The Buckfastleigh starters weren't late at the Gappah pick-up thanks to Kris's excellent first-ride pace. When everyone had finally arrived - with representatives from all corners of the region - it was clear that the Section had achieved a new record with more than twenty cyclists on an ordinary Sunday ride.

The usual route over Haldon brought us to the long and steep descent past Mamhead College: Michael's public health warning at the top seemed to work insofar as no-one came off on the nasty double bend at the halfway point. Taking the Powderham road from Starcross we were soon riding along the rough track that leads across the railway line to Turf Lock. Getting twenty two bikes and their associated riders across the line was a potentially hazardous manoeuvre, made more so by the fact that the far gate could not be raised from its hinges. Speedy lifting work shared by the several adults present eliminated the queue in double quick time, however.

Mark Sloman very thoughtfully chose this moment to break a crank. I say thoughtfully because it was definitely time for lunch, and the area around the lock proved an ideal setting for Mark to enjoy his food and contemplate how on earth he was going to get home. In the end he decided to push back to Starcross and ring for his father - accompanied by friend Damian.

Continuing along the muddy towpath Richard, Ian and Philip quickly decided that the wider track below and to the left would be a far more civilised route, with the added advantage that there would be a lower risk of falling into the canal. Initially they were gaining ground on the main group, but soon they encountered huge muddy puddles with hidden potholes and were seen to fall well behind. When the two routes eventually merged the threesome were thoroughly plastered with mud, but put on brave faces.

There were few fishermen today (and no fisherwomen). Progress along the final stretch of the path to Exeter was therefore unimpeded by the usual series of rods and grub boxes. The usual route to Alphington took us along a Tarmac track (sighs of relief from half the group, dismay from the mountain bikers) and through the industrial estate, from where we were pleased to escape to the relative peace of Shillingford St. George. By way of a change we returned to Haldon along the direct route, through Clapham and Underdown - the final climb was easier than the Dunchideock alternative, but was still the last straw for some of our younger members. They were only kept going by the sight of Paul's shopping basket (attached to the rear of his bike).

Those who reached the top first were rewarded with the sight of some deer crossing the road a short distance away. It really is amazing how much more wildlife can be seen from the vantage point of a bike (compared with a car), even when there are so many of us.

Chudleigh could not have arrived soon enough for many, its brightly coloured sweet shop proving irresistible despite the promise of a stop at Bovey's Brookside tearooms. Of course many riders indulged themselves at both establishments, the second proving very warm and not too pricey. How did the voting go? I'm afraid you'll have to wait until September for the results.

Paignton starters got home at a reasonable time despite some lighting problems along the way. Buckfastleigh contingent had to cope with two punctures, however, both of which waited for the darkest, wooded areas so as to cause maximum difficulty in the winter blackness. Members may be amused to hear that both punctures were in Michael's puncture-resistant rear tyre.