Being unsure how 9-year-old Henry would fare on this first ride, we set off along Colston road with a view to deciding on a route at Staverton. We needn't have worried: he performed exceptionally well with the support of his enthusiastic mother Jill, so we extended the ride along the Totnes cycle path and enjoyed an extended refreshment stop at the Terrace coffee shop. David bought chicken and apricot pie!

Most of us decided to avoid "puncture ally", the steep track into Littlehempston, but Tao insisted on riding it. He felt quite pleased with himself until we neared Staverton. But to his credit, he did fix the puncture in double quick time.

Henry was still riding well as we arrived back at Buckfastleigh, and Jill was very pleased that for once cycling had proved more enjoyable for him than computer games!