Our family of new riders arrived early at 10.05 on a lovely sunny morning around. John didn’t like the idea of off-road much at this point, so we did Colston Road and continued up to Charlie’s Cross. Will was very chatty with everyone and thought this was a much better way of going to Totnes than along the main road. All the new riders did well and seemed to very much enjoy the ride.

We rode down the hill to Staverton Bridge, then followed the riverside path to the railway crossing and took the path shortcut to the park. I don’t think anyone really believed Michael’s story of piranha fish inhabiting the swap, but it did ensure everyone rode carefully along the boardwalk.

We spent a very happy time in the park playing with the Frisbees. It was gratifying that our regular youngsters were so welcoming to the new riders.

John thought it best to return by the easiest route, so we took the lane through the woods to Abham. All went well until we came down the hill past Caddaford. John went ahead with his two lads but just past the bottom George found some mud on the side of the road and came off and then Will rode into him. Fortunately George got away with minor grazes, but he wasn’t feeling up to cycling so John walked him home. Will was fine however and came back with us to Crofters for the games social. On the way back Callum O’B managed to get a puncture in Old Totnes Road and unbelievably rang his Dad to get collected even though he could have walked it in ten minutes.

The youngsters spent a good deal of time on the trampoline, then finished with some Call of Duty 4 on the PCs which Will enjoyed a lot. Everyone left at 3pm.