Dennis had a new road bike today, and the resulting improvement in his riding speed was dramatic. This left us more time to explore things of interest along the way, and we certainly made good use of the time.

We took Colston road to Dartington, at which point Dennis noticed that there were two steam trains in the valley on the Buckfastleigh side of Staverton station. Now Michael knew the line was single track all the way to Totnes, so after riding the cycle path through the Cider Press Centre towards Totnes we called in to Totnes Riverside station to find out more. This was the last day of the summer timetable, and there was a packed steam train on the platform waiting for the whistle. Dennis loves trains, so we had a good look around and waited for the train to go before talking the guard. Apparently the single track nature of the line, which means one train has to return to Buckfastleigh before the next can leave, had been limiting their timetables too much, and two years ago they got prisoners from Exeter to help construct a piece of parallel track known as the Staverton Loop. This explained the presence of two trains near Staverton, and also explained how the next train was due into Totnes in under 30 minutes!

When Morrisons cafe had provided us with suitably priced refreshments we set off for the return journey, again along the riverside path, pausing at Dartington to watch an outdoor entertainer who was captivating an audience of children - and Dennis - with his juggling and unicycle antics. We continued via Staverton station, hoping to see the new section of track, but sadly it was hidden from view from all the nearby roads.

Dennis thoroughly enjoyed his ride, and felt justifiably proud of his performance.