Taking the road past Rattery to Dartington, Mark was relieved to get through without falling off on this occasion. Michael delayed everyone at Brutus Bridge by getting a puncture in his puncture-proof tyre, but it was later that the real problems began.

Setting out along the riverside path to Dartington a group of teenagers advised us not to proceed as the path was flooded further along. They were hanging around under the bridge and looked as though they were out for a laugh. No-one thought that there could possible be floods after all the dry weather, so we ignored their warning.

Of course we had forgotten that this stretch of river was tidal. Today there was a neap tide, and about halfway along the path our way was blocked by water which came up beyond the hubs. The leading riders braved the waters, getting rather wet in the process, but then came across water that would have come up to their necks, with no alternative route forwards.

There was nothing to be done but retrace our steps, fortunately only as far as the industrial estate where we were able to rejoin the road. We were now hopelessly late, but by careful choice of route we managed to get home by 10pm, with several wet feet to back up our stories.