Reuben did well on his first ride despite having to climb Nurston hill. Midges were out in force so we didn't wait around too long when we reached the moor. Keir spent his time trying to stalk sheep while Joe helped the younger riders push their bikes up the final grassy slopes. Thick haze made it difficult to see even Buckfast Abbey so we continued with the descent to Cross Furzes, pausing only to be friendly to the Dartmoor ponies in the paddock.

A most unfortunate incident marred the final part of the ride from Cross Furzes. A young deer, hidden in the hedge, decided to jump out into the lane just as young Dennis was riding past. He had no chance of avoiding the poor creature, and both Dennis and the deer were grazed and shaken by the incident. There were no serious injuries and the deer soon got up and wandered off, but it just goes to show how some accidents just cannot be avoided.