Everyone was eager for a more adventurous ride today, so we headed straight for Totnes via Colston Road and the cycle path, arriving at the High Street cafe by around 12.00. Most bought lunches, including Michael who ordered a mushroom pizza that was cut neatly into 6 slices. Will thought the prices were too high, so Michael foolishly offered him a slice of pizza for £1: within seconds he only had three slices left, thanks to the added interest of Louis!

The afternoon sun was still high enough to allow our planned 20-mile ride, and Ashley was soon taking photographs from the viewpoints on Totnes Downhill. Others commented on the fact that Keir was wearing out his shoe leather on the climb rather than his tyres, but it was so good to see him again that we didn't press him too much on the point. The downhill to Bow Bridge presented a challenge to some of the youngsters in the form of the ford across the shallow but fast flowing river. Tao and Keir egged them on in the hope of an entertaining show, but Michael's words of caution against the cold finally won the day.

Tuckenhay and its old creek looked delightful in the afternoon sunshine even though the tide was out. This had to be the far point of our ride, however, if we were to return before dusk, so we veered right past the mill stream and followed the valley through Harbertonford and on to the final climb from Tigley to Rattery. Having reached the twenty mile point at Tigley we were now heading into "extra miles": combined with the plummeting temperatures this began to take its toll on the younger riders. When they got close to the top, however, they all found plenty more energy and we were soon warming ourselves by the gas fire at Buckfastleigh and enjoying hot drinks all round.