The watery destination of Fernworthy reservoir seemed rather a poor reason for the weather to be quite so cruel to us today – torrential rain up until 11:00 kept numbers down to six at the Bovey Tracey pick-up. Antony and I were the sole representatives of the “Princetown Pedal Pushers” as Don called us, and as we were in good time we decided that there was little point in getting any wetter and retired to the café for a hot mug of coffee.

Eventually the others arrived, bringing with them a new rider, Paul Nunn, who visibly appeared to be enjoying the rain! One glance at us in the café was sufficient to delay the run by a further half an hour for “essential maintenance” and Antony and I decided that we may as well have a second cup ourselves.

While the rain paused for breath we proceeded with all speed along the main road to Moretonhampstead, but it was soon refreshed and by the time we had found a suitably-covered barn we were all well soaked. Typically, no sooner had we bitten into our first sandwich than the rain stopped and the sun came out!

Our hopes of reaching the reservoir were rising fast as we continued through Batworthy and Corndon with blue skies above us, and at the bottom of the last hill we unanimously decided to “go on to the end”. We spent an enjoyable forty minutes taking pictures and relaxing in the sun before embarking on the long journey home. Our route took us through Lettaford, Manaton, Haytor Vale and Ilsington in glorious weather before we separated at Blackpool.

(Michael Jones)

[Attendance verified]

[2 points: Antony House]
[3 points: everyone else]