ashburton (Trevor + Diane) + The Kings Arms, Kingsteignton (Sid + Mandy)
Head Banger Crasher of the Year John (Debacle) Arkle
Crasher of the Year On Road Andrea (Flossie) Wallace
Most Disasterous Ride Jo (Bobbiball) Bassett
Best All Rounder Jack (RJ) Smith
Green Badger Zero Award Chris (Faggots) Brains
Best Off Road Head Banger Scout Basher Stuart (Spiderman) Blundell
Best On Road Scout Basher John (Pottsie) Potts
Cranker of the Year Ian (Blaster) Glendinning.
Hospital Case Ann (Mudsie) Wareham
Most Promising New Basher Linda (Flappy) Proctor
Drinker of the Year Ian (Blaster) Glendinning
Helping Hand Shirley (Poppy) Ware
Engineering Officers Award Nick (Blow Torch) Chandler
Pottsies Plinth Anna (Bothways) Reffell
Dope Pedlar John (Unda) Ware
Tandem Award Stuart (Stretch) Munday + Irene (Diamond Lil) Agass
Special Achievement Award Dick (Sticky Dicky) Owen
Mike Wareham Memorial Glide Award Female Cathy (Mash) Gillard, Male - Antony (Dandy) Nicholls
Best Bash Pub The Dartmoor Lodge Motel, Ashburton (Trevor + Diane) + The Kings Arms, Kingsteignton (Sid + Mandy)
Head Banger Crasher of the Year John (Debacle) Arkle
Crasher of the Year On Road Andrea (Flossie) Wallace
Most Disasterous Ride Jo (Bobbiball) Bassett
Best All Rounder Jack (RJ) Smith
Green Badger Zero Award Chris (Faggots) Brains
Best Off Road Head Banger Scout Basher Stuart (Spiderman) Blundell
Best On Road Scout Basher John (Pottsie) Potts
Cranker of the Year Ian (Blaster) Glendinning.
Mon 23rd Jan 2012
Pub Food ... There's no such thing as a free lunch!!! (Unfortunately)
If you choose to eat the food provided by the pubs on bash rides, you may be asked to pay a small contribution i.e. £1 or £2. So, if asked for, this will be a mandatory charge - not negotiable. This is purely because Thursday rides no longer get the support they used to enjoy in the "heady days" of the 31 club. Currently we are lucky if 20 turn up, and even then, they don't drink anything like as much as the "original dark night riders" did. Also we have to accept that traditional small pubs are struggling to make ends meet and they are, contrary to some bashers belief, not making a fortune out of one pint of beer & a glass of wine, which is all that so many of us now drink in the host pubs. Please note the same payment principle also applies to pub food on Sunday rides too!!
Ride on.
Pottsie
Info. re. Bobbiball weekend. Our scouts have been spying out the ground for Bobbiball's weekend at the Welsh Bicknor YHA hostel. We understand that Sat-Nav systems may be unreliable when navigating to the hostel, so it's a good idea to check the directions on the YHA site from the link above. The lane down to the hostel is long, narrow and steep, has a hairpin bend in it and there's limited parking at the hostel, so don't be tempted to take large vehicles down there. There's space at the Goodrich Cricket club for camper vans, but if you want to stay there, please check with Anna first, so she can book you a place.
Ride on.
Pottsie
Info. re. Bobbiball weekend. Our scouts have been spying out the ground for Bobbiball's weekend at the Welsh Bicknor YHA hostel. We understand that Sat-Nav systems may be unreliable when navigating to the hostel, so it's a good idea to check the directions on the YHA site from the link above. The lane down to the hostel is long, narrow and steep, has a hairpin bend in it and there's limited parking at the hostel, so don't be tempted to take large vehicles down there. There's space at the Goodrich Cricket club for camper vans, but if you want to stay there, please check with Anna first, so she can book you a place.
Fri 20th Jan 2010
Off-Road ride this Sunday
For the headbangers, there will be an off-road ride from the Kestor Inn, Manaton, this Sunday (22nd Jan)
Wed 18th Jan 2012
Spiderman's Austria Photos
It's been a long wait.....................but we now have Spiderman's Austrian photos for you to enjoy!
Have a look at the photos page and click the link.
Tues 17th Jan 2012
An opportunity has arisen!!!!
A hostel place has unexpectedly become available for Bobbiball's weekend at the Welsh Bicknor Youth Hostel (3rd - 5th February and for the amazing sum of £55:00). There's no guarantee about either the weather, or who you'll end up sharing a room with, but the food and the riding (there is both on and off-road riding available) will be great, of course, and the social life may be spectacular.... Don't miss this chance.... Contact Bothways as soon as poss. to book your place!!!
Sun 1st Jan 2012
New Edition of "Birsdeye" available.
All things come to those who wait.... Edition 15 of Birdseye has now been published. Hard hitting investigative journalism at its best... and all without the aid of telephone tapping, paparazzi, or voicemail hacking!!
Sun 1st Jan 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE BASH BRIGADE
Welcome to 2012. I hope that this is a Very Happy & Healthy new year for all Bashers whether they be ~ Headbangers/S.A.S. i.e "special amoured squad", Tarmac Invasion Troops or those in the F.a.r.t. Force.
2012 is the 19th year of the Bash and hopefully we will continue to offer a Bash Rides Programme that offers both challenge & enjoyment in the company of other like minded "social cyclists" and drinkers.
Our first Brigade event is the 2011 Oscars on the 29th January, followed by the Bobbiball weekend 3rd-5th February.
However its still imperative that everybody is prepared to volunteer to go organise a ride sometime in 2012 to support Captain Tonto in the difficult task of Bash Scout Mistress. If you need help please ask for it!
Ride On Pottsie
Xmas Bash photos. We've managed to get some photos of the Christmas Bash.... Many thanks to Mrs D'Harrows, Juicy and Unda for sending them. Click on the "photos" tab at the top of the page to see.
Change of venue for FART's ride 3rd Jan Owen Hargreaves the owner of Moorish Cafe, Ashburton has telephoned me to tell me that Moorish will now be closed on Tuesday 3rd January. As a result we will have to transfer our meeting place to The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel ~ Sorry - Pottsie
2012 is the 19th year of the Bash and hopefully we will continue to offer a Bash Rides Programme that offers both challenge & enjoyment in the company of other like minded "social cyclists" and drinkers.
Our first Brigade event is the 2011 Oscars on the 29th January, followed by the Bobbiball weekend 3rd-5th February.
However its still imperative that everybody is prepared to volunteer to go organise a ride sometime in 2012 to support Captain Tonto in the difficult task of Bash Scout Mistress. If you need help please ask for it!
Ride On Pottsie
Xmas Bash photos. We've managed to get some photos of the Christmas Bash.... Many thanks to Mrs D'Harrows, Juicy and Unda for sending them. Click on the "photos" tab at the top of the page to see.
Change of venue for FART's ride 3rd Jan Owen Hargreaves the owner of Moorish Cafe, Ashburton has telephoned me to tell me that Moorish will now be closed on Tuesday 3rd January. As a result we will have to transfer our meeting place to The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel ~ Sorry - Pottsie