On a freezing cold morning when gloves were essential to stay alive, Kane turned up with no gloves and had to share with Dennis!  The lower Hembury track was frozen solid today and the youngsters took pleasure in riding through the ice-topped puddles.

Everyone got a free Christmas chocolate bar as we sat on the swings and forts in Holne playpark admiring the views and watching beams of sunlight melting the frosty grass.  Suddenly it seemed to get even colder, and a swift ride along the ridge road to Hembury fort didn't make us any warmer at all!  Plans for a meander around the many tracks that criss-cross the wood were replaced with a speedy descent down the Slalom track and a dash for the almost tropical warmth of the Crofters clubroom.

The afternoon social included a showing of the Christmas edition of Doctor Who and a grand Lord of the Rings computer game challenge between Joe and Michael on the one side and Kane and Josh on the other.  No prizes for guessing the winnders!

Osian was slower than usual on his first day ride, so our outward ride through Ashburton and Bickington was somewhat delayed.  He picked up on the climb to Ilsington however, and we arrived at the hotel by 12.20, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room before settling down for our three-course meal.  Gavin lost some pool time because he had to fix a puncture!

The meal itself was generally good, as this year everyone could choose from a full lunchtime menu.  Keir, of course, was the most difficult to please, so the staff had to offer him chicken instead of turkey!  Afterwards there was coffee and mints in front of the huge open fire, during which time Joe learned that he had just beaten Keir to the 2004/2005 attendance trophy.

The ride home was mainly downhill and, consequently, chilly, but Osian had found new energy after his meal so we made it back to Buckfastleigh before dark.

Heavy overnight rain gave way to a blustery but dry morning just in time for the start of our ride.  We rode along Colston Road and on to the Cider Press Centre at Dartington where we settled into Cranks vegetarian restaurant for a range of scones and fruit juice concoctions.  The riverside cyclepath gave us excellent views of the swollen river Dart, culminating in the weir which had been transformed into a raging torrent.

Kane was beginning to struggle as we climbed the hill towards Rattery, but he splashed bravely onwards through the lakes that straddled the lanes, bringing us home by 1.45 for an afternoon social at Crofters.

To finish the ride on a dryer note we rode through River Dart Adventures and on through Holne Woods, following the woodland path up towards Gallant Le Bower.  From there the Slalom track through Hembury proved irresitable.  Nick and Donald were both impressed with the track, although Nick's stated aim of staying close behind his son proved difficult to make a reality!

There were short breaks in the rain, but it was tipping down for the return journey through the lanes from Staverton and some of the youngsters may have been wondering why they voted to go on!  Everyone did well, including new rider Osian, and the afternoon social at Crofters helped to make up for what had turned out to be a very wet morning of cycling.

New 8-year-old Donald performed incredibly well on an ambitious first ride to the Avon Dam, ably accompanied by his father.  An unfortunate incident with a farm dog near Nurston did not put him off at all and we were soon pushing our way through the many visitors walking up the path from Shipley Bridge.  We paused briefly by the river so that the youngsters (including Henry who hasn't been out for a few months) could eat a little nourishment, then we pressed on to the dam itself, today almost overflowing after the recent rains.

Once the final climb of the Abbots Way had been completed, everyone enjoyed the spectacular views to the coast and the long descent to Cross Furzes.

The cold night air was getting to Keir by the time we reached the bottom, so Michael loaned him his fleece for the final section of the ride home via Hawson Court.

Jaden was pleased with his new bike - surprisingly good considering it came from a skip!  On a perfect summer's morning we rode up Dean Hill to Bloody Pool, bought ice creams at Shipley Bridge and continued on to the Avon Dam at a good pace, pausing only so that Jaden could get his feet wet in the cool waters.  The reservoir was a little lower than usual today but it still made a perfect backdrop for our photos.

As usual the best part of the ride was the descent from Water Oak Corner to Cross Furzes, a new experience for Jaden.

When we finally reached the car we kept to our original plan and enjoyed an excellent meal at Pizza Hut in Plymouth before returning home.

Keir was unusually asking for a longer ride this morning, and whilst Sol had not been out for several weeks he had never had much difficulty with longer rides.  With this in mind we rode to Bovey Tracey to buy lunch and then headed up the Wrey valley for the steep climb to the reservoirs.  Everything looked perfect today in the summer sunshine and we enjoyed a peaceful lunchtime on the banks of the Tottiford reservoir.

We continued along the rough path that circles the reservoir, then followed the lanes to Moretonhampstead, but by this time Sol was discovering that he was much less fit than he had expected and Keir was slowing down in sympathy!  The route home via North Bovey was consequently rather slow-paced, and by the time we had also stopped for refreshments at Houndtor a late return was guaranteed.  It was well past 7pm when we finally rolled back to Buckfastleigh, but even though we were tired it had been a really enjoyable ride and a good achievement for all concerned.

