This was certainly an eventful ride. First off, Elliot collected three punctures all at once within ten minutes of leaving Buckfastleigh. And as Michael repaired them, one of the early showers did its best to drench them both. All this made us late at Totnes, but at least the showers stopped as we arrived. When we had chatted with Eugene at the Plains we set off up the High Street, deciding for once to go outwards via Bow Bridge and Tuckenhay - even to the extent of climbing Corky, which didn't amuse Paul HW. Lunch was taken at the top in a stiff and cold wind, whereupon Paul commenced selling his chocolate bars.

Continuing the climb, the next incident was Luke Hatherly's explosive puncture, caused by a split in his Farmer John tyre's sidewall. To make matters worse, he didn't have a spare tube! There was consequently a slight delay while the puncture and tyre were repaired, and then again while Luke went back in search of a metal dust cap which apparently had sentimental value.

Next stop was the Forces Cross cafe - which for once was closed. We weren't too disappointed as we had recently had lunch, so we then continued through to Blackawton. Here there were more problems, as Stephen Larkin collected another puncture near the church. This was quickly repaired with some assistance from Paul, but he then got another one along the track to Millcombe, this time in the rear wheel. What fun we have in the CTC!

There are some delightful lanes alongside the river Gara, but eventually one has to climb up to the main road again. This took a while, but we were soon speeding towards Moreleigh, on course for a reasonable return time (having decided to skip Topsham Bridge in view of the delays).

It was at Moreleigh that both Elliot and Alan Skinner, both under eleven and both without cycling proficiency training, failed to look or signal on a tricky right-turn manoeuvre. Elliot narrowly missed one vehicle, Alan was hit by another. Fortunately he was unharmed: the car was travelling slowly on the corner and only caught Alan's rear wheel. His pedal crank was bent so as to make the bike unrideable, however, so his father was called to collect him. Michael stayed with him while the rest continued homewards in the capable hands of the two Daves.

This is one of the most serious incidents in the Section's history, even though there were no injuries. One of the boys could easily have been seriously injured. We are reminded of the fact that no matter what precautions are taken by the club, a cyclist can still be seriously injured if he or she makes a mistake.

Parents can feel more confident in their child's safety if they have taken part in a cycling proficiency scheme, but this training is only the first step, and does not mean a child is safe on the road: they feel safe, but have not had sufficient practice to guarantee their safety in all circumstances. Many later forget the procedures they have learned, and look or signal only when they feel it necessary, relying on sound to tell them if a car is coming.

The thought of a serious injury to any of our members, young or old, is intolerable. This is why we are now providing short training sessions on grade 2 rides. The aim is to remind all members of the importance of using "The System" (Think, Look, Is it Safe, Signal, Move) for every manoeuvre, on every single ride. We hope that members will take the sessions seriously and never forget the real dangers of undisciplined cycling.