Our final junior ride of the season took us to Ashburton, through River Dart Adventures and up the long woodland track to Holne Park where Frisbee throwing was, as usual, the order of the day. We rode home via Michelcombe and Scoriton.

Our evening excursion took us up Green Lane, along the track from Baddaford to Lower Combe, through Thornecroft and down the rocky and muddy tracks towards Pridhamsleigh, then down the woodland track back to Lower Combe. And because we still wanted more tracks we took the overgrown and rocky track past Ware, Michael's childhood home.

Reuben did well on his first ride despite having to climb Nurston hill. Midges were out in force so we didn't wait around too long when we reached the moor. Keir spent his time trying to stalk sheep while Joe helped the younger riders push their bikes up the final grassy slopes. Thick haze made it difficult to see even Buckfast Abbey so we continued with the descent to Cross Furzes, pausing only to be friendly to the Dartmoor ponies in the paddock.

A most unfortunate incident marred the final part of the ride from Cross Furzes. A young deer, hidden in the hedge, decided to jump out into the lane just as young Dennis was riding past. He had no chance of avoiding the poor creature, and both Dennis and the deer were grazed and shaken by the incident. There were no serious injuries and the deer soon got up and wandered off, but it just goes to show how some accidents just cannot be avoided.

With everyone feeling on top form we rode to Venford with plenty of time to ride the path that circles the reservoir. It was a tranquil scene, with duck and ducklings adding to the fun.

This evening's ride was converted to a social owing to the bad weather.

Keir somehow managed to ride Michael's touring bike through Ashburton despite his rather small dimensions! The path from the school back to Ashburton offered plenty of fun and excellent views in the evening sunshine. Our return route took us up the hill to Holne Cross, down to Holne Bridge, up the long track through Holne Woods and then down our favourite slalom track through Hembury Woods.