Today's adventurous ride started with the Colston Road route to Dartington and the cycle path to Totnes, where Morrisons provided a good selection of food for lunch.  Next came the fun part of the ride  - the cycle path via Sharpham to Ashprington.  The path has been much improved over the last few years so we made good progress, interrupted only by a short stop at a rope swing.

We couldn't resist testing out the swings and climbing equipment in Ashprington play park, but there was no shade there from the mid-day sun so we continued down the hill to the stepping stones at Tuckenhay and got permission from the owner to have our lunch in a patch of garden beside the river.  The ducks seemed pleased to be fed!

The return route was via Forces Cross, Moreleigh and Diptford, making an energetic ride that pushed Louis, Gage and Dennis to their limits. 

With only Joe and Michael out today we decided on a harder ride, taking the Gappah Cross route to Haldon and then descending to the Exeter Ship Canal path that starts at Starcross.  The weather was perfect as we rode along the canal path, with swan and signets adding extra interest.  We detoured past the riverside shops in the centre of Exeter but eventually settled on Pizza Hut as our preferred lunch stop, consuming two drinks refills before the pizza was served!  It's amazing how much more enjoyable a meal can be when it has been really earned!

The long climb from Shillingford St George to Underdown proved the hottest part of the ride, leaving Joe feeling somewhat drained, but we were soon speeding our way home via Chudleigh and feeling very pleased with our efforts.

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.

We chose Mothecombe for our first beach ride of the season, partly because it's one of the easiest to reach.  After stocking up with lunch at South Brent (where today they had no sandwiches whatsoever) we sped down the hill to Ermington and were soon dropping down to the Erme estuary.

The tide was on the way out when we arrived, so we had lunch on the near side in the shade of the only tree we could find and then waded across the shallow waters of the Erme to Wonwell beach on the far side.  All that remained was to cycle home via California Cross, which we managed in excellent time.

On a superb May morning we rode to South Brent, stocked up with food at Plymco and then pressed on to Wrangaton and the steep lane to the golf course.  When Dennis had proved his worth by reaching the top first we started the short walk across the golf course, where a competition was in progress.  Ten-year-old Dennis spotted a golf ball lying by the path, and when he saw some golfers heading in his direction he did the obvious thing: picked it up for them to save them a walk!  Poor Dennis!  But they were very understanding, hastily urging him to drop it back where he had found it.

We had lunch half-way up the hill, hunted for letterboxes at Ugborough Beacon itself, then headed across the moor to pick up with the path down the valley to South Brent.  Part-way down we found a spring producing a stream of pure ice-cold water - just what we needed on such a hot afternoon.  There was time to explore the wooded riverside before we headed home via South Brent.

Ride cancelled.

We selected a flexible ride today in case ten-year-old Dennis found the riding a bit tough, but as it turned out we needn't have worried.  We climbed Auswell hill in double quick time and then took the moorland path to Buckland Beacon.

It was here in 1928 that a stonemason from Exeter was engaged to engrave the ten commandments into granite slabs by the Lord of Buckland Manor.  The work took six months, during which time the stonemason lived in a cow shed on the site and was supplied with a loaf of bread each day for his efforts!  Our exploration of the site also included the discovery of four Dartmoor letterboxes hidden under the rocks.

When Joe had finished falling off his bike for no reason whatsoever we followed the track past the cattle and Dartmoor foals to Cold East Cross, then continued down Widecombe hill for lunch at the Green restaurant.  We all had hugely expensive ice cream sundaes and felt ready for anything when we finally set off again.  Local Ian Boyes gave us his good wishes in the general stores - he seemed to know as much about our group as we did!

Ponsworthy ford provided entertainment for the youngsters, then Keir provided more on the descent to Spitchwick by riding into a ditch!  There was no real harm done however, and we were soon enjoying a frisbee contest on Spitchwick Common and then hot food at New Bridge.  We concluded the ride with the descent of the Slalom track in Hembury Woods - the best part of the ride according to Dennis who performed remarkably well on his first day ride.

Returning to Gallant le Bower Keir managed to get a puncture, but there was still just enough light to ride the Slalom track when we eventually arrived at the top of Hembury Woods.

For our second junior ride of the season we took the youngsters along the lower Hembury track to Shuttaford and then back to the top of Hembury where the wide clearings in the wood offered excellent frisbee opportunities.  Of course, Harry had to throw the ring a little too hard so it landed in a tree, but fortunately Gavin was an excellent shot with some sticks that we found lying nearby.

