From Avonwick we took the muddy lane past Cannamore Farm. Luke Hatherly, who had just been informed that it was now unfashionable for mountain bikers to be seen with a "skunk stripe" during the winter months, remained undeterred: he rode through all the mud he could find and refused to accept that mudguards could serve him any useful purpose.

Plans to continue directly to Hillhead Cross had to be revised when a number of impetuous youngsters missed the right turn. They didn't stop until they had descended the long hill to Ugborough, so the rest thought it would probably be quicker to change the route. There was an extra hill to climb, but on the whole the detour added variety to the ride.

There was a further delay at Ivybridge when the majority accepted Martin Hills' offer to buy refreshments at his family's video shop in the town. Eventually, however, we returned to the Harford road to commence the long climb past Stowford House: everyone wanted lunch, of course, so the effort wasn't given without complaint.

Lukesland is a large house which afforded few opportunities for such a large group to enjoy lunch. The Twydell family had joined us in their van and suggested that Harford was the most suitable spot. A mile or two later we were settled on the grass outside Harford church, relaxing in the warmth of the sun and enjoying the peaceful setting. This really was a perfect spot for lunch.

From Harford a lane leads up to a small car park on the open moor, and this is where Ken, Julie and family had settled for lunch. We quickly joined them, and spent an enjoyable half an hour riding around with the youngsters on their BMX bikes, and enjoying Julie's delicious hot chocolate, served from their VW camper van. There was time for a few repairs before we set off once again towards Hangershell Rock, across the open moor.

The moor wasn't quite as open as we had remembered. Michael was delayed with some repairs, and when he had ascended the first ridge he was met with the sight of numerous cyclists picking their way across a bog. He remembered that the stream started from a spring a little distance to the north east and, judging that they were by now all wet, took his single charge around the dry route. Dave Humphreys moaned "like a big girl's blouse" because his cycling shoes, being riddled with holes, had let all the water in. He pointed to his brown socks, which could be seen through the holes, and stated that they had been white when he left home. Someone mentioned that the holes would at least assist the drying process, but he was not amused.

When Andrew's puncture had been fixed, courtesy of Stephen Larkin who loaned him a tube, there was yet another delay when Martin Hills led half the group too far along the track - partly due to unclear directions from Michael, it must be said. Having recalled them to Spurrells Cross we set about the descent to Owley, which nearly everyone found great fun. There were some obstacles to avoid, however, in the form of rocks: Dave reckoned they were cruising around under the bracken looking for cyclists to dismount.

The track led us to the lanes at Owley, from where it was but a short ride to South Brent. Totnes/Paignton and Buckfastleigh/Newton Abbot groups separated here, without refreshments on this occasion as the Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent was closed until February. Congratulations to all the new riders who once again performed admirably.

Making the most of the weather we rode from Bickington to Cold East Cross, enjoying a delightful lunch beside the river near Pudsham Down. Continuing through Cockingford and Ponsworthy (where David, Jamie, Phillip and others demonstrated their ATB skills over some steep humps) we were soon at Dartmeet. Sadly the cafe was closed, but we thoroughly enjoyed the walk up to Pixie's cave - especially the boggy section in the field!

The return to Buckfastleigh via Hexworthy didn't impress Eliot ("Too many hills"), but the rest of us enjoyed it. Phillip kept complaining that he was hungry and had no food left, but he refused everything he was offered on the grounds that he didn't like it! Some said he couldn't have been very hungry! Joseph's puncture near Hawson Court delayed us because he didn't have the right size of spare tube, but when everyone finally got home there were refreshments at Crofters.

Good weather returned next morning. The YHA benevelant fund / Twydell family made their way back home via Galmpton. Although only three vehicles in the party they managed to get seriously separated. Paul was rushing on ahead, Dad not paying attention and poor Ben lost sight of the others. When he passed a side road and was not sure what way they had gone he sensibly stayed put, slightly tearfully, until the others, having stopped for refreshment, decided to go back. Ken thought Ben behaved very well.

Meanwhile the main group set off through the lanes to Kingswear, enjoying some good views of Dartmouth and the Royal Naval College along the way. There was some confusion over the choice of ferry, but eventually the passenger ferry was selected on the basis of the extra discount offered (some still watched the vehicle ferry enviously, thinking that it looked more fun).

After a visit to the Spinning Wheel cafe we investigated the closed coastal road near Stoke Flemming (having been advised by Kevin that it was ridaeble). The storm damage was particularly evident from the beach: the familiar cafe and its associated buildings had completely disappeared, and a large section of the cliff had fallen away beneath the road. Toby, Neil and others got wet feet of course.

Return was via Bowden, Tuckenhay (where Phillip and Toby got even wetter feet crossing the ford) and Totnes - apologies to Mark Moxham, who tried to meet us at Slapton!

This rail-assisted day trip to the Cyclex exhibition in London was great fun for all who took part, although the touring cyclists in the group were rather dismayed at the predominance of mountain bikes on the show.