The long-predicted torrential rain on Saturday morning confirmed that we had been right to delay the start until mid-afternoon. We used two cars to deliver us to the car park at the top of Peak hill near Sidmouth by 4.30 and then set off for a well-earned refreshment stop at the Mocha cafe. The mist was so thick that we could see nothing of the tremendous views normally visible on the descent.

We stocked up with provisions at the local supermarket and then tackled the serious climb of Salcombe hill: thick mist surrounding the eerie woodlands made us feel we were on an alien planet. Arriving at the Norman Lockyer observatory at the top of the hill we could barely make out the first dome through the mist, so the youngsters had plenty of fun disappearing in one direction and surprising us by returning from another.

We could hardly see the boundary hedges of the donkey sanctuary let alone the alleged occupants. Mist turned to drizzle on the long descent through the village of Branscombe, so we were all decidedly wet when we made the final descent down the track to Beer youth hostel. Our rather late arrival held some advantages, including full availability of four showers and an empty member’s kitchen. We spent the last part of the evening exploring the mist-laden coastline between Beer and Seaton.

Sunday dawned bright and clear, giving us the opportunity to explore new territories. After some Aerobie fun in the superb hostel gardens we rode over the hill to Seaton where we enjoyed refreshments on the pebbly beach. A lane and bridleway took us steeply up through the golf course at the top of Haven Cliff, offering extensive views along the East Devon coastline. Lyme Regis was our lunch stop, and we all felt pleased to have extended the ride into neighbouring Dorset. There were plenty of visitors to the town, but we found a quiet spot on the eastern beach and spent a little time being educated by Oliver regarding the best rocks to check for fossils.

The return route took us through Colyford where one of the electric trams crossed the road just when we were wondering if we would see one. A short detour took us past Whitwell farm, of special significance to Michael's father, but as we were almost back at Sidmouth we were treated to a thorough drenching by a particularly nasty shower. Plans for swims and ice-creams on Sidmouth beach were hastily rearranged to include another cafe stop before we took the final climb back up to the cars in the presence of another unfriendly shower.

(Previous recorded mileage for today's ride was 28 miles)