The weather was perfect for cycling so we decided on an adventurous ride to Dartmoor that wouldn't push Dennis too hard. After riding through Hembury we stopped at New Bridge for ice creams and hot soup, then tackled the long but scenic climb through Leusdon. We noticed that the Leusdon Lodge hotel that for many years provided an excellent venue for our Christmas Lunch rides is now a private house, so the magnificent views afforded from the dining room can now only be enjoyed by a select few!

Matt had to get home for lunch, but the rest of us pressed on to the top of Poundsgate hill to begin the exciting return along Doctor Blackall's drive. Everyone was so keen to enjoy the ride that nobody stopped to enjoy the main viewpoint over the river Dart - except Michael of course. But everyone loved the final fast descent to the New Bridge track - Dennis reckoned it made this his best ride ever! We returned home the quick way via Hembury so that Joe and Michael could pay a visit to Big Peaks for some bike repairs during the afternoon.