Twenty people met at Bovey Tracey for the ride to Christow Common – the best turn-out this month. In fact there would have been twenty three if Dave Eyre had not turned back from Compton with puncture trouble, and Matthew Burrows and Colin had not turned back from Bovey. Duncan Scott and Matthew Bailey were out for their first ride – the Torbay Section is certainly expanding!

Kevin led the way out of Bovey and up via Five Lanes to Hennock. We took a scenic route past the reservoirs and then climbed up the hill to Christow Common. After tackling a stile and numerous brambles we reached a field where it was decided to eat lunch. As some sat enjoying the scenery whilst others preferred the view of the hedge further down the field, the clouds cleared and the sun shone. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by Matthew doing forward somersaults on his bike – very amusing if you happened to be looking the right way at the right time.

The beautiful weather stayed with us for the rest of the day. Kevin’s map reading sent us rather astray, but nobody seemed to mind when we in the end reached Moretonhampstead instead of Steps Bridge.

After ice-creams we took the usual road down to Bovey Tracey where we separated to make our own ways home. A fantastic ride in beautiful weather which gave us the opportunity to sample some typical Dartmoor hills and scenery.

(Michael Jones)

[Attendance verified]
[1 point: Colin Brierly, Matthew Burrows, Dave Eyre]
[2 points: Antony House, Nigel Wilson, Philip Wrigley]
[3 points: eveyone else]