{"id":11771,"title":"Review: North Devon and Kassei Coffee","description":"We cycle the hills and lanes of North Devon and test-taste Kassei Coffee","content":"

Published in<\/strong>: EXPLORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

I packed my bike, and some Kassei Coffee and headed for North Devon to test the lanes, hills and coffee. Would it be a wise choice?<\/p>

Destination Devon<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>

We've had a number of happy holidays in the West of England over the years but I was slightly apprehensive about the cycling conditions as we set off. The roads were heavy with holiday traffic as we headed west for our week's adventure.<\/p>

This time we were off to North Devon. A new cycling area for me. The chances of finding quiet roads and lanes seemed remote. Half-term, the first sunny weather of the year, a bank holiday and immediately after the easing of Covid restrictions. It did not bode well.<\/p>

Destination Devon<\/h3>

We had chosen to stay just north of Barnstaple. About eight miles from the popular beach destination of Croyde Bay. Ten miles to our east lay the Exmoor National Park, famous for its ponies, rugged beauty and supposed 'big cats'.<\/p>

It's noticeable that reported sightings of Pumas, and the like, usually start with the line \"I'd just walked out of my local ...\". I was, to be honest, more worried about frustrated 4x4 drivers than the odd, stray, oversized pussy cat.<\/p>

North Devon is famed for its sandy beaches<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>

The highest point in Exmoor is Dunkery Hill which rises to 520 metres. On a clear day, it's possible to see Wales, the Bristol Channel and Gloucestershire as far as 140 kilometres away.<\/p>

Coffee<\/h3>

As well as my trusty Ridley, my 'swimmers' and all the things I never get out of my bag, I had packed some Kassei Coffee for the adventure.<\/p>

Coffee and cycling - living the dream<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

There's something about coffee and cycling that just seems right. Even better with a slice of cake. As soon as the final climb of a ride has been surmounted, my mind turns to thoughts of freshly brewed coffee. Aromatic, steaming and teasing.<\/p>

I had been pleasantly surprised to discover that there is a coffee brand named after one of my favourite things. Kassei, the Flemish for cobbles. I decided to purchase and pack a packet for that all-important post-ride recovery drink.<\/p>

Pleasant surprise<\/h3>

As I set out on my first ride I joined the Ilfracombe road. My worst fears were confirmed. Heavy, fast-moving traffic and a narrow twisting road. After two kilometres I was grateful to turn off onto a minor road.<\/p>

Instantaneously, the traffic disappeared. It was worth the steep climb out of the valley. I was rewarded, as I crested the top, with a panoramic view of the River Taw, Bristol Channel and Lundy Island. The sea shimmered and sparkled in the early summer sun.<\/p>

Panoramic views<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

From then on, even on the few A roads, I found minimal traffic, especially the more I headed inland. Most of the minor roads were wide and well maintained. I did find some that were very narrow, more suited to a gravel bike and the occasional ford to cross.<\/p>

Even the local Tesco's came up trumps<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>

The countryside of North Devon is stunning. Lush fields, steep tree-lined valleys and occasional glimpses of the sea. Hedgerows thick with wildflowers and the occasional Buzzard soaring overhead to keep me company.<\/p>

Pack your Granny Gear<\/h3>

If you don't like hills, then North Devon is not the place for you. Climbs of 20% are not at all uncommon. As I struggled on Old Berrynabor Road which climbs steeply out of Ilfracombe, I glanced down at my power meter.<\/p>

As I inched forward I realised I was pushing over 700 watts. My legs weren't designed for this amount of effort. Fortunately, the gradient eased before I had to walk. How I wished for something smaller than 39x23.<\/p>

Steep climbs abound<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>

Not all of the climbs are steep but you can find yourself climbing for long periods. Heading East out of Barnstaple through the villages of Goodleigh, Gunn, and Brayford and up to Five Burrows Hill on Exmoor includes 27 kilometres of climbing.<\/p>

Occasional relief is provided when the road plunges to the bottom of a valley only to rise even more steeply up the other side. The reward is unspoilt views across Exmoor and towards Dartmoor in the far distance.<\/p>

North Devon is the perfect cycling country but pack your granny gear.<\/p>

Kassei Coffee Review<\/h3>

After my first ride, I was keen to try my newly found Kassei Coffee<\/a>. I had chosen the Ronde variety for no reason other than it's one of my favourite races. Kassei Coffee hails from that well-known heartland of coffee, Yorkshire.<\/p>

Like ourselves, the owners of Kassei Coffee have a passion for cycling and cobbles. Apparently, the name Ronde applies both to the Ronde van Vlaanderen and the Ronde van Calderdale<\/a>.<\/p>

Whilst the former needs no introduction, you may not be familiar with the Ronde van Calderdale. It's a non-profit sportive that features 14 cobbled climbs including Shibden Wall. Kassei Coffee provided the coffee service for this year's event.<\/p>

Shibden Wall, Yorkshire<\/strong>\"\"Tejvan Pettinger<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>Shibden Wall<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>CC BY 2.0<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Back to the coffee... It's described as \"A sweet and complex blend with a velvety body, resulting in a vibrant espresso with berry and stone fruit aromas.<\/em>\". I'd chosen the filter coffee version but it's also available as whole bean and espresso.<\/p>

I was pleased to see that the packaging is recyclable but how would it taste? Ripping open the packet I was rewarded with rich, pleasing scents. I could already feel the coffee assisting my recovery.<\/p>

Neither did the taste disappoint. I chose a slice of sweet carrot cake as an accompaniment. Together they made a perfect pairing. The smooth taste of the coffee, is enhanced by sticky sweetness. A perfect end to a perfect ride in the sunshine.<\/p>

Other Kassei varieties are available including Arenberg and Yorkshire Grit.<\/p>

\"\"Image credit: Kassei Coffee<\/em><\/p>

Disclosure<\/h3>

Rijden, and its employees, have not received any payment or inducement to publish the review of Kassei Coffee. We only publish reviews of products we genuinely like.<\/p>

24 July 2021 -\u00a0Tim Costello<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>

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