Some members were still away for half term, but four of us enjoyed a good ride to Broadhempston via Green Lane. The roads were icy in places after some overnight rain and sleet, so we had to take care.

The play park at Broadhempston has been extended since we were last there, someone having taken out the tall hedge between the park and the adjacent field. Our Frisbees have gone over that hedge several times in the past, previously necessitating a walk halfway around the village to get to the far gate. Today we were able to use the whole field for our Frisbee, boomerang and tennis ball games.

We returned home via Staverton and the riverside track, arriving just in time to see a holiday diesel special running on the train line. Zac just couldn't resist going into the station to buy some Milky Bars from the antique penny vending machine, and of course everyone else followed suit.

Our first car-assisted ride of the year was a great success thanks to some superb weather. The ride started from Black Forest Lodge near Starcross and it wasn't long before we had ridden past the deer of Powderham Castle and were starting off along the path that follows the Exe estuary. The recent absence of rain had left the path relatively mid-free today.

Just after joining the canal cycle path at Turf Lock we were fortunate to come across a huge flock of Canada geese resting on the nearby marshland. Fishermen lined the canal, and Exeter Rowing Club were doing their best to avoid the many swans that got in their way.

Everyone was ready for lunch when we arrived at Pizza Hut at 1.15, and shortly after 2pm we set off again for a gentle ride around the park. Ash was keen to show Callum the trampoline as they are both quite skilled at bouncing.

As usual the Quay was swarming with people drawn out by the glorious weather, and progress along the cycle path was slow at times. We soon hit the freedom of the main path however, returning past the swing bridges and back along the canal to Starcross. Callum got a puncture just before we reached the car, so we didn't need to fix it today.