We trusted the weather forecast when it promised light showers of drizzle giving way to a dry afternoon, with heavy rain following by early evening. What a mistake that turned out to be. We had got distinctly damp by the time we reached Bovey Tracey. The usual track to Lustleigh provided plenty of amusement (although some were sure it was uphill), and eventually we arrived at the Primrose cafe, which had opened the previous day after the customary Christmas break. Surprisingly there was space for all of us.

As we left we were reasonably confident of finding that the first sunny periods would be evident. Instead we were dismayed to see that the drizzle had changed to steady, driving rain, whipped up by the strengthening winds. Dave Robinson tried a nearby friend to see if we could lunch in his garage, but sadly he was out. Michael then had the bright idea of asking the cafe proprietor about hiring the village hall for an hour. After a few telephone calls we were given the go-ahead - and the keys - and everyone bundled into the hall with considerable relief. It wasn't over-warm, but nobody minded that. The cost was 25p each.

When we were ready to leave, the rain was even denser than before. There was nothing for it but to abandon the ride and head for home. Well, at least we had enjoyed the morning, and reached the destination area. We took a different route back to Bovey, where the two contingents separated. I would be lying if I said the final hours were enjoyable. Many of the youngsters were cold, wet, tired and hungry when they finally reached home. Michael was also slightly angry: he takes a lot of trouble to ensure that members never find themselves so far from home in bad weather, but on this occasion the Met Office let him down badly.