Perhaps the chilly weather discouraged people on November 15th as only five people met at Totnes for the ride to Slapton Sands. After waiting some time at the pick-up point we had to set a fast pace if we were to reach Slapton by lunchtime. We took the usual route to Slapton, through Harbertonford and Moreleigh.

Out attempts to shelter from the cold wind that whistled along the Ley seemed futile, but we did eventually find a reasonably sheltered position to eat lunch. The thought of a hot cup of coffee in that cold weather seemed so inviting that we cycled all the way along the Ley against the wind to get one. But – yes, you’ve guessed it – the café was closed! Still, at least when we retraced our tracks the wind was behind us.

We climbed up from the coast to Strete and on to Stoke Flemming. After some debate it was decided to take the track down to Tuckenhay. We dropped down via Corkscrew Hill into the village – good practice for controlling bikes on rough ground but not so very good for Michael whose brakes were not working very well.

(Frances Lofty)