Originally scheduled for the previous week, the threat of bad weather had prompted a postponement. A shame really, for about fifteen riders had expressed their intention of going. This week we had just two: Martin and Richard. We altered the route to take account of the wind, and a nearly full moon rose as we passed Bickington discussing the finer points of the last episode of Twin Peaks.

We had two climbs of our own: from Steps Bridge towards Moretonhampstead, and from Bovey Tracey to Haytor. Both were new to Martin, and he wasn't impressed, but perhaps the darkness meant he was unable to appreciate their scenic qualities. Caution was needed with the few mad drivers around in the early hours, although the slightly eerie moonlit landscape was more than enough compensation. No glowworms this year, although we saw both a fox and a badger.