We spent the remainder of the ride exploring the many tracks that criss-cross the wood.  The girls seemed to make a lot of noise as they bounced over the rough stones, but everyone did well and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Jill suggested Stoke Gabriel as a destination today, and since nobody had any objections we proceeded along Colston Road to the Totnes cyclepath and bought lunch and refreshments at Morrisons.  The short section of main road to Longcombe was quite busy today so we were relieved to turn off even though Parliament Hill awaited us!

The approach to Stoke Gabriel was very inviting, with quaint old houses adorned with wisteria flowers.  We made straight for the lake by the weir and spent an enjoyable hour feeding the ducks and swans and soaking up the lazy atmosphere.

This was going to be Henry's longest ever ride without doing any detours, so we headed back through Collaton St Mary and Red Post, reaching Buckfastleigh in plenty of time for a short social at Crofters.

Dartmoor seemed an appealing destination in view of the warm sunshine that bathed us at the start.  Clouds increased as we climbed Bowerdon Hill from Buckfast, and by the time we reached the moor at Lud Gate there was thick mist, a chilly wind and the distinct prospect of rain.  The moorland descent made all the climbing worthwhile, and Gage's attempt to ride across Chalk Ford resulted in top quality entertainment for everyone.

Before descending the long stony track to Scoriton Michael warned everyone not to go too fast if they wanted to avoid a puncture.  Gavin probably wasn't going too fast, but he still got a pinch puncture, right next to the valve.  He didn't have a spare tube and darkness was falling so the rest of us pressed on homewards and sent out a car to collect Gavin from Scoriton. 

The first of six special junior rides got off to an excellent start with seven enthusiastic youngsters, nearly all of whom are taking part in the cycle training scheme at the primary school.   With the sun shining brightly we set off along the relatively flat Colston road, jumpers being removed after just a few moments.  Everyone was in good form so it wasn't long before we had arrived at the island near Staverton where stone-skimming across the river Dart was the order of the day.

They wanted frisbee as well so we had to divert to the park for a few moments, but there was plenty of time because they were all so fast on their bikes!  When chocolate refreshments had been purchased by the chocoholics we returned home via Riverford Organic and Caddaford farm, with everyone feeling pleased with themselves and looking forward to next week's ride.

This was Steven's first ride for many years - he's only had his new bike for 24 hours!  Our ride started cautiously with the climb to Green Lane and the back of Landscove, but it quickly became apparent that Steven would have no problems with any ride we might choose.  It wasn't long before we were at Broadhempston, and since the weather was very pleasant the majority were in favour of continuing to Fermoys for lunch /refreshments.  Election fever was in full swing in Ipplepen with posters on several houses - and we even saw the Lib Dem candidate doing his tour of the local houses, wearing his very large rosette.

When the youngsters had finished playing in the park behind the cafe we decided to take a longer route back via Newton Abbot so that we could explore the tracks at Stover for the first time in many years.  Fortunately Keir, who lives at Heathfield, knew the route very well, so he led us on his own special tour of Stover, taking us past the famous lake and numerous walkers out for a quiet Sunday afternoon stroll.  Peter's new racing bike, kitted out with very narrow tyres, seemed to manage the tracks without too much difficulty.

After a short stop at Bovey Straights garage Keir led us through the plantation to Blackpool, and from there Michael took the easiest route home through Bickington and Ashburton.  This has been a demanding ride for everyone, but nobody let the side down.

Our ride today took us through Dean to Nurston and on to Shipley Bridge.  Gage found a Dartmoor letterbox behind a tree and spent some time completing the details while the rest of us enjoyed the pleasant surroundings of the river Avon. 

Keir was not feeling very energetic today, so we split into two groups.  Gage and Joe continued on to the Dam and over the Abbots Way to Buckfastleigh, stopping so that Gage could attach a sheep skull to the front of his bike.  Keir and Michael returned via the long track from Didworthy, observing a number of ducks, wildfowl and peacocks in the surrounding well-concealed farmland.

Gage received a warm welcome back to club activities after a break of several months, but we weren't going to give him an easy ride just because he'd been away!  From Ashburton we climbed the renowned Chuley Hill, then followed quiet lanes to Woodland an Carey Kennels, where the dogs were receiving some useful exercise in the morning sunshine.

Branching back to Broadhempston we spent a little time playing frisbee in the park before returning via Green Lane.

Richard Burge made a welcome return to club riding today as we set off for Dean with a good turnout of cyclists.  The forecast predicted that the fog would clear quickly to leave a sunny day, so Avon Dam seemed like a perfect destination.  The fog was still thick as we approached the dam, so we paused for refreshments on the grassy bank overlooking the water.  Some walkers were peering through the mist at what looked like a penguin perched on the central part of the dam: when it eventually took flight however it seemed more like a cormorant.

