Five started out from Buckfastleigh but by the time we reached Shipley Bridge we were seven: Ash had been late and had picked up Will on the way in his car. Just for once the presence of a support car was helpful as George needed a boost to get up the hills.

Once ice-creams had been consumed and Ash had demonstrated some of his flips we headed up the riverside access road, pausing at a popular picnic spot so that George could wade across to an inviting-looking rock. Unfortunately the rock slabs under the water were green and very slippery, so he didn't even make it to the first staging rock before getting a thorough wetting. Fortunatley Jack had a spare pair of shorts to lend him.

We had a chocolate break on the grassy bank overlooking the dam, then set off along the moorland path towards the Abbots Way bridleway. One or two patches were a bit boggy after the recent rains, but everyone got through eventually. A short climb brought us to some spectacular views across South Devon, then the real fun began with the moorland descent to Cross Furzes.

Ash always loves this ride, but today he somehow managed to cut his left shin on a pedal. He wanted to get it sorted at the hospital so sped off as fast as he could go to reach the car in Buckfastleigh. Unfortunately he then got a blow-out on some rough rocks, so cycling was now out of the question. He walked up to Cross Furzes and got a lift from there with a relative while the rest of us returned to Buckfastleigh for a games social after what had turned out to be a very enjoyable and eventful ride.