The Acland's were a few minutes late at the start, but after a short time we all agreed on a ride that would bring us back through Hembury.

We had an excellent ride with lots of interesting conversation all the way through Buckfast to Scoriton. We stopped briefly at Holne Park for chocolate and swings and photographs, then headed to Galant Le Bower.

Here we met the Teign Valley Pedal Pushers, a group of adults who resembled our group only insofar as owning bikes: they were consuming alcoholic drinks right off the bikes and wore shirts that bore the motto "Drinkers with a Cycling Problem". Michael was really not amused!

We concluded the ride with a visit to Hembury Fort and the exciting Slalom descent through Hembury Woods, returning home by around 12.45.

Sam and Ollie decided to join us as well today because Heidi was unwell. Ryan met Michael and Ash at Crofters and they rode down to the start together to meet Sam and Ollie. Ash did really well on the ride to Ilsington despite his sore knee and we arrived at the hotel for the Christmas lunch at around 1205, which was a good deal earlier than we had expected.

Everyone had a good time swimming and using the other pool facilities, then we settled down in the restaurant for our meal at 1.20. The meal was excellent - Ashley had the courgette soup, roast turkey and chocolate mousse desert.

We managed to leave the hotel at around 1435, and whilst Ashley and the others were pressing to go back the easier way via Bickington they were fine once we reached Halshanger Cross. We all enjoyed the ride home via Ashburton and the short social at Crofters.