Despite magnificent weather the turnout consisted of Ken, Ben and Karina on one contraption and Michael Banks on a smart new Raleigh mountain bike. Newton Abbot yielded a similarly low addition of just one - Martin Luke.

We were just bemoaning the lack of enthusiasm of the group when, over the horizon, came mean moody magnificent Mark Moxham to swell our numbers to six. He actually hadn't come for the ride at all but was on his way to drop off an inner tube at Graham Brodie's. However we persuaded him to join us - on condition he didn't try to lead!

The ride through Teigngrace was quite swift despite the uphill gradient and we soon found ourselves at the 'back' of Stover Country Park. Our first attempt to enter via a locked gate (on someone's advice - initials MM) ended in a double back down the road. Eventually we did get in but the paths were so crowded with strollers who were giving us dirty looks that we decided to make for Bovey Tracey and the tea rooms.

Unfortunately only Ken and Martin had any money so we just had ice creams whilst sitting on the wall.

The ride back was uneventful. Of Note: Michael found his new mountain bike harder work than he remembers his old road bike and he needed a rest in Compton - mind you, he had Ben (Le Mond) to keep up with!