For Zac's second ride we decided to go for a slightly easier destination. We rode along Colston road, then took the cycle path from Dartington to Totnes, pausing only to look at the weir that was today much tamer than it had been on our last visit. Arriving in Totnes for mid-day we headed up the main street and settled in the Barrel House cafe at the top of town for an order of 6 luxury hot chocolates. The young man making the drinks took considerable time to get them just right, then brought them proudly on a tray, complete with flakes. Unfortunately Zac and Dennis decided to squabble over one of the drinks and ended up emptying its contents all over the table and themselves! Michael and Jill felt a bit like being in charge of a bunch of chimps as a replacement drink was generously prepared "on the house".

The weather was excellent today and the youngsters had done well to get to Totnes. Their reward was a ride to steamer quay and then along the riverside at Longmarsh. We've never ridden here before, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

We needed to head for home, but Zac was slowing down as we rode along the main road to Littlehempston. We paused for fun at Littlehempston Bridge, then continued on through Staverton, finally reaching Buckfastleigh at around 3.45. It had been a long ride, but the youngsters had thoroughly enjoyed their outing.

Looking for a more adventurous ride today we set off up Dean Hill towards South Brent. Nick was encouraged by Michael's comment that Plymco at South Brent offered pastries as part of their Cuisine de France range. When we arrived, however, we discovered that the range had been discontinued over two years ago! As Nick said, at least the thought of the pastries had made the last 10 minutes of the ride much more enjoyable!

Riding through Avonwick we took the lane route to North Huish and then the long steep descent past Manor Farm to a delightful bridge at the bottom over the river Avon. The weather was perfect this morning and everything looked wonderful in the morning sunshine. Those without mudguards had collected excellent mud streaks on the way down the hill.

On the ride home via Diptford and Rattery, Joe tried the touring bike that Josh was riding and decided that it really was ridiculously easy compared with a mountain bike.