We were pleased to welcome the Acland family and their friend Fred, out for their first club ride on a dull but mainly dry morning. As we rode along Colston road it was clear that the newcomers were all good cyclists, so we had no trouble riding along the Totnes cycle path and getting to Totnes before 12.

The Barrelhouse cafe at the top of town once again provided the venue for our refreshment stop. This time we took two large tables on the upper floor and discovered a very homely atmosphere complete with log fires - and of course the usual excellent range of refreshments.

Next stop was Longmarsh, where the youngsters couldn't resist playing on the boat and posing for photographs. When the entire length of the path had been explored in both directions Zac realised he had left his helmet at the cafe, so Charles kindly volunteered to fetch it while the rest of the group continued along the main Newton Abbot road to Littlehempston.

Puncture Alley, which once gave our group 6 punctures when descending its short length, was today thankfully lacking in thorns, so the youngsters were able to enjoy its challenges with no nasty side-effects. As we passed the railway bridge Michael gave the younger riders a chance to rest by telling the story of the steam engine journey that came to a sad end on Dainton Rise.

There was time for a short Frisbee and chocolate session at Staverton Park before we headed homewards via Hole Farm and Caddaford. Everyone did remarkably well and we hope that our new riders will return for many more rides with us.