Everyone was fit and eager for an energetic ride, so we set our sights ambitiously on Dr Blackall's Drive, a magnificent track running from the top of Dartmeet hill to the higher reaches of Newbridge hill. To start the ride we climbed Auswell hill from Ashburton, which in itself is one of the most intimidating hills in the area. Rolling down the other side with the moorland air whistling past us we couldn't resist a stop at the Roundhouse Cafe in Buckland, still unsold despite a heavy advertising campaign. The hot Eccles cakes and teacakes set us up well for the next climbs past Buckland church and up to the Widecombe road. After all that, the final mountain from Ponsworthy to the top of Dartmeet hill seemed a breeze.

As usual, the views from the track across the thickly wooded and steep-sided Dart valley were stunning and warranted a pause for quiet contemplation. There followed a speedy and exciting downhill off-road challenge that left us all with the highest of spirits and longing for next week's ride.

Michael has now acquired his new digital camera, but unfortunately he didn't bring it on this ride. Expect to see photographs and short mpeg movies in our web gallery before too long!