This is one ride that we'll never forget. There is a walkway running along the top of the dam with a shoulder-high wall on either side. As usual, some of the youngsters walked along to the centre, but Dayle thought he would add variety by taking his bike and riding along the top of the inside wall for a short distance. Then he had the bright idea of jumping his bike off the wall, dropping down to the walkway. Everyone strongly advised him against such a foolhardy manoeuvre, but they all stayed to watch just in case he decided to proceed. The thought of an audience was just too much for Dayle - the original showman - so he attempted the stunt. A loud explosion accompanied the bursting of a tyre and tube; closer inspection revealed the front wheel was a write-off. He had no choice but to push all the way back across the moor to Cross Furzes.

Julian had raced back to get his car for the final leg of the journey: he was driving up the road as the rest of us were riding down to Buckfastleigh. We tried to stop him to invite Dayle, Martin and himself back to Crofters for a drink, but he just swerved madly round us and sped off into the distance. Presumably Dayle never got the invite, and probably thought us most unfriendly!