Sol felt ill during the final part of the ride up to the Abbots Way, and the fog showed no signs of clearing at all - we had to make sure we stayed together, as all sound was absorbed by this thick blanket.  The final descent to Cross Furzes was still a lot of fun though, making an enjoyable end to the final morning ride of the season.

Peter was on good form today so we embarked on an ambitious ride through Holne to Venford Reservoir.  The track descent to Dartmeet provided plenty of fun, but once we had crossed the stepping stones across the Dart we had to climb the demanding Dartmeet hill.  Peter made short work of it however, and we completed an energetic ride with the descent of Dr Blackall's drive.  As we arrived back in Ashburton by 1310, Peter felt he needed a good long rest!

The initial direction of this morning's ride was determined entirely by Joe, who insisted that he had to buy a pair of cycling gloves from Ashburton in order to survive!  It took him twenty minutes to decide which pair to buy, so Keir had plenty of time to look around the shop and decide that he needed to buy a packet of energy drink powder.  When they first mixed it with water both Sol and Keir had doubts about the drink, but by the time we had ridden through Rew to Druid they were desperately competing for the final drops!

Today was Mother's Day, so by the time we had climbed the woodland track from River Dart Country Park we decided that certain mothers might appreciate a more direct return via Hembury Woods lower track.

We had thought of returning via Ashburton, but several of the youngsters wanted tracks.  So we gave them first the relatively gentle track at Knowle, and then the master of all tracks, Beaston, which didn't disappoint in any way.  Keir provided entertainment by falling off on a muddy section, but Peter's puncture was not quite so entertaining!  We returned home via Landscove and Green Lane.

Being unsure how 9-year-old Henry would fare on this first ride, we set off along Colston road with a view to deciding on a route at Staverton.  We needn't have worried: he performed exceptionally well with the support of his enthusiastic mother Jill, so we extended the ride along the Totnes cycle path and enjoyed an extended refreshment stop at the Terrace coffee shop.  David bought chicken and apricot pie!

Most of us decided to avoid "puncture ally", the steep track into Littlehempston, but Tao insisted on riding it.  He felt quite pleased with himself until we neared Staverton.  But to his credit, he did fix the puncture in double quick time.

Henry was still riding well as we arrived back at Buckfastleigh, and Jill was very pleased that for once cycling had proved more enjoyable for him than computer games!

Tao thought it would be quicker as well as more enjoyable to return via Totnes rather than Rattery, so we took a new lane direct to Harbertonford and then continued on along a delightful riverside road to Luscombe Farm and the long climb to the top of Totnes.  We had plenty of time, so Safeways cafe was used for light refreshments before we returned home via the Totnes cyclepath.

Our ride started well, with a brisk spin through Ashburton, Bickington and the back road from Blackpool through Liverton to Bovey Tracey.  The Spar provided refreshments and, after another short ride to the start of the railway cycle path, we settled down beside the river for an enjoyable lunch.  We took it in turns to do help Sol with the puncture that he picked up moments earlier.

We soon lost count of our valuations of the properties in Lustleigh, but were pleased to see that the cafe is now open for business.  On this occasion we pressed on up the long, steep climb through the Cleave, pausing several times to admire the spectacular views.  Tao was now beginning to feel a little ill so we wasted no time in pressing on to Manaton , being very conscious that the cold might become a problem near dusk.  We took advantage of the refreshment van at Hound Tor to buy hot drinks, then set off for the final leg to Cold East Cross.

It was still quite light, but now the cold was really beginning to affect our younger riders.  Gloves were passed around for the long descent to Ashburton, and as we rolled into Buckfastleigh the local newsagents was required to thaw out a few cold fingers and toes before the final mile home.

Sol was proud to show off his expensive new bike as everyone met at the start on a rather breezy Sunday morning.  The forecast was not too promising but we were keen to include a cafe stop and so pressed on to Totnes nevertheless, via Colston Road.  We paused at Totnes weir to admire the view before continuing along the riverside cycle path to the Plains.  The Terrace Coffee Shop was not quite as welcoming as usual when the proprietor noticed some muddy footprints leading to our table, but she soon forgave the youngsters and served us with delicious hot chocolates, toasted teacakes and Danish pastries.

Keir and Joe just had to go shopping as we were about to leave, and by the time everyone was ready the rain started in earnest.  At least the temperature was fairly warm, so we all made the most of a wet return via Staverton by splashing through all the large puddles that filled the roads.