We couldn’t have wished for better weather for this moorland track ride. The ride from Bickington to Haytor was notable only for the fact that Tao and Paul insisted on taking the Pinchaford track route from Ilsington. It includes a good deal of uphill work, so the rest of us were waiting several minutes at Haytor as they picked their way across the rough moorland to the road.

After following the bridleway to Natsworthy Manor we settled down for lunch by the crystal clear East Webburn River. Within minutes we had discovered that the area was infested with biting midges of the type usually found only in Scotland, so it wasn’t long before we were on our bikes again, climbing to the top of Hamel Down.

Today was Remembrance Day, and we were touched to note that fresh poppies had been laid against the memorial to the RAF pilots who crashed on Hamel Down during the war.

The long track took us past Hamel Down Cross, Broad Barrow, Single Barrow, Two Barrows and the cairns at Hameldown Beacon, with skylarks being the only source of sound to break the stillness. Then there was the descent to Widecombe - steep and rough to test the most skilful cyclist. Instead of wasting money in the poor quality Widecombe cafes, we bought cheap and plentiful supplies from the village shop and enjoyed them on the Common. Philip obviously wanted to attract attention to himself - instead of buying wholesome food or drink he bought two enormous bars of nougat.

Our homeward route, suggested by Budgie, took us through Buckland, a packed Spitchwick and Hembury Woods. Nearly everyone took up Michael’s offer of a free drink and biscuit at Crofters before saying farewell to another superb ride.