With only three of us out today we were able to organise a car-assisted ride to add variety to our summer programme. We drove to Plympton, unpacked the bikes and set off along the Plym Valley cycle path, a converted railway track that used to run from Plymouth to Princetown. We met several cyclists along the way of all ages, many admiring the views from the viaducts. We stopped to explore a few turnoffs here and there, but eventually reached the end of the track near Clearbrook and settled down to enjoy what little lunch we had.

Our plan was to visit Pizza Hut for a late lunch when we got back to the car, but we didn't expect the return journey to take quite so long. The diversion began when Keir suggested exploring a path that drifted off to the left hand side of the main track near Goodameavy and dropped down to follow the river Meavey. The track was slightly downhill all the way and offered some of the best and most challenging off-road fun we had experienced for many a day! Eventually we reached the car park at Dewerstone rock and took the advice of a local by continuing along another track that followed the river Plym. There was plenty more fun, but the going was harder and without a map we had no idea of how far we would have to go to re-join the cycle path. After riding for half an hour we stopped for a quick paddle in an inviting section of river, then headed back to Dewerstone and followed the short section of road that led back to the cycle path. Unfortunately Joe went on ahead and missed the turning, and Michael and Keir spent some time trying to find him before heading back along the track towards the car. Joe had already started the journey home but had stopped just off the side of the cycle path to fix his bike. Keir and Michael rode right past him without seeing him, so Joe had to pedal for all he was worth to catch them!

When we finally reached the car we kept to our original plan and enjoyed an excellent meal at Pizza Hut in Plymouth before returning home.