Thanks to Luke's sterling efforts as Publicity Officer we had a photographer from the Weekender who took up about half an hour of our time. Then, just as we were about to set off Luke had a puncture - another quarter of an hour gone!

Finally we set off through Compton, temporarily closed to traffic for pipe laying. Ben went rushing on ahead with the 'Big Boys' but failed to negotiate a slight bend and hit a stone wall at considerable speed. Dad's knowledge of first aid ("Can you wriggle your fingers?") was supplemented by Charlie who is a qualified nurse, and Ben was soon on his way - hopefully a bit wiser.

Soon after this we acquired a dog who followed us nearly as far as North Whilborough. When we stopped for Luke to mend another (or same) puncture the dog amused us by teasing some Heifers into chasing him out of their field.

At North Whilborough we separated into 'trackies' and sensible people. During the route discussion a P**t in a Ford Escort hurtled round a bend missing Julie's rear (trailer!) by inches. It's an interesting question - who would have been at fault if an impact had occurred? We undoubtedly were taking up much of the road, but it was a very quiet route and he could clearly see us as he drove at us like a complete idiot. In future we must ensure that we don't block off roads when we stop, however quiet they may be.

There followed the long climb to the Priory, the steep drop into Abbotskerswell and another climb out again. Coffee was taken at Pick 'n' Park where we said goodbye to Gary and Luke before a nice ride back to Marldon.