We walked the riverside path at Staverton this evening, so as not to upset the local residents, and returned homewards via Green Lane.

The central portion of the lower Hembury track was in a muddy mess this evening because the owners had been felling trees in the vicinity. The trees that remained offered some shelter from the drizzle, however.

The rain was distinctly unpleasant as we rolled into Holne so we decided to go for an early return through Michelcombe and Scorriton.

This was a new destination for us so we weren’t quite sure what to expect as we rode through Tuckenhay and Tideford to Stoke Flemming. We were checking our maps at the head of the dead-end track that led to the cove when a local woman warned us that there was no access to the beach.

Her warnings didn’t stop us having a look for ourselves of course. The descent turned out to be steep and overgrown with a profusion of nettles and brambles - Budgie complained all the way down. When we reached the grassy approach to the cove we discovered a fence that prevented us going any further: presumably the cove itself is unsafe. We contented ourselves with enjoying lunch in the company of the local dragonflies and voles before trying to identify a different route back to the road.

After some exploration we found a path that brought us out at the hamlet of Little Dartmouth, from where we followed the high bridleway around the coast to Dartmouth castle and town: the views from the path were magnificent, so I’m sure we’ll be doing it again sometime.

Having refreshed ourselves in the Spinning Wheel cafe we manoeuvred our way though Dartmouth’s bustling streets to the Kingswear ferry and then rode home through Galmpton, Aish, Berry Pomeroy, Littlehempston and Caddaford.

This evening’s route to the dam (which was now full to capacity) took us through Dean and Skerraton. Darkness had fallen as we descended the Abbot’s Way bridleway to Cross Furzes, so the youngsters had to ride slowly and safely on this occasion!

Our new rider, Ewan Taylor, was visiting the area for his holiday and decided to join our ride while he was here.

Today’s destination certainly suited our three South Brent lads, Toby, John and Sam. Having ridden through Dean, Skerraton and Shipley Bridge, Neil, John and Keir overshot the right turn and had to be brought back from Lydia Bridge.

Toby knew the lanes well, so when we had enjoyed the country lanes through Owley he led us back through Glazebrook to the Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent where Julian and Keir scoffed two pieces of rich chocolate cake each!

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The ride to Haytor through Ashburton, Halshanger and Birchanger was pleasant enough, but as we turned towards Cold East Cross a gale force headwind blew torrents of icy rain straight into our faces, giving us a really tough ride in the descending darkness. This stretch of road can be a nightmare if the weather is against you.

Everyone was relieved as we descended out of the wind towards Ashburton and home.

Tao was happy this week: he had been readmitted to South Dartmoor school in Ashburton two years after his family moved from Buckfastleigh to Newton Abbot. Eliot was also happy, as he had managed to stay at the school even though his family had just moved from Buckfastleigh to temporary accommodation in Dawlish, but his transport arrangements would not get easier until they had found a permanent home in Newton Abbot. He had assured us he would be riding out today from Dawlish, but there was no sign of him at the Bovey pick-up.

Neither was there any sign of Richard and Julian, which was surprising really when you consider that they were with us at Buckfastleigh. They rolled in when Michael had finished fixing his punctures: Richard had thought the pick-up was at Chudleigh Bridge!

The ride to this brand new destination began with the usual rail track to the Primrose Cafe at Lustleigh and continued with the long, steep ascent of Lustleigh Cleave. When we finally managed to get past a flock of sheep at the top we turned left for Peck Farm and set out along our selected bridleway onto the moor. A couple of local youngsters on bikes were following the same path and would probably have plucked up courage to ask about the club if we hadn’t stopped for lunch just short of the fort.

The fort turned out to be little more than a circular ridge (like most Devon forts) but the scenery was excellent and the track was good fun, though a little tiring. The last section was steep, rocky and overgrown, but the lads still wanted more so we continued across the steep-sided Bovey valley to Becky Falls.

When everyone had taken a much-needed rest at the cafe we set off through Manaton (Toby thought it was Manhattan) to Bowerman’s Nose, Cold East Cross and Buckfastleigh, where the day was concluded in traditional style with several games of Dynablasters at Crofters.

Rain stopped play!

This evening’s ride took us through Pridhamsleigh, Parkfield, Broadhempston, Staverton and Colston.

Keir got a puncture as we approached Buckfastleigh. This wouldn’t normally be too big a problem, but Keir didn’t have the single most important tool that every cyclist should carry - a pump! Because he was at the back it was some time before help arrived, so maybe he’ll bring one on his next ride.