This was officially recognised as the hottest day of the year so far - and we certainly knew it. We were late starting as a result of another of Luke's famous punctures, but we didn't seriously contemplate shortening the ride as Lannacombe is a superbly unspoilt beach and we wanted to push ourselves in preparation for the tour. Our route through Rattery, Moreleigh and Chillington took us past no shops whatsoever, so Tao was unable to buy lunch and Oliver was unable to replenish his water supply.

We found a peaceful grassy spot above the rocks at Lannacombe for lunch that commanded panoramic views of the beach, sea and rock pools. There was time for a climbing expedition right down to the sea, but eventually we had to set off for the arduous journey home in conditions that could only be described as sub-tropical. We were aiming initially for Torcross, where we knew we could buy drinks and ice creams. It was nearly 3.45 before we were ready to leave again, and with another choice of routes we again chose the more strenuous, through Totnes, because it avoided retracing any of our outward path.

The heat and strain began to show, but we persevered and after yet another puncture for Michael finally arrived home at around 6.25. We all knew we had endured a tough ride, but after showers and a meal we felt that wonderful feeling of fit healthiness that only cyclists can experience.