Six of us set off from Five Lanes on Sunday 18th into weather that promised only rain, though by the time we reached Buckfastleigh the sky had a lot more blue in it. Kevin and Mark were waiting on the bridge, Francis and Michael Ward arrived too.

After the usual natter we took familiar lanes to Scoriton and began the real climbing to Hexworthy, where we decided to shorten the route and exchange the Merrivale blowing houses for those at Swincombe. The old buildings provided shelter for lunch, and an apple battle was fought!

WE retraced to Huccaby Bridge, albeit pausing for an argument with an absurd, “horsey” young woman who had chosen to “get on her high horse” this day. The adrenalin settled as we headed for Dunnabridge. The track to Bellever is always pleasant, but it can puncture Nutrak puncture-resistant tyres as Kevin found out. At least he earned his ice-cream at Posbridge.

A powerful tailwind fastened onto our saddlebags and pushed us along the exhilarating B3212, then N3344 all the way to Bovey Tracey for a “cuppa”, and the final run to our respective homes was taken in glorious late afternoon sunshine.

(Kevin Presland)

[The attendance list for this event is currently incomplete]