From Avonwick we took the muddy lane past Cannamore Farm. Luke Hatherly, who had just been informed that it was now unfashionable for mountain bikers to be seen with a "skunk stripe" during the winter months, remained undeterred: he rode through all the mud he could find and refused to accept that mudguards could serve him any useful purpose.

Plans to continue directly to Hillhead Cross had to be revised when a number of impetuous youngsters missed the right turn. They didn't stop until they had descended the long hill to Ugborough, so the rest thought it would probably be quicker to change the route. There was an extra hill to climb, but on the whole the detour added variety to the ride.

There was a further delay at Ivybridge when the majority accepted Martin Hills' offer to buy refreshments at his family's video shop in the town. Eventually, however, we returned to the Harford road to commence the long climb past Stowford House: everyone wanted lunch, of course, so the effort wasn't given without complaint.

Lukesland is a large house which afforded few opportunities for such a large group to enjoy lunch. The Twydell family had joined us in their van and suggested that Harford was the most suitable spot. A mile or two later we were settled on the grass outside Harford church, relaxing in the warmth of the sun and enjoying the peaceful setting. This really was a perfect spot for lunch.

From Harford a lane leads up to a small car park on the open moor, and this is where Ken, Julie and family had settled for lunch. We quickly joined them, and spent an enjoyable half an hour riding around with the youngsters on their BMX bikes, and enjoying Julie's delicious hot chocolate, served from their VW camper van. There was time for a few repairs before we set off once again towards Hangershell Rock, across the open moor.

The moor wasn't quite as open as we had remembered. Michael was delayed with some repairs, and when he had ascended the first ridge he was met with the sight of numerous cyclists picking their way across a bog. He remembered that the stream started from a spring a little distance to the north east and, judging that they were by now all wet, took his single charge around the dry route. Dave Humphreys moaned "like a big girl's blouse" because his cycling shoes, being riddled with holes, had let all the water in. He pointed to his brown socks, which could be seen through the holes, and stated that they had been white when he left home. Someone mentioned that the holes would at least assist the drying process, but he was not amused.

When Andrew's puncture had been fixed, courtesy of Stephen Larkin who loaned him a tube, there was yet another delay when Martin Hills led half the group too far along the track - partly due to unclear directions from Michael, it must be said. Having recalled them to Spurrells Cross we set about the descent to Owley, which nearly everyone found great fun. There were some obstacles to avoid, however, in the form of rocks: Dave reckoned they were cruising around under the bracken looking for cyclists to dismount.

The track led us to the lanes at Owley, from where it was but a short ride to South Brent. Totnes/Paignton and Buckfastleigh/Newton Abbot groups separated here, without refreshments on this occasion as the Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent was closed until February. Congratulations to all the new riders who once again performed admirably.