Jeremy Ford won an award from the members today when he asked whether there was any water at the destination. Luke Hatherly explained (rather sarcastically) that a single drop of rain landed there a few millenia ago and caused a splash, hence the name Ponsworthy Splash.

Our route took us through Hembury Woods, New Bridge and Spitchwick, where the river Dart flowed strongly with an abundance of clean, fresh water. Unfortunately many people were swarming in the sunshine like bees around a honey pot, so we quickly set off for the peace of the Leusdon lane - too narrow for the vehicles to follow. We were greeted along the way by the friendly gaggle of ducks that reside in the pond, and by three pet goats tethered to a wooded verge.

Arriving at Leusdon Lodge, the venue for our annual Christmas Lunch, we were greeted by the proprietor's son James, who interrupted his painting to supply us with various items of confectionery. We also had to see his new bike, of course.

Ponsworthy Splash, now renamed Forder Bridge for some strange reason, was as green and wet as ever, but nobody slipped on this occasion. Alex and Zoe both did well on their first rides, but Zoe learned a hard lesson at Buckland when she ran out of road on a sharp bend and found herself with a few cuts and grazes. Brother Luke stayed with her until father came to the rescue, while Michael escorted the other members home, arriving at Buckfastleigh rather late at 6pm.