All parties met more or less on time at the Bovey Tracey pick up and Richard Burge, in his temporary position as leader, exercised his authority by changing the final destination to Blackingstone Rock. Nobody disagreed and so all set off for the first stop, inevitably the Primrose Cafe at Lustleigh. There was some uncertainty when the choice of road and railway track was faced and several bikes passed over the fence more than once. The majority though settled for the road.

Who was going to ask for the discount at the Primrose? There was no problem though as the customary concession was granted without a word. Talk and thoughts were about the distant pioneers threading their way amongst the fjords.

The long climb up to the Rock took its toll and after lunch taken on the summit, the Paignton contingent decided to head directly home as Julie had developed a leg problem. In Moretonhampstead a moment of confusion reigned where everyone took off on their own but reassembled to take the road to North Bovey and beyond. There were lots of steep hills to climb and a stop at an ice cream van came just in time for some. The reward came in the downhill towards Ashburton and a speed of 42mph was clocked at one point.

All agreed it had been a stretching day but felt it had been rewarding and that Richard had made a fine job of leading such a varied bunch - and, everyone was back home at a reasonable hour!

Editor's note: All junior members and less-experienced adults are strongly advised to keep their speed down below 25mph on all descents. Experienced riders should also restrict their speed if they are being followed by juniors or less experienced adults.