Some of our members were apparently “too sleepy” to come out today, but we proceeded with our planned ride to Dartmeet with Julian adding to our numbers.

We made good speed through Buckfast, Scoriton and Michelcombe, then raced a horse up to Holne. Whilst the weather was mainly dry at Holne it turned damp on top of the moor as we rode past Venford and Ash and Callum were getting anxious about the dark clouds. We took the track over the moor from Combestone Tor right down to the stepping stones over the Dart: the water level was not too high today so we were able to cross easily, although Jack was happy to let Ash carry his bike over.

We arrived at the Badgers Holt restaurant by 12.30 or so, enjoyed some tasty refreshments and then Ash purchased a doggy tax disc holder from the gift shop for his mother’s birthday. We then tackled the big climb of Dartmeet Hill which turned out to be hot work at times.

Dr Blackalls Drive offered the usual spectacular views over the Dart Valley, but progress was interrupted when Ash got a pinch puncture. Things were delayed further when Michael discovered that Jerry had failed to put the cap back on the repair fluid, leaving it solid and useless. Julian saved the day by loaning Ash his own spare tube.

We concluded a good ride with the rapid descent over the moor to New Bridge, the climb to Hembury and the final descent of the Slalom track. Arriving home by 3.10 we finished off the day with some Modern Warfare 2, although Julian spent some of the time watching the Tour de France.