A total of sixteen riders set off from Marldon including, for the very first time, the entire Twydell tribe (all 8 of them) and all four of the Walker family. This shows a definite trend towards family cycling - let's see more of it.

As our speed was limited we took the most direct route through Compton and then back roads from Park Hill service station to East and then West Ogwell. There was a track short-cut taken by the hardier souls with varying degrees of muddiness. Dave Robinson showed us the way with a sensible tourer (ie with mudguards) that negotiated the track easily and left him his usual picture of sartorial elegance.

At West Ogwell we met Michael et al. It was obvious that an extended ride would not be practical with all the youngsters. We put a brave face on it and went straight to the Pick 'n' Park café, which was excellent as ever, and then home.

Of particular note was the efforts of Ben Hobday (just turned 7) who completed all the ride on his single gear 16 inch wheel BMX bike that has nylon bushes where our bikes tend to have ball bearings.