Although it was dry as we set off along Colston road, the bright sunshine of the morning had given way to ominous grey clouds and it seemed unlikely that we would reach our destination without a soaking. Shortly after leaving Totnes, following a rather prolonged re-victualling stop, our fears were realised: the heavens opened and, furthermore, remained open for the rest of the afternoon.

Progress between Harbertonford and Moreleigh was impeded by a flock of sheep being shepherded towards the latter – very picturesque on a fine summer’s day, but on a day such as this more likely to turn one’s mind to thoughts of mint sauce.

Higher Poole farm, where we were to spend the night under canvas, is only ten minutes or so ride from Moreleigh, and it was with relief that we rode into the farmyard. After some consultation it was decided that, in view of the weather conditions, we would pitch our tents in the garden rather than a field, this being possible as the farm is owned by relatives of Michael.

Once the tents were up the rain stopped. This was most welcome as it meant that the various suppers prepared by the group were not made soggy by surplus water. The evening was spent investigating aerodynamic and aerobatic qualities of Frisbees and tennis balls, and we all ‘turned in’ at about 10pm.

Despite the combined efforts of Luke's nocturnal mutterings and a cockerel who commenced crowing at about 4am, the campers had a good night’s sleep, and following a leisurely breakfast (particularly in Steph’s case) we ‘broke camp’ at about 10.30.

Elevenses were taken at Torcross and then, after some initial confusion regarding its whereabouts, we took the coast path to Bee Sands, from where we made our way through Stokenham and a series of switchback South Hams lanes until we had a very welcome lunch stop on a grassy bank outside the Buckland-tour-Saints hotel.

After lunch we passed the old Buckland All Saints church, then plunged through Goveton and climbed through Loddiswell before heading on towards North Huish. We were all beginning to flag a little when we came across an open garage at California Cross where we replenished ourselves before cycling the last couple of miles. We arrived at North Huish church a few minutes early for our 3.30 rendezvous with the afternoon ride from Buckfastleigh.

Shortly afterwards, four riders arrived: Marc, Peter and Jeremy, led by John Stuart. There was time for a brief rest in the sun, but then it was onwards and upwards for the journey home. On the steep hill between North Huish and Diptford Michael acquired a puncture but, much to the disappointment of the rest of us, not in his brand new ‘puncture-resistant’ Nutrak.

The remainder of the journey through Diptford and Rattery passed without incident despite some of the members temporarily mislaying themselves in the vicinity of the latter village.