Today’s ride got off to an excellent start when Keir broke William’s seat pin as we were waiting for the last few members to arrive. When asked how it happened he replied “I just rode it ..”. While the main group rode to the Avonwick pickup, Michael took William to Ashburton by car, purchased the required replacement part and returned directly to Avonwick by 11am.

Unfortunately, not all of the main group had made it to Avonwick. Peter had apparently been unaware that Michael had left the group and had waited for him at Dean Prior despite warnings from the leaders to stay with them. When Michael finally came back to find him from Avonwick he had just telephoned home to get picked up, and by that time was complaining of feeling unwell. It was 11.30 before we finally left Avonwick, despite Michael’s very best efforts to avoid delay.

Our route took us through California Cross and Harraton to the small village of Ringmore, where a local chatted with us to see which path we were planning to take. Our selected path was the bridleway to Ayrmer’s Cove, but it turned out to be one of the muddiest tracks we have ever ridden. When we finally arrived at the beach we had to spend a considerable time cleaning our bikes and shoes - some idiots actually walked through the river that flowed across the beach.

A couple of showers ruined our lunch, but things looked brighter as we set off along the coastal footpath that leads past Toby’s Point to Challaborough. We got some good views of Burgh Island - and we had plenty of time to enjoy them, because Budgie had a slow puncture.

We needed to make some fast progress now, so this was not the best time for Keir’s rear derailleur to fall apart. It happened during the long climb towards Bigbury, and it must have taken Keir more than half an hour to find the jockey wheel and fit it back on the derailleur.

Eventually we were off again, heading for the Aveton Gifford Tidal Road. Keir’s chain broke again, and then we discovered .. that the tide was in.

Never before had we found the tide in. Never before had we realised the problems that this could cause. We could only see one section of road under water, and the alternative route involved retracing our steps up a large hill and then negotiating another descent and climb. We decided to carry our bikes across after removing our shoes. Little ones got carried across.

Things went surprisingly well and we were soon reunited on the far side of the submerged section. Around the corner, however, were more sections of water, and many of the youngsters were too impatient to wait to be carried. They just waded or rode through the salty water, getting their shoes full of water. We all got to the far side quite quickly, but those who hadn’t removed shoes or socks would have a price to pay as the afternoon wore on.

We returned home via Loddiswell and Kitterford Cross at an ever-decreasing speed thanks to a number of youngsters having cold feet, finally arriving at South Brent after the cafe had closed. We used the Shell garage for warmth and refreshments, and the smallest members (who were suffering most from the cold) were collected by car as we headed towards Buckfastleigh.

Crofters provided welcome warmth and food for many of the group. When everyone else had gone home Michael took pity on Tao and Eliot and drove them home to Newton Abbot at 8.15.

There are two morals to this story: expect the tide to be in at Aveton Gifford, and never allow your feet, shoes and socks to get wet on a cold day!