Ashley made a welcome return to club rides after a winter break, and both Zac and Ashley used today's ride effectively to improve their performance ready for the forthcoming cycle tour to Cornwall.

Both lads were fascinated by the newly-born lambs in the field along Colston Road. They just happened to be owned by Michael's relatives, so he was able to arrange a guided tour of the farm and all the woolly inhabitants.

At Staverton Zac insisted on a look around the railway station. We were rewarded with a look inside the signal box and the arrival of a train - not a steam train, but a diesel. Michael's description was overruled by the station master who said it wasn't a "diesel", but a very special engine that was celebrating its 50th anniversary! Well it was a diesel, just not an ordinary diesel!

We rode along the riverside path and up through the park, returning via Abham. Michael was very impressed with the effort put in by both lads, which ensured a speedy return to Buckfastleigh.