On this warm sunny evening we introduced Ashley and James to a new climb to Cross Furzes (via Buckfast) and a new route across the moor from Lud Gate, down the hill to Chalk Ford and out to Scoriton along the stony track. Morris Dancers were keeping the locals entertained outside the Tradesmans Arms, and since they blocked the entire width of the road with their merry antics we just had to watch until the music stopped. Four youngsters, dressed professionally in all the correct gear, seemed to have mastered most of the hops and flicks to perfection!

There was still sufficient light left to enable a slight detour on the homeward route, taking us up the steep climb to Holne and onwards to Hembury Woods.

Heavy rain meant that this evening's planned evening ride was converted to a social.

In previous years we would have planned our off-road excursion to Redlake Tramway, in the heart of Dartmoor, for the summer months to improve the chances of good weather, but with our new flexible rides programme we were able to undertake the ride earlier than ever before.

A brisk climb brought us swiftly to South Brent's Plymco, offering Tao and the lads the chance to buy lunch (which they never manage to pack these days). Everyone also agreed to Michael's suggestion of sharing a frozen strawberry cheesecake, but would it have defrosted by lunchtime? A short trip through the lanes took us to Wrangaton golf course where we were amused to see large notices detailing the club's clothing regulations. Amongst other things, T-shirts were banned, all shirts had to be tucked inside the trousers, and the changing of footwear in the carpark was strictly forbidden! On previous occasions we had been told off for cycling a few metres to the left of the blue markers that mark the line of the bridle path across the course, and had also felt the wind of a ball whizzing past our ears, so today we waited until all golfers were elsewhere before proceeding.

Numerous skylarks hovered around as we climbed Ugborough Beacon and settled down for lunch in front of the tor - the breeze was not strong, but it became quite chilling after a while. There was time to enjoy the extensive views from Mothecombe to Teignmouth in the warm spring sunshine - and the cheesecake was delicious! Thoroughly rested we headed back into the open moor, knowing that we'd see no more roads for several hours.

The Redlake tramway was built in 1910 to carry coal and staff to the clay workings at Redlake in the heart of the south moor. Closed in the early 1930s it is now an excellent cycle path that takes riders right away from all signs of civilisation. We quickly met up with the track and followed its course for several miles, seeing nothing but skylarks and a couple of ramblers. Just before Redlake we left the track and headed across rough moorland to Petre's cross, where we were surprised by a Dartmoor Rescue official popping out from the ring of stones that marked the cross. We weren't quite sure what he was doing there, but after establishing that we knew where we were going he returned to his hiding place!

Descending the steep hillside towards the Avon we were surprised to notice three enormous rings marked on the hillside opposite. These remnants of ancient civilisations had always been there, but we'd never seen them before because the vegetation growth during the summer months completely obscures them from view.

The river was not too high so we managed to cross on the stepping stones without getting wet feet. Progress along the riverside path was hampered by streams, rocks, bogs and walls, but eventually we emerged behind the Avon Dam ready to enjoy the Abbots Way descent to Cross Furzes and home.

A short spin took us to the old mill behind Ashburton and down through the woodland track back towards the town.

As we approached Venford reservoir from the Holne direction, Michael suggested an on-foot exploration of the Bench Tor area overlooking the wooded Dart valley, a place we had viewed many times from the other side. Tao was keen to stay awheel on this occasion, however, so after a short stop to allow Louis to eat some food we continued to the bridleway that starts a little before Combestone tor.

An enjoyable descent brought us to the planned lunch spot, a grassy bank under a tree beside a stream. The area was so isolated that we saw no other signs of civilisation for the whole time were there. The hypnotic sound of the running water tempted us to stay even longer, but we needed to press on.

Further stretches of moorland track brought us quickly to Combestone farm from where a long descent through a field of sheep took us to the river Dart itself. Louis needed a little help carrying his bike across the many stepping stones. The cafe at Dartmoor is now, finally, non-smoking thanks to the forward-thinking new owners, so we were pleased to purchase light refreshments and ice creams in preparation for the climb of Dartmeet hill.

The coffin stone is a little way off the road about two thirds of the way up the hill. Between the 13th and 19th centuries all deceased persons from the Dartmeet and Hexworthy areas had to be carried to Widecombe in their coffins, and the ascent of Dartmeet hill was such a strenuous undertaking (pardon the pun) that the coffin was regularly rested on the coffin stone. People who were highly regarded even had their initials carved on the stone, several of which can be seen to this day.

Completing the climb we moved quickly to the start of Dr Blackall's drive, one of our favourite tracks, constructed by the owner of Spitchwick Manor Dr Blackall in the 19th century to enable enjoyment of his estate. A thoroughly exhilarating descent was over far too quickly, leaving us with just the slalom track in Hembury Woods to conclude one of the best rides of the season.

Oliver always likes to visit the moor when he returns to Devon, and today the weather was perfect for an excursion to the Avon Dam. Not a breath of wind stirred the surface of the water, and the utter stillness was only interrupted by the occasional spell of birdsong.

This was the first of five special junior rides, designed principally for youngsters taking part in the cycle training scheme at Buckfastleigh. The three youngsters set off along Colston road with eager anticipation, taking care to do all the right turns by the book. Staverton Island offered the usual stone-skimming across the Dart, and then the journey home commenced. Harry's previous cycling experience proved very useful as he sailed up all the hills, but Jodie was not far behind even though she had never really ridden her bike much. Everyone did well though, and they all thoroughly enjoyed their first taste of cycling adventure.

Everyone except Michael missed last week's visit to the Avon Dam, so a repeat was arranged this evening by popular demand. This region of Dartmoor is different every time we visit depending on the weather, the season, and how we feel ourselves, but its timeless beauty is always present. This evening there were many fish jumping out of the smooth waters into the golden glow of the setting sun, and everywhere around was utterly still. And when the diminishing light finally forced us to move on there was the exciting high speed downhill track across the moor to Cross Furzes that always leaves us wanting to go around again.