We’ve been running the same route for our Ten Tors event for several years, so this year we substituted Wind Tor and Yar Tor for Haytor and Rippon Tor. The effect was to space the Tors out more evenly and to make the event even more fun than before.

Saddle Tor, Top Tor and Pil Tor presented no problems, and we were soon enjoying an early lunch on Tor number four - Bonehill Rocks - in glorious sunshine. Alex, the mountain goat, just couldn’t resist climbing through all the nooks and crevices in the rocks.

The next three Tors - Bel Tor, Chinkwell Tor and Honeybag Tor - were very impressive but involved a considerable amount of walking, a concept alien to most of our young cyclists. Rewards came, however, when we descended Bone Hill to Widecombe for refreshments purchased from the local shop.

The new route showed itself when we turned right out of Widecombe for the steep climb of Southcombe Hill. From the top, Wind Tor was just a short ride across a moorland path. It was during the descent to the road that Alex attempted one of his first ever jumps, lost control and had to choose between a rock and a gorse bush. He chose the latter, ending up somewhat scratched and bruised and the subject of much merriment for the rest of the afternoon!

We managed to find some unfamiliar lanes near Shallowford to take us to Yar Tor, overlooking Dartmeet, then there was just Dr Blackall’s Drive and Mel Tor to go. Ashley and Philip Oakley managed to get Budgie and Julian to give them piggy-backs up the final Tor, which offered spectacular views over the Dart valley.

There were a couple of mechanical breakdowns on the return, probably caused by members riding too fast on the rough ground of Dr Blackall’s: first, Julian got a puncture, and then Seb broke a pedal! Seb hobbled through Hembury to Buckfastleigh with the rest of us where he hoped to ring his parents for a lift home. To his annoyance Michael produced a used pedal from his workshop and fitted it in seconds!

Everyone except Dave, Ken, Keir, Charlie and Neil completed all ten Tors and qualify for certificates, which will be awarded at the Christmas Lunch.