Jenny very kindly took the Marldon lead in Mark's absence, bringing out two very keen new lads who clearly weren't concerned how far they rode on their first ride. Well, perhaps they would have been concerned if someone had told them, but it was too late once they were at Avonwick. Also rather confused was young Paul Ledingham, one of our regular evening riders, who had thought it was a morning-only ride and hadn't brought a packed lunch.

Having fixed the puncture at Avonwick the group followed the main road to Ermington and then took some new lanes through to Bridgend. Riding through the delightful coastal village we came across a group of cyclists from Plymouth. While others ate their lunch Michael spent a little time talking to them of the possibility of starting a Plymouth Section - but only time will tell how successful he was.

Teebo and Wicket (sorry, Mark and Jason) had coped surprisingly well with the morning ride. The return route, along the coast to Holbeton, was against a stiff headwind however, and this time a stop at Erme Mill cafe was definitely the order of the day. Here at last the cafe award scheme got off to a tentative start, with votes being cast by all present and recorded on a temporary form.

Some of the older Buckfastleigh lads decided to go home directly via Ivybridge while the rest took the scenic route in the now beautiful sunshine, bringing out the full autumn colours which were now beginning to show themselves on the trees. There were some steep hills to tackle (one of which proved unnecessary after a wrong turning) which left everyone very tired after a later-than-usual return. Many congratulations to the newcomers, however, and also to young Paul for completing an exhausting ride with comparative ease.

Problems caused by the huge turnout at Totnes were compounded by Torbay Section's arrival and departure. Eugene's last-minute decision to rush home for his bike delayed us even more, but eventually we were on our way along Sharpham Drive, an "interesting" track route towards Ashprington. Jeremy got a puncture within the first two minutes, then Simon's chain broke. Fortunately on this occasion things didn't happen in threes, and we were able to enjoy the leafy autumn lanes, gates, meadows, stiles, steep fields and woody tracks that led us eventually back to solid roads. The track-lovers were happy, and the rest had at least enjoyed the delightful unspoiled views of the Dart.

A new track at Tuckenhay, explored by the intrepid Simon and his foolhardy followers, turned out to be longer and a good deal harder than the road alternative. Time now dictated a fast search for a sheltered lunch spot.

Continuing towards Dittisham, a number of faster riders at the front of the group found out the hard way that speed doesn't pay. Laurence needed a bit of first aid treatment and his bike required some attention as well, but he didn't seem too bothered about continuing with the ride despite it all. Our cyclists really are made of sturdy materials!

After lunch we continued to Dittisham, where the majority favoured paying the ferryman 75p to cross the river to Greenway. The crossing was enjoyable if short, and the return through Galmpton was a good deal easier than the western alternative. Small groups returned to their respective homes in descending gloom and a chill night air.

The biggest surprises today came not from the weather but from the respective appearances of Craig and Warren, who had been in summer hibernation. There were no signs of cobwebs as they both kept up well with the brisk pace. Sadly, however, Jamie and Matthew were unable to join the ride as they had no transport available from Dawlish.

Following the main road to Kitterford Cross we soon reached "Graffiti House", a derelict building near California Cross with various large messages displayed on the walls. From there it was but a short ride to Reveton Farm and the footpath to Silveridge Wood.

There seemed to be a certain amount of disbelief in the ranks as we gathered at the start of the path. Everyone had been warned about the ride of course, but this looked beyond a joke. One or two would have taken the lengthy road alternative if they hadn't been so hungry and tired.

The atmosphere changed once everyone had actually started along the track. For one thing it was all downhill. And for another it was nowhere near as overgrown as Michael had predicted. There were a few encroaching brambles to contend with, and the carpet of autumn leaves concealed a few stones and pits, but progress was fast and the hedgerows were a delight. And then there was Ian's assurance that he wouldn't fall off this week - of course he did fall off, on the first corner, as everyone had expected, which added further enjoyment to the ride.

The track brought us eventually to the course of the old South Brent to Kingsbridge railway line at the point where it crosses the river Avon. The area was buried in the heart of Silveridge Wood with Autumn leaves ankle deep almost everywhere. This was to be the lunch stop: it would be difficult to imagine a more picturesque location.

Getting the bikes up onto the bridge proved a little more tricky than anticipated, since the holly-lined path was too narrow for a bike. Finally the job was done, and there was the railway track disappearing into the undergrowth, beckoning is to explore it. No-one needed any encouragement.

