An easy late start for the Buckfastleigh riders but a hard slog for Ken (with Karina) and Ben, the only Paignton/Totnes starters (there would have been more from Totnes if Luke Hatherly hadn't given them false information). There was more hard work in store as we climbed through Hembury Woods onto the moor. Somebody was flying a kite across the road near Venford reservoir, seemingly unaware of the danger.

The moors were particularly busy with canned lemmings following each other tail to tail, which made the lung-busting climbs unpleasant at times as we inhaled their exhausts. The destination was about half a mile from the road: even here was busy with walkers and other families, but it was a lovely setting down by the river.

As usual Martin Luke and his sidekick Neil were soon in the water. Unusually though things didn't get out of hand and there were no tears.

The afternoon tea stop was at Dartmeet where the proprietor hustled us to suitable tables very efficiently, if a trifle condescendingly. He didn't seem interested in our consumer feedback that a No Smoking area would be a benefit. "When the government says that I have to ban smoking then I will," was his comment. Presumably he only cleans the plates because "the government says so". We got the impression that pleasing customers was not a priority, although it must be admitted that the place was well run.

The day passed by with no major mishaps - not even a puncture - but the Bank Holiday traffic ruined it for many of us. Perhaps the 'Honeypot' routes are best left for the winter?