On a beautiful sunny but chilly day, I jumped on my Specialized S-Works Tarmac for a 30-mile local loop starting and finishing in Exeter.
I headed out along the Sidmouth Road towards Aylesbeare, then turned onto Withen Lane — the very lane where 13-year-old Genette Tate mysteriously disappeared while on her newspaper round back in 1978, as you’ll see in the video. As I rode through the quiet village, I shared the haunting story of her unsolved disappearance that still affects the local community today.
From there, I continued through the modern new town of Cranbrook before winding through the picturesque villages of Silverton and Thorverton. The route was packed with rolling Devon lanes, quiet countryside, and plenty of character.
To finish, I cruised back into Exeter via the city centre along Queen Street — a perfect sightseeing end to the ride. It was a brilliant mix of peaceful riding, local history, and classic British country lanes (though I did have to deal with a few impatient drivers along the way!).
If you’re into road cycling in Devon or love routes with a bit of history, this one’s well worth checking out.
In 1978, 13-year-old Genette Tate disappeared while delivering newspapers on her bike along this very lane — Withen Lane in Aylesbeare, Devon.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon. She had just chatted with two school friends, rode on ahead, and moments later her bicycle was found lying in the road with newspapers scattered around. Genette was gone.
Despite one of the largest searches ever mounted in the area, her body has never been found. The case remains one of Britain’s longest-running unsolved mysteries — and a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly someone can vanish, even in broad daylight on a quiet country lane.
These observations are what this ride is all about. So hop on, come along, and let’s enjoy another awesome cycling adventure!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.
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Products I use:
E Bike: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon
Vlogging Camera DJI Action 5 Pro, DJI Mini Mic
Tyres: Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38c / Specialized Roubaix Pro 30/32c
Mudguards: SKS Bluemels
Pedals: Speedplay and Cleats
GPS: Wahoo Roam V2
Mount: Specialized Stem Accessory
Rear Camera, Radar and Tail Light: Garmin Varia RCT715
Front Camera and Light: Cycliq FLY12 Sport
Saddle Bag: Silca Mattone Pack
Top Tube Bag: Tailfin 0.8ltr Pack
Water Bottle: Fidlock System
Bell: Knog Oi
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11 Comments
Hi Harvey, I can remember the story of Genette Tate vanishing, I was 15 at the time, I still have memories of the assemblies at school warning everyone to take care when going out. It always amazed with the impatience of car drivers who can't wait a couple of seconds before overtaking. Lovely views as always, take care out there and keep the shiny side up!
Sounds like a local job to me!!!
I remember hearing about her disappearance as a child, never realised it was this area. Very sad bless her. Brave of you cycling up Sidmouth road, as a bus driver who does the 9's to Sidmouth regularly I know how impatient and fast drivers are along there.
You convinced me to take my bike off the indoor trainer and put the back wheel on again 🙂 (I forgot how loud my freehub is). Hopefully it's not too windy tomorrow.
I have been riding out on the country lanes too, but using my single speed bike which gets to be hard work very quickly. I was too lazy to get my other bike ready for outside though.
Hi Harvey great ride .sad story about genette . Bike looking good mate and legs out .stay safe 🚴💨💨👍
Cracking day Dave on a Cracking bike, youre fight motivation comes and goes but we always find a way to get out and do what we love, take care mate 👍
That was a great sunny ride. Done that Silverton Lane once before but going up! and I was surprised to see the abandoned Ruffwell Arms still standing; did pop in once but that was back in the 90s. .I used to do much of you're latter route, Raddon Hills, Thorverton area; very picturesque and unspoilt .. for now! Safe riding✋
How do Harvey, Early shorts job Brave, you chose a lovely day to ride out once you overcame those common doubts that plague us cyclists, I remember the name Tate so sad it was, You had a few close shaves with some vehicles this day but I was impressed with your rear view camera excellent, lovely lanes again and great to see the greenery coming through, In Exeter town centre passing down the high st. towards BHS I remembered walking down there a couple of years ago lovely city, Your Tarmac is looking good and I could tell you are proud of it even with a bit of dirt on it 😄 , great video and ride out thanks for sharing Harvey 👍 👌🏻
I remember you highlighting this story on a previous video. Sad story, indeed.
Nice early spring ride, and sadly I do remember the disappearance of the poor girl. I'd reckon it was someone who knew her route on the paper round, and abducted her. Definitely local I'd say, and probably not a random passer by. Nice to see some roads being closed to motorists and giving the residents a better quality of life. They have LTN's in London (low traffic neighbourhoods), and they are quite controversial. But vulnerable people need to be kept safer.
Great video once again pal. Stay chilled and safe out there 👍😎
Thank you for remembering Genette and i saw in the previous vlog how you cleaned her memorial stone.
I was 7 when she went missing.
Living in Exeter, we all felt the fear and the sadness.
Her father often attended a bingo at St Paul's church hall Exeter. My mother and father ran it.
I think we all have our theories.
God bless Genette ❤️
Love to hear the Devonshire accent with the "Hello Meht"
Only us locals get it.
That was a long bike ride for a paper girl or boy.
Thanks for taking us on the journey.
Take care.
Best wishes
Amelia