Everyone felt like making the last ride of our summer season into a full day moorland ride, so we rode to Ashburton and up the long climb of Auswell hill to Cold East Cross. Tao had recently discovered a new moorland track, from Bonehill rocks to Natsoworthy, and this morning he introduced the route to the club. The track was rideable all the way and took us through some superb scenery - it really was quite exciting to discover such a new excursion after so many years of Dartmoor cycling.

Widecombe was the planned lunch spot, and because we were making such good time we decided to ride Hamel Down before lunch. We enjoyed a short rest by the stream inside the gate before setting off up the gradual climb past the RAF memorial and then riding along the long ridge of Hamel Down for several miles. We hadn't ridden this route for a good few years so the whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable. After the breakneck descent at the end we settled into the Green cafe at Widecombe for a satisfactory meal.

We still had plenty of time so Tao suggested Dr Blackall's drive, ensuring that this was one of the most off-road and enjoyable rides we had organised for many months.