There was a short delay at Avonwick, waiting for the Totnes brigade (Shane had to buy some chocolate), but we were soon climbing through Wrangaton golf course towards the Beacon and looking forward to a well-earned lunch. Paul Hedges was there waiting for us, having completed his 11am appointment. As Marcus pushed his bike the last few metres up to the Beacon, Martin reckoned he was doing well for his age. This prompted a similar comment from Mark H about Martin, which in turn prompted a similar comment about Mark from Michael! (Who do these youngsters think they are?)

The views from the Beacon are panoramic. It wasn't completely clear today so we couldn't see the sea, but all the land from Plymouth to Teignmouth and beyond was laid out before us. This must be one of the best lunch spots in our area.

Today's ride was marked in the newsletter as being predominantly rough riding. Everyone was looking forward to it, of course, so we got to work immediately by riding across the moor behind the Beacon to meet up with the old tramway. This is rather stoney and slightly undulating, but much easier than riding through the tussocks of grass that surround it. There were periodic stops, including one for Philip Robinson who had bruised his leg: after a short rest he decided he was fit enough to continue.

Well before we reached Redlake we had to leave the tramway in order to cut across to the Abbots Way. First we had to climb the slope to Petre's Cross, carefully avoiding the bog along the way of course. Then there was a very rough descent to the old clapper bridge across the Avon. A number of people fell off on the way down, as the thick vegetation concealed the pitted nature of the underlying soil.

Trekking across the moor in bright sunshine is thirsty work. For those who had used up their drinking supplies, the sight of the clear waters of the Avon was just too much of a temptation. Somehow the water tasted better without the chlorine and other chemicals which are added after it reaches the reservoir.

The delay at Huntingdon Cross, caused by Paul HW's puncture, was not wasted. Our younger members used the time to leap across the banks of a boggy ditch - sadly none of them misjudged the distance and fell in.

Passing the Avon Reservoir, which seemed about 85% full from our viewpoint, it didn't take us long to reach the road at Cross Furzes, from where everyone descended rapidly to the Crofters Cafe for refreshments before making their various ways home. Congratulations to Marcus Kudliskis who, as the youngest rider of the day, completed the course with surprising ease.