Maceley Cove was the destination on 12 September, and surely it must have been the best ride of the month? Fifteen gathered at the Totnes pickup, including Kevin’s brother Nigel braving the club again. With Kevin and Mark looking after the maps we rode through Harbertonford and along an interesting route to Sherford and Frogmore, reaching East Prawle by lunchtime. The area was enshrouded in fog but Frances knew the way to the beach, and we enjoyed an exhilarating view across the cove in good sunshine while Matthew entertained us below with his diving.

On the way back to Torcross we bumped into Frances’ parents on their way to Maceley, and later after enjoying some refreshments at the café, Matthew discovered a somewhat deflated tyre. It’s always the way isn’t it. Funnily enough the chap outside, trying to enjoy a quiet cup of tea (some home), happened to be from Ilsington, so Kevin was able to chat with him before we set off a little belatedly for Strete.

Rob, Matthew and Richard went back on the ferry as they had to be home early, but the rest of us decided to take the lanes along the Dart to Totnes. Unfortunately for Nigel, the roads near Tuckenhay were a bit damp, and the result of sharp braking in such conditions was a badly grazed pair of elbows. After patching up and a short rest he was able to ride the few miles back to Buckfastleigh, where an ever-ready Dad was waiting with his car. I’m not sure what time Kevin and Andrew left Redmount that evening, but by the time they’d swapped light bulbs and repaired persistent punctures it must have been at least 9.30!

(Michael Jones)

[2 points: Nigel Wilson, Colin Downie, Frances Lofty]
[3 points: everyone else]