This evening's social was cancelled.

Colston road brought us quickly to Dartington on this perfect winter morning. David's request for a cafe stop at the Cider Press centre could not be fulfilled as both cafes there were closed, so we pressed on along the cycle path, pausing briefly while the younger rides enjoyed the islands near the weir. Will caused some concern by dashing on to the end of the track without telling anyone, but once we were all reunited again we continued to Totnes and settled down in the lower cafe near Somerfield. David added class to the morning by read the paper in a most civilised manner.

For the return route we crossed the Dart and headed for Littlehempston. We soon reached Puncture Alley - the track shortcut that caused so many punctures on a ride last year - and as usual Michael advised taking the road. Several ignored the warning of course, so it was no surprise at all when Will got a puncture. Half the group had gone on to the next junction, and since Tao had forgotten his puncture kit there was a slight delay while Gavin chased after them. If only Tao had remembered the mobile phone a little earlier ..!

The weather was so pleasant that nobody minded waiting around. Soon we were setting off again for home and a rather late lunch.

Just another fun evening of computer games.

We all wanted to do a longer ride today, to Slapton Sands, but the forecast was for outbreaks of rain by lunchtime. After some deliberation we decided to head for Slapton anyway and turn back at the first sign of rain. We made good speed to Diptford and were en-route to Moreleigh when the "first signs" came. Ashley and Will were still keen to continue, but were later very glad that Michael overruled them. The heavens opened within minutes, and while the youngsters suffered with their showerproof coats Tao kept showing off his new Gore-Tex coat, clearly thrilled at its waterproof qualities. Needless to say, everyone was very glad when we finally returned to Buckfastleigh.

Will and Michael enjoyed some RA2 challenges on the PCs.

The perfect weather conditions made everyone feel bright this morning. Riding through Buckfast we quickly reached Scoriton and Michelcombe from where a short climb brought us to Holne play park. When the youngsters started playing with the Aerobie a little terrier decided to join in the fun, chasing it around in the hope that someone would fail to catch it. His opportunity quickly came, but the problem was that nobody told him the rules of the game. Instead of bringing it back to us, he thought the object was to make sure we didn't get it back at all. We chased him round and round the park; youngsters and adults alike tried cornering him and diving at the last minute, but he was just too quick for everyone, watching closely like a top goalie and darting the other way when the attacker was committed. It was a full ten minutes before he was finally forced (by his owner) to give up his prize. Unfortunately he got two more opportunities to steal the Aerobie, so we ended up spending more time chasing the dog than playing the game. Everyone was quite out of breath after half an hour, but they all agreed he was the most playful dog they'd ever met!

Continuing on to Hembury Woods there was time to enjoy the Slalom descent - another highlight of the ride for many. It was on the final approach to Buckfastleigh that we came across a huge lake across the road. The first few riders rode through at breakneck speed in order to cause the maximum spread of water, so Michael carefully manoeuvred himself to be last through. He was halfway across when he noticed Tao and Matthew heading back, one each side. There was no escape!

Tao used the evening to upgrade his PC while Will played happily on his favourite computer game.

Everyone was up for a longer ride again today, but with some having to be back by early afternoon we decided on Widecombe as a destination. The ride started with the climb from Ashburton to Cold East Cross, but as we rose over the top to the open moor the cold headwind became particularly tiresome. Tree climbing near the cattle grid gave a short respite, but after battling along the road to Hemsworthy Gate and on to Bonehill, nobody was in the mood for the planned track detour. We headed straight for the Green Cafe at Widecombe where we luxuriated in the warmth and enjoyed hot food for well over 40 minutes.

The return journey was much easier, firstly because it was along the sheltered valley to Ponsworthy and secondly because the wind was now behind us. We could now really appreciate the glorious sunshine. The descent through Leusdon provided plenty of excitement, then there was time to ride along Spitchwick Common before we had to undertake the final climb to Hembury. The descent of Hembury Woods last week had provided so much entertainment that everyone just had to do it again this week. Today, however, Jake's rear derailleur fell apart on the descent with the loss of a jockey wheel. One look at the leafy woodland floor was enough to give up any hope of finding it, so he reluctantly pushed home, keeping up with the cyclists rather well on this occasion!

Social cancelled owing to zero attendance.

Ride cancelled owing to zero attendance