My wife, Elaine and I had one of those awkward negotiations this week. If you’re into cycling and your partner isn’t, you’ll know how it goes. ‘I fancy a big ride this weekend.’ Silence. ‘The forecast looks a bit rubbish on Friday and Saturday. Maybe I could go on one of those days so we … Continue reading A Big Day Out Around Exeter
Author: rblaggers
Advancing in the Moonlight
This was a really nice feature over four pages about an overnight Audax cycling event that I rode with my friend Graeme in November. The first version appeared here on this blog and I sent in an edited version to the Audax members' magazine, Arrivée. It was published in their spring 2026 issue and I'm … Continue reading Advancing in the Moonlight
The Long Way Home
At last it’s that time of year again! The sun is out, the sky is blue, conditions are absolutely perfect for cycling, and up and down the country the same conversations are taking place in cyclists’ households. When is the best time for me to go out for a ride this weekend? It isn’t always … Continue reading The Long Way Home
Paris-Nice 2026 – the DIY version
I get on incredibly badly with winter, so I always look forward to Paris-Nice. The first major stage race of the European cycling calendar is famed for starting in the cold and wet of late winter in northern France and, over the course of the following week, making its way steadily south to meet the … Continue reading Paris-Nice 2026 – the DIY version
Review: OEX Bobcat I Ultralight Tent
The bobcat in situ at Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar. With a summer of bikepacking ahead, it was time for a new tent. Like any self-respecting outdoorsy chap I have a range of tents, from the enormous five metre family bell tent (read about that one here - I reviewed it in 2020!), through small mountain tents … Continue reading Review: OEX Bobcat I Ultralight Tent
Young conservationists restore habitats on Berry Head
This one was bylined 'by PRSD' because it was a project I was running and I even quoted myself in it! The students involved worked really hard on the project and I was pleased to be able to get them some publicity for their efforts. Read the full article on the People's Republic of South … Continue reading Young conservationists restore habitats on Berry Head
News: Cockington Primary School join world’s largest children’s choir
My son has been taking part in Performing Arts club at school with his wonderful teachers and for the last couple of years they have had the opportunity to go to Young Voices in Birmingham. It’s a wonderful event that needed to be celebrated! Read the full article on the People’s Republic of South Devon.
Marans, Charante-Maritime
Our first impression of Marans was not a positive one. We had only booked the campsite there because La Rochelle was, predictably for an August weekend, already full and Marans was conveniently close for day trips. We arrived after a hot four-hour drive from our beautiful lakeside pitch at St-Yrieix-la-Perche, and were not immediately impressed. … Continue reading Marans, Charante-Maritime
News: Mum appeals for info
I met Rachel and her husband on a Friday night when they were out looking to find anyone who may have had news about what had happened to their son, who was found on the edge of a road after a night out. This was an article that required sensitivity and care to make sure … Continue reading News: Mum appeals for info
Fox Tor and Plym Ford
On a day like today, there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the hills and nobody I'd rather be with than my family. We were up holiday early and filling ourselves with porridge and glucose syrup ready for what appeared to be a cold day ahead. The sky was clear and for once we were … Continue reading Fox Tor and Plym Ford
Blaggers' Blog 