Sol was proud to show off his expensive new bike as everyone met at the start on a rather breezy Sunday morning. The forecast was not too promising but we were keen to include a cafe stop and so pressed on to Totnes nevertheless, via Colston Road. We paused at Totnes weir to admire the view before continuing along the riverside cycle path to the Plains. The Terrace Coffee Shop was not quite as welcoming as usual when the proprietor noticed some muddy footprints leading to our table, but she soon forgave the youngsters and served us with delicious hot chocolates, toasted teacakes and Danish pastries.

Keir and Joe just had to go shopping as we were about to leave, and by the time everyone was ready the rain started in earnest. At least the temperature was fairly warm, so we all made the most of a wet return via Staverton by splashing through all the large puddles that filled the roads.

Keir and Joe were not especially fast on the climb from Ashburton to Halshanger cross, so we decided against our original plan of visiting Haytor. Diverting to Cold East Cross we paused at the picturesque stone bridge over the river Ashburn so that the youngsters could amuse themselves with sticks in the water. The journey from Cold East Cross to Pudsham Down proved just as wintry as the name suggests, with bitter winds and a sudden shower that left us relieved to reach the shelter of the track to Buckland.

The remainder of the ride was just perfect, however, with bright sunshine lighting our way past Spitchwick to New Bridge, where refreshments were definitely the order of the day. Michael and Oliver even got a discount on their soup! Another excellent winter ride concluded with the descent of Hembury Woods' Slalom track and an afternoon social at Crofters.

Our ride started well, with a brisk spin through Ashburton, Bickington and the back road from Blackpool through Liverton to Bovey Tracey. The Spar provided refreshments and, after another short ride to the start of the railway cycle path, we settled down beside the river for an enjoyable lunch. We took it in turns to help Sol with the puncture that he picked up moments earlier.

We soon lost count of our valuations of the properties in Lustleigh, but were pleased to see that the cafe is now open for business. On this occasion we pressed on up the long, steep climb through the Cleave, pausing several times to admire the spectacular views. Tao was now beginning to feel a little ill so we wasted no time in pressing on to Manaton, being very conscious that the cold might become a problem near dusk. We took advantage of the refreshment van at Hound Tor to buy hot drinks, then set off for the final leg to Cold East Cross.

It was still quite light, but now the cold was really beginning to affect our younger riders. Gloves were passed around for the long descent to Ashburton, and as we rolled into Buckfastleigh the local newsagents was required to thaw out a few cold fingers and toes before the final mile home.