The Buckfastleigh contingent were delayed at South Brent when Martin Hills went to rouse his friend Robert from his Sunday morning slumbers. He didn't rest until he had dragged the poor lad all the way down to the Avonwick pick-up. Perhaps it was all worthwhile, as he agreed to join us on future rides.

When Dave and Gary had unloaded their car (!) there was a long wait for Steven and Martin who were riding cautiously in view of the icy conditions. Martin's puncture didn't help either. It was about midday when we finally set off, enjoying the descent to Ermington and then exploring the narrow, hilly and attractive lanes towards Kingston. Lunch was taken near Tor Rock in glorious sunshine.

Continuing past Kingston we came across Martin Rushworth and his family. They had been walking near Ringmore, but didn't really expect to see us. About half the group took the detour to Ringmore, where Steven was unexpectedly waiting for us. He had elected to follow on at his own pace after meeting us at Avonwick.

In view of the excellent weather conditions we decided that we could afford to return along the tidal road to Aveton Gifford. When members had been duly photographed (they had to ride back and forth four times in all) we explored another new road, this time to New Bridge. Michael was particularly frustrated to collect three separate punctures in his Nutrak tyres along the muddy lanes. To make matters worse, he only discovered two during repairs, and had to pump a slow puncture for the rest of the return journey. The Avon Mill cafe provided an oasis of warmth before the speedy route home through Avonwick and Rattery.

The youngest rider today was Simon Paull, who coped very well with the longish ride right up to the very end, when the cold night air began to take its toll.