This was to be a special weekend, visiting hostels that are too close to be considered under normal circumstances. Indeed none of us had ever stayed at either Dartington or Start Bay.

Such was the rain on the Friday evening that several took cars to Dartington, arriving just in time to enjoy one of those excellent meals that are often served at the simpler hostels. Having spent the remainder of the evening playing games in the cosy common room we ended the day with a trek across the pitch black courtyard and its various concealed lakes of rainwater, to the annexe which was, in true simple hostel style, our dormitory.

Next morning we were down to six when Richard went home to look after Toby (who had not been well enough to stay with us the previous evening). The small size of our group made it easier for us to chat with other hostellers, like the two German boys who were cycling with their parents to Bellever and whose English left a lot to be desired.

The rain was still with us, and when we had spent the morning looking over the Tridias toy shop and enjoying coffee in Cranks restaurant, we had to make a move. Riding through Totnes we got as far as Tuckenhay before the rain set in again in earnest. In the end we just rode through it by the quickest route to Strete and the Torcross Cafe, and then of course the sun came out.

Start Bay hostel is situated in the village hall, during the summer months only. As we entered we could clearly see where the partitions had been erected. But what was this? A huge plate of scones with cream and jam, together with a large pot of piping hot tea. The warden liked cyclists, and wanted to give us a warm welcome.

We shared the hostel with just three others, all from Australia and New Zealand. One of them discovered an important fact about the electric wall heater in our dormitory by leaving his shirt on it to dry out. A short time later there was a strange smell of burning, and closer inspection revealed that the shirt had turned brown. Mark was so worried about one of his blankets touching the heater during the night that he moved to a different bunk. Seriously though, the heater was obviously getting too hot and could well have been a fire hazard, so we suggest that the YHA investigate the matter with some urgency.

Next morning the sun was out. There was time for a few silly poses from the new Freewheel catalogue before we set off for our favourite cafe in Dartmouth. The sea and coastline looked smashing today, and everyone felt refreshed after that last two days of misery.

Turning inland, some steep lanes brought us eventually to Dittisham where a very lazy hour was spent by the river in the sunshine. I don't remember when we last had such a peaceful lunchtime. Return was via Corky and Bow Bridge, completing an interesting weekend break.