Our first car-assisted ride of the year was a great success thanks to some superb weather. The ride started from Black Forest Lodge near Starcross and it wasn't long before we had ridden past the deer of Powderham Castle and were starting off along the path that follows the Exe estuary. The recent absence of rain had left the path relatively mid-free today.

Just after joining the canal cycle path at Turf Lock we were fortunate to come across a huge flock of Canada geese resting on the nearby marshland. Fishermen lined the canal, and Exeter Rowing Club were doing their best to avoid the many swans that got in their way.

Everyone was ready for lunch when we arrived at Pizza Hut at 1.15, and shortly after 2pm we set off again for a gentle ride around the park. Ash was keen to show Callum the trampoline as they are both quite skilled at bouncing.

As usual the Quay was swarming with people drawn out by the glorious weather, and progress along the cycle path was slow at times. We soon hit the freedom of the main path however, returning past the swing bridges and back along the canal to Starcross. Callum got a puncture just before we reached the car, so we didn't need to fix it today.