It was a bright sunny day and we were all hopeful of a great ride. Matt Porter joined us for his first Sunday ride and his second ever ride with us. Zac came along making four so we were able to do the car-assisted ride to Fingle that we had been hoping to do for weeks.

We took the car to Steps Bridge, unloaded the bikes and then set off through the delightful Cod Wood at 11.20. Bluebells spread out from the track as far as the eye could see. Matthew needed his crank tightening and his seat post clamping, but we still got to Fingle Bridge for around 12.20.

We ate our packed lunch in a picturesque setting by the river, then rode for fifteen minutes along the Fisherman’s path before returning to Fingle for drinks at the café. Neither the flapjacks nor the drinks were particularly tasty, tasting rather like the cheapest supermarket own brands.

We spent some time skimming stones, then some tried wading across the river but it turned out to be very cold and stony. We rode back along the riverside tracks to the car, leaving at 2.45 and reaching home by 3.15. Matt did really well on his first day ride and everyone had a fabulous day out.