New rider Sam did well on the tough climb through Hembury Woods, so we were soon speeding around the grassy banks that divide New Bridge car park, eagerly awaiting our arrival at Spitchwick. Unfortunately, Daniel underestimated the final steep track descent through the woods and performed a spectacular somersault that left him with a few unpleasant bruises and cuts.

The river looked extremely tempting on this hot midsummer evening. More than half the group went in, although the numerous midges ensured that our stay was brief. While the swimmers were drying off, Louis managed to entangle the Aerobie ring on the highest branches of a nearby tree - fortunately he was an acrobatic little monkey and managed to retrieve the ring in no time.

Michael was certainly pushing the younger riders by taking the Buckland return route: carrots and sticks were required on the steep woodland climb to achieve acceptable performance. Once on the descent to Ashburton, however, there were plenty of happy sounds - except for the one made by Will as he accidentally steered himself into the nettles, and then the one made by Ben as he crashed into Will! All part of the fun I suppose!