We were a little disappointed by the absence of many of our more regular faces and by the rather threatening skies, but the ride turned out very well despite it all.

We returned to Buckfastleigh from the Bickington pick-up via Sigford and a few steep hills, lunching in the Orchard whilst awaiting the arrival of the Gamesmaster, Mr Iles himself.

There were three teams, each with a local rider. The route was somewhat shorter than in previous years, taking us through Buckfast, Burchetts Wood, Holne and Hembury Woods before returning us to the Orchard. Some clues were fairly straightforward, such as the times of Sunday services at the Abbey and the weight limits on certain roads. Others, though, were cryptic: "What is the date on the bridge?" kept everyone searching desperately for a date, even UNDER the bridge (well done Paul). Most gave up, but Richard's team eventually realised that the date on the bridge was the same as the date everywhere else in the UK.

There were, of course, the inevitable muddy tracks, although fewer than in previous years. No-one found a "Telegram from the Queen", but horseshoes proved easier than expected when a travelling blacksmith was discovered beside one of the other clues, furnace roaring and a box full of old shoes in his van.

A tremendous day - thanks John, especially for the delightful rosettes for the winning team. Marks were so close that everyone got tea and chocolate biscuits at Crofters.