Three of us set off from Buckfastleigh at 9am on a dark, dull morning. Through Ashburton to Chudleigh, making very good time until we commenced the climb to Ashcombe half-way up Haldon. Then the rain that had been threatening suddenly came down. Luckily we were amongst the trees so sheltered for quite some time. Out came the sun so on again. A quick descent to Starcross in the rain to meet Don, and a mad rush for the ferry which was just leaving. Across to Exmouth – no-one felt ill – I’m the world’s worst sailor! We all had an exciting lunch in a bus shelter with Don keeping our spirits up by giving details of the next hilly section to come.

On again to Littleham and out came the sun and off came the waterproofs. Down the hill to Budleigh and Colin’s chain came off. On the road once more to the sea front and ice-creams all round. Ice-creams consumed, pints of water drunk, then up along the river path and lanes to thatched Otterton – a nice village this, not spoiled one bit. Down over Peak Hill into Sidmouth – what a super run!

Cream teas this time, then a terrible climb up to Salcombe Regis and down to beautiful Branscombe. A halt for photographs, then a wicked climb up to Beer. Don very craftily volunteered us all for washing up the dinner plates etc. So to bed – Michael reckons he doesn’t snore … perhaps it was the traffic outside!

(Noel Downie)

[Attendance verified - except guessed that Mark Morton on day ride not weekend]

[2 points: Madora and Robert Downie]
[4 points: everyone else]