A strong headwind made the climb towards Rattery even harder than usual. Then confusion struck when the leading riders were asked to stop near the junction with the big trees: several of the trees had blown down in the recent storms, so the enthusiastic cyclists could hardly be blamed for going past them.

An important decision had to be made at this junction: should we go for the planned destination or make a diversion? The high winds, coupled with the likelihood of rain, suggested a negative reply so the ride diverted to Dartington via Billany Farm lane.

When Paul had sold some chocolate and various gloves had been donned (it was getting quite cold by this time) we proceeded to Dartington church and Staverton station. Here the rough riders were satisfied with an excursion along the riverside track to the village. Dayle became concerned near the railway crossing when he discovered his pump was missing. He spent some time looking for it, riding back and forth along the track to the station, but eventually concluded, reluctantly, that the pump was lost.

Careful choice of route enabled Michael, Shane and Elliot to avoid getting wet, muddy feet when the group encountered a boggy ditch along the way. There were some, of course, who rode through the muddiest part several times (some would call them foolish, Martin), and who had to be called away from another large lake lying in a nearby field.

Returning once again to Staverton station (location shot for the BBC drama "Little Sir Nicholas") we continued homewards via Abham and Caddaford. And when Dayle got home, what was the first thing he saw? His pump!