We enjoyed a brief chat with our neighbouring Torbay Section members at the Totnes pick-up before we set off for an all-new route to Gara Mill. We started off as we meant to go on with the delightful (but sometimes muddy) Sharpham Drive. Ashprington was inevitably the next port of call, and then at Tuckenhay the members demanded 'Corky' in reverse. As we reached a junction part-way up the track, Dave Humphreys suggested the left fork instead of our usual right. We were rewarded with snowdrop-lined hedgerows and excellent views of Tuckenhay and the Dart - and I suppose the mud at the end was a reward for some.

The track brought us out in Cornworthy, a village we haven't visited for many a year. We followed a lane from the village which brought us to the more familiar territory of Higher Tideford, and had lunch in the sunny shelter of the big dip just before Hemborough Post. Poor Alan had been making heavy weather of the ride today, so he was very glad of the rest.

The exploration of new routes didn't end with the consumption of lunch. We continued to Bugford Farm and took more interesting new lanes to the destination - a picturesque mill surrounded by woodland and situated by a river in a steep-sided and very private valley. Some members were so intent on getting up the far side that they rode straight past the mill, unaware that it was the destination and oblivious of the scenic delights of the area.

We returned to Moreleigh from where some continued to the Copper Kettle at South Brent for refreshments. Congratulations to young Sam, who performed admirably on his first ride.