This ride, designed to introduce members gently to the concept of reliability rides, proved tougher than the distance would suggest as a result of the hot, sunny conditions. Several would-be participants were put off before the start by the weather forecast.

Richard's carefully-selected route took the participants initially through Newton Abbot, Teigngrace and Heathfield to Bovey Tracey. It was Michael who first discovered that ice-cool cans of Sunkist could be purchased from the Brookside Tearooms for consumption outside the premises - stocks soon ran low as temperatures soared!

Leaving Bovey there was a short delay when Michael's rear tyre exploded. Following the Fingle Bridge incident a few weeks earlier he had fitted a tyre from the Dawes, which today turned out to have severe skid marks in rather important places. When temporary repairs had been effected and grateful members had soaked up the coolness which abounded under the nearby trees, slow progress began along the climb to Manaton. Poor Erica was having some breathing problems and decided to take her time. The rest of the group settled in the shade of a tree at the top of the hill and watched as Michael stole the limelight yet again, this time by eating a molten Yorkie bar.

Members had heard of the new cafe complex at Becky Falls, and today seemed an ideal opportunity to sample its delights. It appeared to have been completely rebuilt in modern style, a great improvement on its previous image.

Erica was still suffering under the heat when we were ready to leave, so she and Hazel returned homewards while the rest of us continued to Heatree Cross for lunch in the shade of some trees. All but Richard then proceeded to complete the ride, following a devious and quite hilly route to Postbridge where the Post Office supplied us with much-needed refreshments. The Bellever road then took us past cooling waters (Julie couldn't resist a dip) to Bel Tor Corner.

When Michael had repaired his rear tyre again, some insisted on taking Dr Blackall's Drive to New Bridge as there had been no rough riding at all on the route sheet. Michael conceded, but decided to lead the road group in view of the state of his rear tyre. This proved a definite mistake. Around the first corner the road vanished under a sea of molten Tarmac. As we pedalled through the sticky mess we realised the penalty of falling off would be ruined clothes and ruined shoes. There was no stopping, and seemingly no end to the nightmare. Never had any of us seen a road in such a state. Clearly the weather conditions were exceptional.

Relief came at Poundsgate. We would have a good evening's work cleaning our bikes that night, but for now we contented ourselves with a dip in the River Dart at New Bridge.

Congratulations to the successful participants: Philip Roberts, Roger Johnson, Martyn Williams, Gary Taylor, Jeremy Weston, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart, Michael Jones, Steven Hills and Julie Hobday. Certificates will be awarded at the Christmas Lunch.