Today we were joining the Devon DA's 75th anniversary get-together at Starcross. Since the event wasn't going to finish until 4pm we used car assistance as far as Gappah, then rode up to the new Haldon Forest Park at Buller's Hill to explore some of the new cycle tracks that have been laid out there. We were amazed at how much had changed since we last visited the site - there are now food and toilet facilities, and literally hundreds of cyclists milling around! We tried the red track, designed for more experienced cyclists, and found it challenging but very enjoyable. Tao couldn't resist trying the descent of a steep wooden ramp in the nearby black run - equalling the success of the fearless youngsters who had been riding it all day, but not quite matching their 2 seconds of airtime!

We headed back to the road and then proceeded with all speed to Starcross, where the British Legion village hall had been set up especially for our event. More than 120 cyclists from the various sections of the Devon DA arrived by 2.45, and after a short speech from our president Ken Strong we devoured the sandwiches, cream scones and birthday cake that had been generously organised by Mike Bowden of Exeter section. There was just time for a group photo before we said our goodbyes and headed back along the coast path from Dawlish Warren to Dawlish.

Joe kept us entertained yet again by forgetting to remove his left foot from his SPD pedals before stopping - he fell embarrassingly to the ground on three separate occasions, even knocking Tao to the ground on the final occasion! After negotiating the final climb from Ashcombe we enjoyed the final descent to Gappah, just managing to get home by 6pm.