Social cancelled owing to zero attendance

With only Michael and Gavin on today's ride we made the decision to run a car-assisted ride to Hope Cove.

Social cancelled owing to zero attendance.

Tao brought his PC out for some urgent upgrades today.

We toyed with the idea of visiting Fermoys at Ipplepen, quickly becoming one of our favourite restaurants, but in the end decided that James might not make the distance and chose instead to take a devious route to Broadhempston. The ride started with the climb of Green Lane, then doubled back towards Baddaford and the cross-field track from Halsworthy to Parkfield. The lane to Forder Green then took us to Broadhempston, where there was time for some Frisbee-throwing in the park. It wasn't long before James managed to throw the ring over the high fence into the adjoining field, but Ashley saved the day by scaling the fence.

Rather than take the straight route home we detoured via Staverton, making the most of the good weather. It should be noted that Will would have been on the ride today if he hadn't broken his collarbone whilst performing a gymnastic stunt (with his family). He was allowed to play games at Crofters during the ride as compensation.

Another enjoyable games evening.

In view of the horrendous weather conditions, today's ride was changed to an enjoyable social at Crofters.

Our usual games evening was augmented by Will's friend Ashley, who was staying with him for the night.

We hadn't planned too long a ride today despite the bright start, as some of the youngsters present had not been riding with us for a while. Having reached Dartington via Colston Road there was enthusiasm for a cafe stop, so we dropped to the Cider Press centre only to discover that the whole establishment was still closed. We decided to press on along the Totnes cycle path, pausing only while James and Ashley rode their bikes across part of Totnes weir - they seemed surprised that they ended up with wet feet!

Totnes roundabout left Ben, James and Jason totally confused, so Michael took them on a few supervised crossings before everyone was allowed into the cafe near Somerfield. We spent well over half an hour there relaxing with drinks and cakes before setting off for a look at Dartington hostel and the long climb home over Rattery hill. The powerful headwinds on top made the going a little tough for the youngsters, and James insisted on slowing things down even more by riding repeatedly through every puddle and muddy verge he could find. After the enjoyable descent from Pennywell there was the usual after-ride social at Crofters.