A short ride in the hot morning sunshine brought our larger than usual group to Glendennings quarry, where Kevin and his two children met us on a very well laden tandem. When George had learned the name of the May Bug that he discovered hiding from the light we allowed Kevin to lead us on an interesting route to his home town of Bovey Tracey. There was a slight delay while those who had neglected to pack their lunch hastily purchased it from the Spar, then we were off again on another of Kevin's detours. The route through Reeve's Combe and Five Lanes was certainly new and interesting for most of us, but we remained sceptical of the benefits when we realised just how long the excursion had taken.

The tandem managed well on its first stretch of off-road along the side of the beautiful Tottiford reservoir. After rounding the corner of the bank we soon came across a wide stretch of grass overlooking the water that made a perfect lunch stop. The youngsters played while the older ones just talked - well, it really was too hot to do much running around.

Returning via the path on the far side of the reservoir, Kevin and family decided to head for home while the rest of us continued past Blackingstone Rock to Moretonhampstead. Many cold drinks were consumed under the now baking sun in preparation for the final leg of the journey through North Bovey and Hound Tor.

(Previous recorded mileage for this ride was 39 miles)