The weather forecast was bad as we assembled at the Bickington pick-up in light rain. Michael strongly advised taking a brisk back-lane return to Buckfastleigh as soon as possible, but a majority wanted to continue with the ride as planned, including all the younger members!

That decision proved to be a big mistake. First we took the muddy track to Ilsington that succeeded only in getting everyone without mudguards totally filthy. Then, as we approached Haytor, the cold rain lashed down, driven at force by the strengthening winds. We made use of what little shelter the Haytor toilet block could offer for lunch, but it was already partially occupied by a group of four Plymouth teenagers who were close to finishing a Duke of Edinburgh award hike across the moor.

Now, at last, everyone agreed that it was time to go home. Getting home involved riding into the teeth of the bad weather between Haytor and Cold East Cross, but we managed to reach Buckfastleigh by 2pm and spent the rest of the afternoon playing computer games and appreciating the comforts of home.