Our hard-grade rides are hardly strenuous, but today’s was more like an easy-grade due to the accompanying tail wind. Steven Hills and Jonno joined us briefly at Starcross before we took to the riverside path from Powderham.

The canal path from Turf Lock to Exeter proved to be a real obstacle course, lined as it was with literally hundreds of fishermen. They were neatly spaces with one man every few metres and of course a number of them had rods lying across the path, thinking only of pedestrians. It may have been difficult for us to make our way up the canal, but we couldn’t help but feel sorry for any poor fish that happened that way. Still, perhaps they’ve found a way of choosing the tastiest and least firmly secured bait without being caught – there were certainly no signs of catches while we were there!

Return was via Alphington, Shillingford St George and the delightful lamb-filled meadows of Dunchideock and Ashton. Richard Burge somehow managed to break his derailleur (that boy really is an accident black spot) but he hobbled home with a little help from his friends. And we still got home by 17.45!

Spitchwick Common was at its tranquil best on this beautiful evening. Ours were the only human voices that broke the silence as we investigated our various abilities to hit moving targets with a tennis ball.

Since Holne Chase had been used for the outward journey, return was made via Holne and the dreaded Langaford track, after which Di Simmons kindly arranged refreshments at Summerlands.

The usual mayhem and chaos accompanied our annual romp across Dartmoor. No fewer than five Torbay members turned for home during the morning as visions of the proposed route gradually formed in their minds. (Actually some were ill and others had to attend the St George’s Day parade, but that sounds less dramatic.)

The Two Moors Way track brought at least two people to the ground, but this was nothing compared to the muddy tracks, streams, bogs and hillocks that dotted the rest of the route. Matthew broke his pannier rack, Luke lost his pannier screws and Michael nearly lost his saddle bag. But no-one lost their cool and I’m sure everyone will be out again for our next visit to the open moor, hopefully on a brighter day.

Demands for more ball games on Spitchwick Common called for quick thinking to avoid duplicating Friday’s route. Hembury Woods eventually formed part of the outward journey despite complaints from Andrew. The scenic beauty of Spitchwick touched us all in the absence of the holiday makers, but the sound of Buckland’s church clock reminded us that parents would soon be getting anxious.

Those who attended this half-day ride were able to enjoy the moorland scenery despite occasional periods of rain. The Old Forge café at Holne may have contributed in some small way towards the overall enjoyment.

Michael, who had felt reasonably confident whilst walking to the start on this damp and dreary evening, was quickly sent home for his bike by the four-strong reception committee that greeted him there. A circular route took the group through Colston, Broadhempston, Green Lane and Redmount.

The fast outward route via Chudleigh Knighton, Teign Valley, Zeal farm and Tedburn St Mary also, unusually, formed the return route. This apparent disregard for one of our fundamental principles was brought about by the Met Office’s prediction of rain by mid-afternoon. On this occasion the forecast proved inaccurate, the rain not arriving until shortly after 7pm.

Of those who attended the ride, some took part in the competition and completed the course successfully (Andrew), some took part and got lost (Steve, Brett and Philip) and the rest did not take part at all, preferring to lie in the sun (Gabrielle and Vicky) or sit in prickly bushes as marshals (Michael and Richard).

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves however, and when the lost had been found there was tea and buns all round thanks to the efforts of the organisers.

A video by the Children's Film Unit kept the youngsters entertained for most of the evening.

Use of the fast B3210 from Avonwick to Ermington allowed us plenty of time to explore the delightful lanes around Holbeton, an area which we don’t often visit. Mothecombe beach, bathed as it was in warm sunshine, made an ideal spot for lunch, with entertainment provided by numerous wind surfers on the bay.

California Cross provided a welcome watering hole on the return journey, which took us homeward via South Brent.

Passing through Ashburton we followed the valley of the river Ashburn before climbing past Rushdale to Halshanger Cross and continuing through Ilsington and Haytor Vale before joining the Bovey Tracey to Widecombe road near the Moorland Hotel. The climb past Haytor is never as bad as it looks from the bottom and was soon negotiated, a sudden shower near the top leading to the donning of waterproofs by the better-prepared members.

The return from Hemsworthy Gate across Buckland Comman was made all the more delightful by the sight of a number of young foals with their mothers. New member Brian suffered a puncture on a rough track near Ashburton, but help was at hand as John sprinted off home to return with car and roofrack.