As promised, Michael produced several Christmas chocolates for all present.  Suitably refuelled, the journey home via Abham and Caddaford was relaxed and enjoyable.  Free computer games were offered during the afternoon, and first details of the new Junior Training Programme (to start in January) were announced - see elsewhere on the web site for more information.

Riding back along the canal path to Starcross we decided that a few more car-assisted rides during the winter months (with lunch out of course) may not be such a bad idea!

It was good to see Dave Hartnell again after his summer fracture.

Daniel was doing fine so we pressed on through Broadhempston to Fermoys restaurant at Ipplepen, where there was plenty of time for interesting conversation over our drinks and scones.  The homeward route took its toll somewhat, but Daniel was keen to come again next week for another exciting adventure with South Dartmoor CTC!

There was not quite enough time to climb the little hill on which Brentor church resides, so we sped off for yet more downhill nearly all the way back to Peter Tavy.  We we loaded our bikes back into the car we pondered how it could have been possible to have spent most of the day riding downhill and still end up at the same height!  This has been  a tremendous outing, taking us to brand new territory and new adventues - I'm sure we'll be arranging more during the coming year.  And as for those cycle paths, we'll make a point of exploring as many as we can from now on.

The North Bovey ford proved too much of a temptation for Stan, but sadly the soft sand in the deepest section foiled his attempt, leaving him with very wet feet.  There was time to dry out in the sunshine again at Hound Tor as we enjoyed ice creams and drinks.

Returning along Colston Road, Stan had the misfortune to break his chain.  In view of the time he decided to take up Luke's offer of a tow, and later Tao and Philip's offer of a push, the latter offering high-speed cruising of the most enjoyable kind!

Our planned route to the Landscove cafe had to be shortened a little after Ryan came off on the newly-laid gravel surface of Colston Road, but we still managed to enjoy good conversation and high quality refreshments in the shade of the mature trees in the cafe's garden.

Follow the Switzerland link for a full report on the tour.  A DVD will be published in due course.

On arrival at Princetown we were disappointed to see that the extravagant Lords Tearooms had now shut down, leaving only the original Foxtor cafe that had earned a somewhat lackluster reputation over the years.  A change of ownership at the Foxtor, however, meant no budgies or table service but a greatly improved menu - the hot fruit scones and delicious hot chocolate made the whole stop highly memorable.  Suitably refreshed we proceeded with good speed through Hexworthy to Holne and Buckfastleigh, where we all felt need of hot showers, good food and a long night's sleep.

The original plan had been to ride to Chalk Ford and then continue through Holne to River Dart Country Park, making a fairly ambitious evening.  The late start had not totally dashed those plans, but when Oliver turned his front tube into a tea strainer on the way down the stony track to Scoriton, things looked less than promising.  Twenty minutes later and we were still optimistic, choosing the direct route to Holne.  Luke's puncture on a smooth road climb was the last straw, however, so we headed for home with all speed before some other punishment was administered.

The heat and strain began to show, but we persevered and after yet another puncture for Michael finally arrived home at around 6.25.  We all knew we had endured a tough ride, but after showers and a meal we felt that wonderful feeling of fit healthiness that only cyclists can experience.

Descending rapidly down the rough moorland to Cross Furzes we detoured homewards via Coombe, where Michael had to deal with a puncture before we could complete the ride. 

Having crossed another section of open moorland through knee-high moor grass interspersed with cotton grass, we proceeded falteringly down the rough slope to the warm and sheltered valley of the river Avon.  From here, the narrow path wound its way downstream towards the Avon Dam and our familiar route home along the Abbots Way.  So ended another exhilarating summer adventure.

Our route took us through Dean Prior, past Nurston farm and up to Shipley Bridge, where the last of the visitors were packing their bags to leave.  The path up to the dam was almost deserted, allowing us to enjoy its splendor without interruption.  There was a little time for quiet contemplation as we sat beside the reservoir, then we pushed on to the Abbots Way and the path across the open moor that we cherish so dearly.  A very thin veil of summer evening mist lay across the whole region, dampening all sounds to leave us in total silence.  Amidst this eerie stillness we sped through the glorious aromas of grass and pollen to Cross Furzes and hence back to Buckfastleigh, feeling much invigorated by our adventures.

When we finally left at 4.45 we were all quite tired from all the activity, but the journey home still flew by fairly quickly.  One or two members wished they had applied their sunscreen more liberally!

Michael has now acquired his new digital camera, but unfortunately he didn't bring it on this ride.  Expect to see photographs and short mpeg movies in our web gallery before too long!

Having crossed the little wooden bridge over the river in this isolated but beautiful location we proceeded up the windy path to the gate and so to the long but stony descent to the village of Scoriton.  As the evening was still young there was time to divert via Michelcombe for a return through the famous "Slalom" track in Hembury Woods - Stan was very impressed with the new rugged tyres on his touring bike which made the experience far more enjoyable.

We had already decided that the Avon Mill cafe near Loddiswell would be providing afternoon refreshments, so without further ado we retraced our outward route as far as the river Avon and enjoyed tea, elderflower cordial and muffins in the quiet shade of the small cafe.  It was nearly 4pm when we left to climb the steep hill to Woodleigh.  From there we returned home via Moreleigh, Diptford and Rattery after a thoroughly exhilarating ride.

We didn't want to be too late home today, so we proceeded to Forces Cross and Moreleigh, returning via Rattery.

We were fortunate enough to spot two deer crossing the lane as we climbed through the woods to Gallant Le Bower - the second time this season.  As it was still light we decided to take the track through Hembury Woods, bringing us home at the slightly later than usual time of 9.50.

The moor was warm and still tonight - a real treat after a busy day.  There was time to play with the frisbees, chat, and examine an extraordinary sea of bluebells in a steep-sided valley leading to a woodland.  An exhilarating descent across the moor brought us eventually to Cross Furzes and the long hill down to Wallaford Road.

The park itself was quite busy with tourists, so we quickly rode through to the lower Hembury track where narrow paths, concealed mine entrances, fallen tree trunks and superb river views entertained us all the way back to Buckfastleigh.