Maypool hostel was warm and welcoming for the DA bonfire night. There was strong representation from Torbay, North Devon, Dart Valley, Dawlish and Plymouth groups making the evening one of the best DA meet-ups we have had for some time. The youngsters certainly seemed to enjoy themselves running around the balconies and stairs of the hostel. Di and Suzie just joined in for the evening.

Sunday’s mystery ride began (for the weekenders) with a tour of the Paignton coastline, shortly followed by coffee at Colin’s house: quite how everyone managed to squeeze into one room I shall never know. The group then made their way somewhat tortuously towards Gappah.

Meanwhile the day riders (John, Mark Hunt, Kevin and Richard) set out from Buckfastleigh. As they weren’t meeting the hostellers until midday they decided to take a circuitous route to Gappah via Bickington and Denbury. A puncture incurred by Richard proved difficult to repair and we didn’t reach Gappah until 12.45 – to find only an advance party of three awaiting us!

The rest finally arrived at about 1.30 and by the time lunches had been consumed and repairs effected it was 2.30 before we set off again. A few decided to go on ahead to Laurence Castle while the rest of us settled on a more leisurely (except for the hailstorm) ride via Exeter Forest and Chudleigh. New boy Richard parted company with his bike on a rather sharp bend, shedding bits with gay abandon.

We bid farewell to Torbay at Chudleigh Knighton and returned home via Bickington and the A38 (ugh!). Person of the Ride award went to Richard ‘Wrecker’ Burge for services to the cycle repair industry.