Our ride started well, with a brisk spin through Ashburton, Bickington and the back road from Blackpool through Liverton to Bovey Tracey. The Spar provided refreshments and, after another short ride to the start of the railway cycle path, we settled down beside the river for an enjoyable lunch. We took it in turns to help Sol with the puncture that he picked up moments earlier.

We soon lost count of our valuations of the properties in Lustleigh, but were pleased to see that the cafe is now open for business. On this occasion we pressed on up the long, steep climb through the Cleave, pausing several times to admire the spectacular views. Tao was now beginning to feel a little ill so we wasted no time in pressing on to Manaton, being very conscious that the cold might become a problem near dusk. We took advantage of the refreshment van at Hound Tor to buy hot drinks, then set off for the final leg to Cold East Cross.

It was still quite light, but now the cold was really beginning to affect our younger riders. Gloves were passed around for the long descent to Ashburton, and as we rolled into Buckfastleigh the local newsagents was required to thaw out a few cold fingers and toes before the final mile home.