The early start at 9.00 meant that we avoided the worst traffic associated with the Raft Race, but the event diverted us onto the dual carriageway rather than the old A38. The PA was in full flow as we passed, and the multifarious craft and their equally colourful crews were steeling themselves for the off. No doubt, like us, they were grateful that the tail end of the hurricane from across the Atlantic had blown itself out the day before. It was still windy, but at least it was dry.

Martin Luke joined us at Bovey Tracey and we had an uneventful ride up the Teign Valley and over Longdown to Exeter. Near Stoke Cannon Martin (L) had just asked about lunch when what should we see but a couple of cyclists on the grass verge, eating their own lunch. Mark Moxham and Mark Williams were surprised to see us, especially (as Mark M pointed out) because this was the first time any of us had cycled along this particular stretch of road. Mark (whose first name is Richard) and the other Mark (Williams) said hello to Richard (whose second name is William), Martin, Martin and Martyn (Williams). Having sorted out the names we had settled down to eat our lunch when a car passed with two bikes on top: it was Colin and Jean Brierly from Exeter. As Martin (Hills) pointed out, you don't really need to organise an AGM: just choose a quiet country lane for lunch and everyone will turn up.

After lunch our spirits were dampened by a dead badger by the side of the road, then lifted by the sight of a deer standing in the road in front of us. It rapidly leapt the hedge and bounded off with its companion for the cover of some nearby trees.

Richard had just identified Hittisleigh village hall as the destination of next month's longer ride when Martyn noticed he had a puncture. Later on, near Moretonhampstead, Richard waited for Martin (L) and was just on the point of going back when he appeared: he had had to sort out a chain problem. They both went in search of the other two and found them in a café where a girl from Martin's year worked.

Martyn reminisced about the accident he had last year just outside the town, and Richard suggested he might have a twinge when he passed the spot. In the event Martyn simply didn't notice the place at all. Martin disappeared in front again, and we found him in a petrol station where a girl he knew worked. Arriving back at Buckfastleigh the raft race field was deserted.