We had planned a Morning Ride today, but when everyone arrived at 10.15 the light rain encouraged everyone to spend the morning on a games and homework social, postponing the cycling to the afternoon.

When we set off for Hembury the rain had vanished and there were sunny spells at times. Everyone rode up the Lower Hembury Track, including John who now has off-road tyres that make the task much easier. Climbing the hill to Humphrey's Cross however Lawrence discovered an unwelcome split in his shorts, behind his thigh, and decided at once that he needed to go straight home before his favourite shorts were ruined beyond repair. No amount of persuasion would change his mind, so the rest of us continued towards New Bridge.

After refreshments at the ice cream van we took the steep track through the woods to Spitchwick and then spent a very enjoyable forty minutes playing Frisbee and other games on the nearly-deserted common in brilliant spring sunshine. Clearly this is the best time of year to visit, when the tourists are at home.

As it was getting late we returned via Holne Chase rather than Buckland-in-the-Moor, with everyone agreeing that Afternoon Rides could be a good idea from time to time.