The highlight of today's ride was the visit to the Old Bakery at Stoke in the afternoon. We had telephoned a warning from Babbacombe, so the proprietors were well prepared for the onslaught. There was a welcoming fire in the hearth and a set of tables especially reserved for us, all helping to make the stay a very pleasant one.

Of course, the rest of the ride was also enjoyable. The Buckfastleigh contingent rode through the Staverton lanes to meet the Paignton brigade at Marldon, and there was then a brisk descent to Cockington before proceeding along the sea front through Torquay. When Brett had finished advising about the best routes to Babbacombe (the reply was 'it's all right' to every suggestion) we eventually chose one which took us beside Meadfoot Beach, a new one for many of us! There was then time to enjoy the superb views and fresh sea air at Babbacombe Downs over a well-earned lunch.

Return from the destination was via Newton Abbot, behind which the group split to return home along some new lanes towards Denbury and Marldon.