A forecast of showers at lunchtime seemed to frighten Dillan so much that it was hard to get him cycling at all today, despite Michael's assurances that weather forecasts for showers don't necessarily mean you will get wet. He had pulled himself together by the time we reached the top of Rattery hill so we were able to enjoy a brisk ride over the new Dry Bridge and then past a fly-infested Moors Head to the Nurston road.

The forecast rain never came, but in some ways it was fortunate that we had not strayed far from home since Michael's freewheel chose this moment to seize up - he had to pedal all the way down the hill and then home without freewheeling once.

We didn't waste the afternoon sunshine, choosing to fix two punctures, replace Dillan's rear derailleur and purchase a new freewheel for Michael's bike from Big Peaks at Ashburton.