With many of our members away for Christmas it seemed that only Andrew from Plymouth was up for today's ride. Michael met him at the start of the Plym Valley cycleway at Plympton and they rode with good speed all the way to the end of the path at Clearbrook.

During the past year or so most of the path has been given the tarmac treatment so that it now resembles a country lane. This "improvement" seems to have removed much of the character of the route, but it was nevertheless and enjoyable ride. The newly opened section of the path near Bickleigh was definitely welcome, however, obviating the need to use roads at any point on the route.

From Clearbrook we rode the short distance to Meavy in the hope of refreshments outside the village inn, but unfortunately it has changed hands since Michael last visited, offering only a very expensive luncheon menu on Sundays.

Andrew was keen to have a meal out, so we headed back to Clearbrook with all speed. Whilst retracing our route back to Plympton along the cycle path we met Freddie and his family heading the other way. Freddie quickly jumped ships and joined our gang back to Plympton, from where we took the car to Pizza Hut at Plymouth for a very tasty pizza meal with Andrew's Mum.

The conclusion of the day's activities was a games social at Crofters, where Wolfie joined Freddie and Michael for some entertaining computer games.