The lanes from Ashburton to Ilsington are always a pleasure during the summer months, and today was no exception. Some sleek young horses grazing beside the stream near Boro Wood were fortunate not to have been led off by the youngsters, who fell in love with them immediately.

When the destination had been reached, views were somewhat disappointing thanks to the distant haze. A perfect golden-red sunset made a superb lantern for the return journey across the moor however.

Some unfamiliar lanes near Abham entertained us admirably on this sunny evening.

Along Colston road to Hood Manor, we carried on to Staverton and Broadhempston, our official goal. Some took the track from Beeston to Forder, while others avoided the promised (but non-existent) mud-bath and took the road instead. Some shaky navigation caused a delay before we met up again, and then it was back through Pridhamsleigh to Buckfastleigh and welcome refreshments for the remaining dozen at Crofters.

A special welcome to the newcomers - we hope to see you again.

The presence of some heavy showers was all that was required to adjourn the ride to Crofters for the evening.

On departure from the Totnes pick-up, Michael (and a few others) thought it might be a good idea to introduce the group to the scenic Sharpham Drive detour to Ashprington. This delightful track runs alongside the river Dart, passing through fields and woods along the way. On this particular occasion all the gates were padlocked and there was even an electric fence to add to the adventure! No-one could have failed to enjoy the ride however.

We arrived at Harbertonford about an hour later than planned and set off along the quiet lanes to Moreleigh, Woodleigh (via a new stretch of lane) and Sorley. The final section of main-road work was punctuated only with a chocolate stop at Malborough.

Salcombe estuary looked superb in the evening sunshine. All of our previous visits to Salcombe had been during the winter months, so the hostel looked and felt much warmer than we had expected. As usual we were assigned the attic dormitory - a secure location well away from the warden's quarters!

When suppers had been consumed there was just time for a walk along the coastal path above the hostel, which led us eventually to Starehole Bay and its associated beach.

Next morning we were to rendezvous with the day-riders at Torcross cafe, so we were obliged to take the ferry to East Portlemouth (in the usual three consignments) where we enjoyed morning coffee outside in the chill wind. The maize of lanes near South Pool inspired a massive bike swap, but eventually we arrived at Torcross at the same time as Richard and Mark (the day-riders).

There were, of course, the usual silly games on Slapton Sands after lunch, Chris being the one who suffered most from the huge waves that pounded the beach. The return journey was along the usual route through Strete, the only significant event being Warren's collision with a car at the top of the Slapton track. Fortunately he was unhurt, but it provided an opportunity for Michael to remind everyone of the importance of good road-safety.

This pleasant ride saw us roaming across the moor in search of a cuckoo that had been piercing the silence during our viewing of the reservoir. After wandering along the reservoir path for a while and discovering that the bird had flown farther away we abandoned the search and returned via Holne and Ashburton.

Another perfect day saw us taking some unfamiliar roads and tracks across Dartmoor, our home territory. Following an extortionately-priced coffee stop at the cafe near Haytor, the pretty road to Manaton brought us to a local gentleman who was highly enamoured with our 'new-fangled' gearing mechanisms. He could scarcely believe his eyes as the pedals flew around during our departing climb!

A hearty lunch by the stream at Natsworthy Manor prepared us for the spectacular ascent of Hamel Down, the rough ride across the ridge and the exhilarating descent to Widecombe, where the Wayside cafe once again entertained us for afternoon tea. By way of a change we decided to try a new hill out of the village, leading us up to Pudsham Down via Venton. Buckland-in-the-Moor and Spitchwick then formed our return route.

It's strange how our youngsters seem to turn out even on the wettest days - we even had a new youngster from Ashburton today! I suppose we should be pleased to see such dedication to the Section.