Things went fine for a while. The track was again very leafy, and vegetation encroached from the sides in places, but the path was level and the scenery unspoilt. Then came a big problem in the form of a fence - an electric fence to be precise, as Steven found out to his cost. After some consideration the bikes were passed (cautiously) over the top of the fence whilst the owners squirmed (equally cautiously) beneath it. There was then a second fence to tackle, the two fences together lining a link lane between two fields to stop the animals straying along the track. This time Craig was not so lucky, performing a spectacular leap into the air after receiving a hefty belt from the unfriendly fence.

Members were warned to watch out for other traps which might have been set for us. A few moments later we encountered the quicksand, and finally noticed that a bridge had been taken out to stop our progress. Seriously though, this was the end of the line as far as the railway was concerned, and there was just the little matter of following the footpath on to the road at Topsham Bridge. This was no easy task in itself: a steep path descended to the bottom of the valley, with the promise of an icy ducking in the Avon for anyone missing their footing.

Back on solid ground once again progress was swift. From Hendham the group rode the easy lane route through Moreleigh to Diptford, returning to the Avon Valley once more for the last lap to Avonwick. And here was the old station, Ham Mill Halt, now a private dwelling but still retaining many of the features that make it obviously a station.

The Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent was a perfect place to finish the day's ride. Young Paul Ledingham was counting up the miles, as he was being sponsored in aid of Children in Need. And Craig was counting up the Cafe Award Scheme votes on the new voting form. Ian may have been counting his bruises, but I think he had enjoyed the ride.

Our pick-up point at Totnes is on the Plains, which is probably the only place in the area where such a huge group of cyclists could meet without causing an obstruction! Michael, who was still nursing a cough, took the car as far as Totnes, and when Martin and Jonathon had also arrived by car the day's contingent was complete.

Seasoned members will be familiar with the route through Harbertonford and Moreleigh towards Slapton, but may not have ventured dowh the steep and twisty descent to Gara Mill, situated (not surprisingly perhaps) on the delightful River Gara. The mill is now a tasteful house conversion, buried deep in the woods at the bottom of the secluded valley. A path leading down to the river made a delightful lunch spot, where members could spread themselves out along the river bank to read their personal copy of Newsletter 7, hot off the photocopier.

There are only two ways out of Gara Mill, and both of them are up. Not wishing to leave by the same route we climbed the lane on the east side of the valley, discovering plenty of mud and other dubious semi-solids outside Burlestone Farm. Arriving shortly afterwards at Blackwell Cross the afternoon was still young, and there was plenty of time to enjoy the coastal views across Landcombe Cove on the way to Blackpool cafe.

Things had changed a little at Blackpool since we were last there. The cafe, which was now in new ownership, seemed to have gone up market to such an extent that there was no room for us to sit down in its luxurious warmth. We had to content ourselves with eating outside - which wasn't so bad as it happened, since the sun shone for the first time while we were there. Jonathon decided not to go swimming on this occasion, however.

The rather leisurely return was via Bowden and Tuckenhay, with more delightful scenes along the way. Luke Hatherly was really looking forward to trying Corkscrew Hill - until he got there that is, discovering that he had been down it before but hadn't known its name!

There was talk of Norway in the air as we neared Totnes in the descending darkness, but when all is said and done, the local rides can be every bit as much fun as the most expensive tour abroad, can't they?

With Christmas looming fast it seemed that few members wanted to miss out on the Section's annual festive lunch at Leusdon Lodge. Cyclists were arriving at the Bickington pick-up from almost every direction.

Three such cyclists were Martin, Jonathon and Jeremy Hunt who, having taken the car to Leusdon, were descending the long hill from Cold East Cross. When they hadn't arrived by 11.10 the main group set off up the hill towards Ilsington whilst Budgie and a few companions rode the Cold East hill on an interception mission. Fortunately they met them after only a few minutes, so the Hunts were able to rejoin the main group after only a slight struggle.

A strengthening, bitterly-cold crosswind made the going especially tough for the younger riders near Haytor, but we still managed to reach the Lodge within the agreed range of times. Here at last were the remaining car-assisted members, and the whole group trouped into the welcoming dining room with great expectations.

No-one was disappointed. A new table layout had been concocted to cope with this year's increase in numbers, so the anticipated crush did not materialise. The meals, as usual, were excellent quality and reasonably priced, the most expensive three-course meal coming to just £3-95. The only person who might have been a little miserable was Luke Rake, whose meal was divided up among the lions. He had failed to turn up at the last moment, so he couldn't really blame us for putting his delicious soup, nut roast and Christmas Pudding to good use. Catherine was certainly pleased with the pudding, which she polished off without assistance.

