Much of the UK had received a blanket of snow overnight, but of course we didn’t get any here in South Devon. We had dry, sunny conditions although it was quite cold. Lawrence asked for toast as soon as he arrived, but Michael was already preparing it for him in anticipation of his request. He still got the last word however by asking for a second piece.

There was general agreement that we should ride towards Dartington, so we set off around 10.35 along Colston road. Lawrence was on good form today and CoB was on top form, so we made such good speed that Michael decided we could go on to Totnes.

The cycle path from Totnes was fun so we rode it all the way to Totnes Bridge, pausing at the weir for some interesting action photos involving the hapless Lawrence. Morrisons provided an enjoyable café stop, although some of our group ate way more than Michael advised: Lawrence again bought a fry-up and Callum O’B bought chicken nuggets. Callum F and Jerry limited themselves to buying 10 doughnuts for £1, probably for reasons of finance.

Michael suggested the more ambitious return over Rattery by way of a change, and since he didn’t hear any objections we followed the route from Dartington past the old South Devon Farmers site and rode straight up the hill towards Rattery Sawmills. Lawrence was now beginning to regret eating the large meal and promised not to have it again, but he still managed OK up the hill, delaying us only by 10 minutes or so. CoB stayed near the front all the way. We got home by 2.00, just ten minutes later than Michael had predicted at Totnes.

There was time for Modern Warfare 2 and trampoline fun after the ride.