Today was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 24 degrees at one point. With Tao joining us it seemed like a great day to visit Fermoys garden centre at Ipplepen, so we headed out via Caddaford and Staverton. Tao came up with what he thought was a clever detour as we rode through Ipplepen, via Dornafield Road, but it just added half a mile and a few extra metres of climb!

Arriving at 12.10 we settled in the garden area outside to enjoy good drinks and tuna Paninis which George rated nine out of ten. Then when Tao had finished checking out the herb seeds we left at 13.10 and returned along Tao’s preferred route, via the Rising Sun and Ashburton. Along the way we came across a junction that boasted no fewer than 34 manhole covers, at Bramble Oak Cross near Denbury.

To conclude an excellent ride we returned along the railway path and the old Ashburton road, getting home for 2.45. This suited John just fine as he had to be back for 3pm to prepare fish and chips for a special train from Buckfastleigh station.