Christopher Platt was stuck in the mud on the Hembury Woods track within twenty minutes of his long awaited return to cycling. He didn't seem to mind, however, and was soon rushing on to join his friend Toby who had found a vast supply of mud inside a farm gate at the top of the Shuttaford lane.

Most of the group carried out the detour to Spitchwick, including new lad Andrew whose pedal crank fell off. Repairs posed few problems, and the groups were soon reunited for the return from Peartree.

Sunday dawned bright, but became dull by the time we left at ten, delayed by Martyn needing to replace his brake yoke cable. Through the woods on the north side of Steps Bridge and then along the forestry track to Fingle Bridge. Michael's tyre exploded as he pumped it up. He rang for motorised assistance while we went on, agreeing to meet beyond Chagford.

We struggled up Hunters Path, to be rewarded by the superb descent below castle Drogo and a double puncture for Shane. The repair was inadequate, and Michael reappeared while it was being fixed again. The pressing demand for a lunch stop meant a rather hurried break in a grotty spot just outside Chagford. Then onto the B3212, south past Challacombe Down, and a welcome tea at the Wayside at Widecombe. We then went our separate ways at Cold East Cross.

Matthew Jago's brake cable could have broken almost anywhere, but on this occasion it broke just outside Dave Robinson's house in Marldon. Various tools were quickly produced and the group was soon back on the road again.

The evening continued with a pleasant lane route through Knowle and Broadhempston, returning via Red Post. There was time for a photo call at the top of the lane to Marldon, where Matthew posed in his "home-made" T-shirt - we declined the £5 pose on this occasion.

The idea was very simple: climb to the top of each of the ten tors along the carefully chosen route and you get a certificate. Things weren't quite that simple, however.

First the long climb to Haytor from the Bickington pick-up proved a bit much for Ian on his first ride, so Richard escorted him home at a leisurely pace. Of the remaining members most were taking part in the event, leading to something of a scramble to get to the windy summit of Haytor. Only Andrew Simmons, however, was daft enough to carry his bike up as well!

Saddle Tor is just around the corner from Haytor. Its sheltered northern side made an admirable lunch spot, although any letterboxes that may have ëbeen secreted round about eluded our young searchers, Peter and Shane.

Rippon Tor was not to be so easy. As we arrived a dense mist descended on the entire area, making all the nearby tors invisible from the road. Nearly everyone found their way to Rippon Tor, and then to Pil Tor, where a number of letterboxes were uncovered. Top Tor was in an unknown direction, so a nearby outcrop served as the fifth tor.

Next was Bonehill Rocks. The highest point was too high for the majority to climb, so a lower promontory had to suffice. Three more boxes were found here in the drizzle. Tor number seven was meant to be Bel Tor, just opposite Bonehill. Unfortunately a number of meñmbers, led by Dayle, had their minds only on the exciting descent of Bone Hill and the warm Widecombe cafe at the bottom. Only half of the group therefore managed Bel Tor and Chinkwell Tor as planned, discovering an interesting "Whooping" or pivoting rock at the latter.

The last leg of the ride began with a puncture, just a few minutes after leaving the cafe. Nick was the culprit. Unfortunately the damage was too close to the valve to effect a good repair, and Nick didn't have a spare tube. Mark Moxham and Mike Giles kindly did the honours while the rest of the group proceeded to Ponsworthy, up to Beltor Corner and along the rough but scenic track that is known as Dr Blackall's Drive.

There appeared to be no public right of way to Bel Tor (the second tor with that name on our journey), so we continued to Mel Tor, which proved quite straightforward. At nine tors down with just one to go, Michael found it hard to believe that everyone could possibly have gone past Aish tor without stopping. Admittedly it was hard to recognise as a tor, but everyone had been told where it was.

Time was getting on and the day had been quite tiring, so no-one felt like going back. We regrouped at New Bridge and announced the results before making our various ways home. No-one scored ten tors this year, which should encourage everyone to try again in 1990 when this very successful event will be repeated. Certificates will be awarded at the Christmas Lunch.

9 Tors: Martin Hills, Matthew Jago, Philip Roberts, Matthew Comboy, Matthew Paine, Jamie Davey, Matthew Simpson, Michael Jones.

8 Tors: Peter Hern, Dayle Guy, Michael Roberts, Shane Powell, Eugene Tollemache, Peter Rushworth, Martin Rushworth, Gary Taylor, Nicholas Hydon.

7 Tors: Mike Giles

6 Tors: Paul Hamlyn-White, Steven Hills

This special half-day invitation ride, timed to coincide with National Bike Week, certainly attracted a good attendance. When the enormous group had met at Broadhempston playground, attempts were made to move in the direction of Denbury school. Nick was there of course, and was pleased (we believe) to let us refill our water bottles at the school. There was time to negotiate the track at Knowle before the riders separated.