According to the forecast there was a high probability of rain continuing throughout the morning, and since Zac needed a puncture fixing we arranged to start later at around 11am. The rain actually stopped before 10am and conditions looked promising when we were ready to leave, so we set off through Dean Prior hoping that the promised rain would stay away.

When Zac eventually plucked up courage to ride past Nurston bungalow (scene of some unfortunate dog incidents on previous rides) we made good speed to the top of the hill and on through Gidley Bridge, which looked spectacular in its autumn decor. Zac and Dennis were slightly annoying however: asked to continue on up the hill while Michael took some unhurried photos, they actually hid behind a hedge and sprang out on him when he set off! Then everyone else had to wait while they climbed the hill at their slightly slower pace!

There were only a few people around Shipley Bridge. The driveway to the dam was made more interesting than usual by the huge volume of water surging down the Avon. South West Water contractors had left the path in rather a mess, however, during recent replacement of the water pipe: a very impressive trench digger (Wolfie wanted one of his own) had been used to dig up the tarmac, but it hadn't cut clean edges and the hole and been filled with loose rubble! We hope they don't intend to leave it like this.

The dam itself was overflowing more than we could remember seeing for some time. When we had taken a good look at all there was to see we headed back across our usual moorland route to the Abbots Way bridleway, which whilst wet, wasn't as muddy as we had perhaps expected. This was the first time on the Abbots Way for both Freddie and Wolfie, and needless to say they thoroughly enjoyed the fast descent to Cross Furzes and home.

We took the short route to Broadhempston in breezy but pleasant conditions, splashing through numerous large puddles and streams along the way. We then spent a little time in the park playing Frisbee and eating chocolate.

For the return route we diverted via Landscove, but we had just crossed a flooded section of road when a particularly heavy shower drenched everyone before the final climb to Green Lane.

Congratulations to Harry Blackman, out today for his first proper club ride.