This was a grade 3 ride, which presumably went some way towards explaining the low turnout. We were joined unexpectedly by two Torbay Section members (Mark Moxham and Robert Spence) at the Avonwick pick-up, together with a load of novice cyclists from Plymouth riding for the Telethon event. Mark and Robert decided to stay with us until lunchtime, but we lost the Telethon riders after Ermington.

Mothecombe Beach had been hit with oil contamination from the recent shipping collision, but much had been cleared up by the pollution control experts when we arrived. All that remained was a heavy smell that surrounded the entire beach area and some oily marks on the rocks.

By way of variety we waded across the river Erme to Wonwell Beach after lunch, holding bikes high above our heads so that the salt water would not corrode them (the water only came up to our thighs). From this new position we were able to choose a completely new return route, using the tidal road at Aveton Gifford. There was even time to enjoy refreshments at the garden centre cafe near Loddiswell.