Our summer reunion ride, proposed by John Stuart and others at the Christmas get-together, provided a chance for old and new club riders to meet up on a fabulous summer day. We would also have had Oliver if he had known we had moved the date back a week from the original proposal of 25th June, but apparently he will be here next week for those who can come again.

After drinks and a chat at Crofters from 9.30 we set off at around 10.30 with the aim of riding to Totnes food market, which takes place on the third Sunday of each month. It’s been a while since we had so many out on a ride, and everyone had plenty to talk about as we proceeded along Colston Road and along the cycle path to Dartington.

John Stuart suggested a detour through Dartington Hall, and what better place for a group photo than in the gardens by the entrance. It’s a shame Michael hadn't learned how to set the timer on his new camera, but two photos provided a suitable alternative.

Riding along the cycle path to Totnes we stopped at the new Totnes Weir Hydro station as none of our older members had seen it. Only one of the twin Archimedes Screws was in operation today as the river flow was lower than usual. It can supply electricity for up to 400 homes, but at present it is used to power King Edwards VI College and a local aluminium foundry.

We continued along the path to Borough Park and then up the main street to the market. There seemed to be even more stalls than usual today, selling just about every kind of food and drink you can imagine. Julian said he wasn’t hungry for anything here, until he saw a bratwurst stall. Gavin got one too, and Tao just couldn’t resist an expensive cheesecake with nutty base. Everyone found something to their liking so it was a good while later that we finally set off again, with many vowing to return again on a future date.

Proceeding down the hill past the castle we re-joined the cycle path and followed it back to the Cider Press centre, now renamed The Shops at Dartington. Dillan and Julian couldn’t resist playing on a pair of spring rides that we passed on the way in. We stopped in the Venus café for air-conditioned hot and cold refreshments, although Tao preferred to sit outside on the only shaded seat.

We returned home via Staverton Bridge, narrowly squeezing past the level crossing before the station controller closed the gates for a steam train. We got back to Crofters just after 3pm to find Kevin Presland waiting for us on Michael’s lawn. Neil joined us later, and we all enjoyed iced drinks and fresh strawberries with ice-cream, clotted cream and Elmlea cream, making a perfect end to a very enjoyable day. To top it off, Kevin produced the Colin Brierly Memorial Shield from his pannier which he duly presented to Michael as a token of thanks for his contribution to the club over the years, which left Michael rather speechless.