Epic Exmoor Rat Rescue Ride

[hawkhill97]

Having contoured right around the hill and back towards the top, I set off for one last climb back up to Dunkery Beacon. The sun was getting low in the sky by now, and the colours were stunning.



Forgot to get a picture first time I climbed this one!



From here I cruised back down to Dunkery gate at a leisurely pace, soaking up the last of the sun.



Legs were absolutely smoked by this point, but it was probably one of the best days out on Exmoor I've had.

 

[hawkhill97]

So that just leaves Reggie then, doesn't it?

Well I picked him up on the way home, and he's now settling in with lots of rat hammocks, beds, blankets, and treats before we'll introduce him to all of his new friends.



If he's very good I'll let him help re-index the gears on the Marin when it warms up again

 

[hawkhill97]

Some ride stats - 24.25 miles (gratifyingly close to my OS map estimate of 25 miles), with 3688ft elevation gain (every one of which I'm feeling in my legs today )

Apparently I also managed my biggest ever climb en route since joining Strava about five years ago, though I think I probably walked most of it

I'd add to that coldest ever big off road ride, and most snacks consumed in a single ride



I really need to make the effort to head over to Exmoor on the bike more often, it's always a really special day out. The riding might not be as "fun" as trail centre fodder, but rides like this one are the ones that stick in the memory.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Fantastic write up. Great job on rehoming the rat too!

 

[hawkhill97]

Cheers @highlandsflyer!

They are good little friends

 

[Mark Manley]

A great write up thanks for posting, I have done a couple of mostly on road rides across Exmoor but now feel inspired to check out some off road routes.

 

[hawkhill97]

A great write up thanks for posting, I have done a couple of mostly on road rides across Exmoor but now feel inspired to check out some off road routes.

Cheers! Give me a shout if you ever want a hand with route planning