After the food came the awards. The junior attendance trophy went once again to Richard Burge, and numerous members received certificates for completing the 100km and 130km reliability rides in August and September. Then there were newsletters and other Section publicity materials to give out, followed by plans for Christmas and new year activities, followed by coffee - there really was no particular rush to leave this pleasant establishment.

After the meal came the homeward ride, up the climb to Beltor Corner and along the track known as Dr Blackall's Drive. The wind had strengthened still further during lunch, and was now blowing with gale force as we struggled to keep our balance along the spectacular track, high above the river Dart. Fortunately the wind was blowing us into the side of the valley and not outwards towards the Dart. The whole experience was breathtaking, exhilarating and a real hit with everyone who took part - even the most ardent anti-trackers were having second thoughts. This was Dartmoor, the bleak wilderness, in just one of its many and varied moods.

Before we finally reached the road at Poundsgate there was the inevitable pile-up, with John Stuart leading the fray on his Saracen mountain bike. No-one came to any harm on the soft grassland. In fact they all stayed exactly where they fell until Michael arrived with his camera.

Many of our members have been fortunate enough to have received new bicycles this Christmas, one such being Chris Giles from Buckfastleigh who was keen to attend his first ride this afternoon on his new machine. We should also say how pleased we were to see Nathan Arecco and Chris Bailey after such a long break.

Skerraton Down resides high up on the South moor, about 300m above the Buckfastleigh start in fact. The younger riders got a little worried as the hill past Nurston went on and on, then Ian got worried as the lane turned into a rough track. The pleasure really began when we reached the top, however, with spectacular views all around and long descents which brought us eventually to the ford near Cross Furzes. One or two fell off along the way, but the soft moorland vegetation ensured that no damage was done to bikes or riders.

When the usual ritual of water fights had been completed, members endured a chilly descent to Crofters for a welcome fire and hot drinks.

The Buckfastleigh starters weren't late at the Gappah pick-up thanks to Kris's excellent first-ride pace. When everyone had finally arrived - with representatives from all corners of the region - it was clear that the Section had achieved a new record with more than twenty cyclists on an ordinary Sunday ride.

The usual route over Haldon brought us to the long and steep descent past Mamhead College: Michael's public health warning at the top seemed to work insofar as no-one came off on the nasty double bend at the halfway point. Taking the Powderham road from Starcross we were soon riding along the rough track that leads across the railway line to Turf Lock. Getting twenty two bikes and their associated riders across the line was a potentially hazardous manoeuvre, made more so by the fact that the far gate could not be raised from its hinges. Speedy lifting work shared by the several adults present eliminated the queue in double quick time, however.

Mark Sloman very thoughtfully chose this moment to break a crank. I say thoughtfully because it was definitely time for lunch, and the area around the lock proved an ideal setting for Mark to enjoy his food and contemplate how on earth he was going to get home. In the end he decided to push back to Starcross and ring for his father - accompanied by friend Damian.

Continuing along the muddy towpath Richard, Ian and Philip quickly decided that the wider track below and to the left would be a far more civilised route, with the added advantage that there would be a lower risk of falling into the canal. Initially they were gaining ground on the main group, but soon they encountered huge muddy puddles with hidden potholes and were seen to fall well behind. When the two routes eventually merged the threesome were thoroughly plastered with mud, but put on brave faces.

There were few fishermen today (and no fisherwomen). Progress along the final stretch of the path to Exeter was therefore unimpeded by the usual series of rods and grub boxes. The usual route to Alphington took us along a Tarmac track (sighs of relief from half the group, dismay from the mountain bikers) and through the industrial estate, from where we were pleased to escape to the relative peace of Shillingford St. George. By way of a change we returned to Haldon along the direct route, through Clapham and Underdown - the final climb was easier than the Dunchideock alternative, but was still the last straw for some of our younger members. They were only kept going by the sight of Paul's shopping basket (attached to the rear of his bike).

Those who reached the top first were rewarded with the sight of some deer crossing the road a short distance away. It really is amazing how much more wildlife can be seen from the vantage point of a bike (compared with a car), even when there are so many of us.

Chudleigh could not have arrived soon enough for many, its brightly coloured sweet shop proving irresistible despite the promise of a stop at Bovey's Brookside tearooms. Of course many riders indulged themselves at both establishments, the second proving very warm and not too pricey. How did the voting go? I'm afraid you'll have to wait until September for the results.

Paignton starters got home at a reasonable time despite some lighting problems along the way. Buckfastleigh contingent had to cope with two punctures, however, both of which waited for the darkest, wooded areas so as to cause maximum difficulty in the winter blackness. Members may be amused to hear that both punctures were in Michael's puncture-resistant rear tyre.