Today was the day when Graham Moates learned the importance of never cycling alone without a pump. He chose to ride direct from Paignton to the Avonwick pick-up and collected the inevitable puncture at Totnes. The main Five Lanes bunch, who (fortunately) were behind him, were able to provide assistance.

Our route took us past some interesting sights, like the field of chestnut ponies near Ermington and the peculiar set of electric wires with piles of bird droppings on the lane beneath it. Newton Ferrers was looking its best in the clear winter sunshine and we were able to spend a contented hour eating our packed lunches on the quayside. We attracted several admirers – some local children who were interested in the bikes, and some large swans who had spied the sandwiches. Andrew and Richard took great delight in laying a trail of bread right up to where the main group were sitting. Needless to say they were soon selecting a safer spot to enjoy lunch.

Finally we set off for home by way of Holbeton. Mark and Graham’s punctures delayed us considerably, as did Richard’s front bearing seizure on the ‘new’ road from Ermington to Ivybridge. By the time we got to South Brent it was cold and almost dark and we were thinking of hot food and drinks. But what was this? An inviting warm glow from a café called the Copper Kettle – and we hadn’t known of its existence before! Andrew read the last line on the window menu: ‘Our aim is to please’. How could we refuse such an invitation?