Today was a one-day heatwave, but Jack had to leave by 2pm so we contented ourselves with a ride through Buckfast and Michelcombe to Holne play park where we spent some time playing on the rope swing and slides. Ash annoyingly had another front puncture, caused by sharp rim tape.

Holne Community Shop and Tearooms was disappointingly still not open despite its previously advertised opening date in May, so we returned home via the track to River Dart Country Park and then along the old Ashburton road. Everyone was pleased to reach the relative coolness of Crofters, although many later went out to enjoy the trampoline.

Today’s ride turned out to be especially good fun for everyone who took part. We parked the car on the road just beyond California Cross on a hot and sunny morning and rode the short distance through the lanes and down the hill to Aveton Gifford. We took the tidal road towards St Anne’s Chapel, entertained along the way by a man playing with his expensive radio-controlled speedboat on the river.

Ash was impressed with the luxury properties on the climb to St Anne’s, many of which had remote controlled gates and multiple garages. He imagined some might have underground garages full of luxury cars, rather like the game Test Drive that he plays frequently at the moment.

We bought some refreshments at the shop and sat down on the seat outside to eat them, then rode down the hill to the village of Ringmore. We had planned to take the bridleway down to the cove but ended up on the footpath instead which involved a style and a pleasant path across a field.

It was hot and sunny when we arrived at the beach. After eating lunch on the sand we explored the sea, trying to find our way out to one of the rocky islands: there were large patches of spooky-looking seaweed but we found a way that largely avoided that. The rocks underfoot were a bit sharp but we soon reached the island and then discovered a fabulous sheltered pool which kept the youngsters happy with endless dives.

Returning to the bikes we followed the bridleway back to Ringmore and then took the main road back to the car from St Anne’s Chapel. The lads really enjoyed today’s ride which was easily the best of the summer so far.

On a cloudy but dry morning we had a good turnout and, happily, everyone seemed up for a slightly longer ride today. We rode through Caddaford and arrived at Staverton Station just as a steam train pulled in. There were calls for fun in the park as we rode past, but Michael kept everyone focussed on the destination and was impressed when we arrived at Fermoy’s garden centre by 11.55.

Five ordered hot food, and as the sun was out now we tried one of the outside tables. This turned out to be a bit unstable however, and it soon got a bit chilly, so we moved inside to a large round table. After looking around both sections of the pet store we crossed the car park to check out the new falconry centre: the birds here were impressive, especially the Hedwig lookalike and the other large owls. Apparently anyone can fly a bird from the glove for £35 per hour!

We left around 1.25 and headed back to Broadhempston via Denbury. After playing in Broadhempston Play Park for fifteen minutes we headed home via Green Lane, arriving back at 3.10 for a trampolining and Call of Duty social until 4.30.