Having completed the exhausting climb from Bickington to Haytor, the track from Jay's Grave provided a welcome stretch of sheltered grassy bank for lunch and its associated activities. On this occasion, Gary provided the entertainment by climbing an overhanging tree like a chimp and dropping dead sticks onto Luke and Andrew.

The ascent of Hamel Down, whilst proving somewhat tiring, did provide us with some spectacular views across Dartmoor and beyond. Grimspound was but a short excursion away from the Cairn near Hameldown Tor, adn then we could lie back and enjoy the spectacular trackwise descent to Widecombe, which took nearly half an hour.

Tea at the Wayside cafe was followed by some splashing around in the river at Spitchwick before returning homeward via Hembury.

Michael entertained the few members who attended this Summerlands social with a short chat about cycle wheels and their construction.

The early morning weather forecast was for showers, dying out by afternoon - which is why we all set out bravely at 10.00 despite the rain. Either the forecast was wrong or the showers were very long, as it was still raining when we arrived home at 5pm!

The falls were certainly worth the visit. Admission was virtually free at this time of year, and there was of course plenty of water in the stream. Unfortunately, Graham attempted to cycle the footpath and fell onto a sharp tree stump. HIs leg was bruised so badly that he had to get a lift home to Paignton, leaving the rest of us to continue towards the Primrose cafe at Lustleigh in the now torrential rain.

This was one of those 'easy' rides that turned out to be a little harder than originally planned. It was all Michael's fault of course, according to the none-too-happy youngsters, but that is one of the drawbacks of running a cycling club.

The morning went extremely well, with an interesting ride through the steep lanes between Gappah and the Obelisk. When lunch had been consumed, views admired and silly games played, a decision (almost unanimous) was made to ride to the nearest good cafe for afternoon tea. Stoke-in-Teignhead would not normally have been out of the question, but by the time we had repaired Chris' puncture near Dawlish and then climbed the wrong hill from Shaldon it was nearer supper time than cream tea time when we eventually arrived.

There were a few complaints, but all in all the ride was good practice for the forthcoming Easter tour ... and the tracks were quite good fun.

The last social of the season was seen off with an episode of Star Trek from Michael's video collection.

The most interesting part of today's ride was the exploration of a new track, from Torbryan to Tornewton. There happened to be a river running down on this particular occasion (an advantage in the eyes of the youngsters) but it definitely held promise for the summer.

Congratulations to the four Ashburton youngsters who braved the elements. It is hoped that Crofters entertainment and a mention in the Highwayman were sufficient reward.

When pannier straps had been tied up (thanks Vic!) and Martin's punctures had been repaired we set off towards Cold East Cross from the Bickington pick-up, hoping that the stiff climb would not prove too challenging for the younger riders. The direct route via Ponsworthy Splash brought us eventually to Dartmeet, from where the riverside footpath was taken through the woods to the cave. Sadly the rear exit (just large enough to squeeze through) had been sealed off with a large boulder, so amusements were relatively short-lived - until the stick fight commenced that is!

The Old Forge at Holne, now open again after the winter break, provided us with excellent refreshments before we made our way homewards.

Having taken the standard route via Staverton to Broadhempston the lads thought it was time for some fun. And so it was that we took the 'muddy track' from Beaston to Forder Green - one of the mudpools came up to the hubs.

Return through Thorncroft and Pridhamsleigh is always hilly and time consuming, but no-one seemed to mind as it was an excuse to try out new lights.

As far as we are aware, no report was ever written or published for this tour, and we are unable to find any detailed notes about what happened. We have filled in obvious details for each day, but if you were on the tour and would like to add your own comments - or if you actually have a full tour report by some miracle - please get in touch with us.

The pictures, however, are all complete and captioned, and these tell much of the story without the need for words!

Catherine met us at Totnes rail station and we all took the 0948 train for Plymouth. We planned to rake the Torpoint ferry to Saltash and then to ride along the south coast, through Downderry and to Looe, then on to the Bodinnick Ferry to Fowey.

Golant hostel is a large mansion set in its own grounds overlooking the river Fowey.