New rider Zac said he did lots of cycling so we started our ride with a climb from Dean Prior towards Harbourneford. In fact Zac found it a bit tiring, so we switched direction and took the steep climb up to the Nurston road. We kept our eye on the clouds as the forecast was for rain starting between 12 and 1, but it seemed ok as we entered the rough track that leads up to Skerraton Down.

The first drops of rain began to fall as we rode and pushed our bikes up the rough slopes to the ridge, and by the time we had reached the top it was clear that the rain had come early and we were going to get wet. We proceeded down the hill with all speed, feeling somewhat relieved when we finally reached Cross Furzes. The final 2-mile descent of Wallaford Road was cold and wet, making everyone very glad of the Crofters clubroom and its warm refreshments.