We don't often organise strenuous rides like this one, but a few of our members seemed to want something a little more testing than our usual activities. So here it was, the South Dartmoor Explorer route, taking members right over the top of the moor and back around Ermington. As the name suggests, the route completely encircles the South Moor, thereby taking in some fabulous scenery.

But there is a price to pay, particularly when the weather is as hot as it was today. After a 10am start at Buckfastleigh and a few problems with Mike G's derailleur, we managed to make Whitchurch Common, just past Merrivale, for a well-earned lunch. We then followed the devious route along our one track of the day (near Walkhampton) to Yelverton, enjoying further liquid refreshment at the cafe there as we pondered over how on earth we could have taken so long over the first half of the ride.

Four riders decided that the last loop through Ermington and Totnes would have just been a little too energetic considering the fact that it was already nearly 5pm. The remaining stalwarts completed the ride after a lengthy stop at Erme Mill cafe, grateful that the last section of the ride was a good deal easier than the first.

Overall reaction to the ride was very favourable - clearly we had met our objectives in finding a scenic and interesting route of a suitably demanding length. Oh yes, the successful participants: Philip H, Mike G, Michael J and Jeremy W - congratulations.