The first ride got off to a hilly start along the steep track to Five Lanes (not the one at Marldon) and Baddaford. Activities came to a temporary halt however when a fence was encountered at Higher Penn farm, stretching right across the lane! No-one bothered to think why it might have been put there, and it put up little resistance as it was dismantled. It wasn’t more than three minutes before the club was making a hasty retreat, hotly pursued by a sizable herd of Frisians!

The ride continued via Forder Green to Denbury, where Simon Birtles was waiting as arranged. An inspection of the scout memorial and the closed post office concluded the rest break and return was made via Broadhempston, Beeston and Green Lane.

Many of the younger members were feeling a little tired, but everyone agreed that the first ride had been very enjoyable.