Archive 1992

South Dartmoor CTC

Just how many exciting adventures can one club possibly organise in a single year? Judging by the tales told on this page, well over 100! This special archive page has been compiled from all available ride reports, attendance lists and photographs from 1992. It marks several "firsts":

* The first time these reports have been seen since they were originally printed as part of the section newsletters at the time

* The first time that attendances have ever been seen alongside the ride reports.

* The first time that photographs taken on the rides have ever been seen outside Section slide shows or linked with the ride reports

Problems with Michael's camera in 1992 meant that photographs were not always of the best quality, and as a result fewer photographs were taken than in previous years. If you have any photographs of any of our 1992 events, please get in touch with us so that we can add them to the page. We can also supply high quality prints of our photographs if required, including prints of photos that we couldn't add to the web page.

If you took part in any of these events we'd love to hear from you - please fill out the comments form at the end of this page, and we'll add them to our Comments page.

And of course, if you were on any of these rides you will always be welcome to join any of our current range of club rides and activities.

Sunday 5 January

Afternoon ride (BF): Didworthy

4 Present: Neil Ault, Dayle Guy, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware

Weather: overcast

A short but brisk ride took us to Didworthy and then back across the moor via the Avon Dam and Cross Furzes. Michael wondered at the way the mountain bikers sped across the wet grassy inclines, commenting that he always felt nervous about his near-bald front wheel slipping out on the mud. As an experiment he decided to ignore his inner warning bells and try a faster descent - with inevitable results!

Sunday 5 January

Afternoon ride (PT): Chercombe Bridge (25m)

6 Present: Harry Hall, Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker	Weather: about to rain but never did
Ken brought his Moulton again today, and reckons that Gary Taylor was surprised at its performance. We had a good ride to Ogwell, returning via Broadhempston and Red Post - where young Robert had to buy sweets!

Friday 10 January	Social: Map Reading	1900-2200
10 Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker

A small turnout, and those who came along already knew a fair amount about map reading. Nevertheless we had some fun solving some cryptic map-reading quizzes from previous years.

Sunday 12 January

Day Ride: Doddiscombsleigh

14 Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Bob Taylor, Gary Taylor, Ken Twydell, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: Cold but bright

We were overtaken by a group of racing cyclists as we ambled up the Teign Valley. Martin and Seb just couldn't resist the temptation to race after them, hoping to prove that mountain bikes are every bit as fast on the road as racing bikes. Unfortunately they forgot all about stopping, and were nowhere to be seen when we were ready to turn off the road. We met them later in Doddiscombsleigh and found a quiet rural spot just outside the village for lunch.

Eliot was very, very slow today, but eventually we got back to the craft centre cafè at Bovey Tracey for refreshments.

Friday 17 January	Social: Paignton Social	1900-2200
10 Present:

Lots of nice food, Trivial Pursuit, cycling chat, parlour games and the Taylors' inimitable hospitality made this another pleasant evening.

Sunday 19 January

Hardriders Day Ride: Clifford Bridge (52m)

2 Present: Martin Hills, Richard Hopper

Weather: cold & overcast

A morning cafè stop was necessary to ward off the cold (well, Moretonhampstead has to exist for some reason). Martin pretended he hadn't had breakfast, so justifying his two helpings of cheese on toast, while Richard made do with an enormous slice of cake. Thus fortified we headed towards Castle Drogo, where we split up: Martin rode the Hunter's Path in the opposite direction to normal, and Richard took the road, meeting up at Clifford Bridge. Later on at a stop for a breather, Martin looked pensive. "You've gone very quiet," remarked Richard. "I'm just listening to your puncture," he replied, and he was right. On the way back we searched in vain for a bridlepath the map showed running from the Claycutters Arms to Heathfield, and got our bikes very muddy in the process.

Sunday 19 January

Morning ride (BF): Gatcombe Tracks

14 Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Sam Everett, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: cold

This was a brisk ride, taking us through Broadhempston and Red Post, where Michael remembered a track short-cut to Berry Pomeroy castle just in time to give the ride an interesting new twist. Gatcombe Tracks turned out to be rather muddy to put it mildly, but they are always good fun. We returned home via Littlehempston and Staverton, stopping only for a puncture at the weir. The ride would not have been so brisk if Eliot hadn't been riding a brand new bike which helped him to ride 'like the wind'.

Sunday 19 January

Morning ride (PT): Combe-in-Teignhead

5 Present: Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Dave Humphreys, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker	Weather: cold but dry
We had a bite to eat at Combe Cellars after enjoying a pleasant ride along Haccombe track, and then bumped into Mike & Jenny Bryant. Return home was by way of the bird sanctuary and pond at Combe-in-Teignhead, and Coffinswell.

Friday 24 January	Social: Bicycle Workshop	1900-2200
13 Present: Neil Ault, Ben Hobday, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger

There were more adult trainers than there were junior pupils at this South Dartmoor School social which explored the techniques involved in the regreasing of hub and bottom bracket bearings. Many thanks to all the adults for giving up their evening.

Sunday 26 January

Day Ride: Avon Railway

19 Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Andrew Guy, Harry Hall, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Luke King, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger

Weather: sunny & fresh

The path to the destination was a bit overgrown today, so much so that Michael was trembling in his shoes as he stood in the riverside glade at the bottom, waiting for Lorraine and Charlie to emerge from the undergrowth. Fortunately they seemed to be prepared to overlook the matter on this occasion!

Matthew Hamlyn-White was awarded a mention in the newsletter for being the first Section member to bring a Pot Noodle on a ride - made up with hot water from his flask. When Tom had recovered from his painful injury (sustained by accidentally falling across his top tube during the descent) and we had enjoyed a lunch in what must be the best possible surroundings, we set off along the old railway track in the general direction of Topsham Bridge. This path turned out to be much more to everyone's liking, being relatively dry and clear of brambles. The South Brent to Kingsbridge railway must have been a very scenic route in its day.

We got back to Totnes by 1530 - just in time to stop for refreshments at a cafè below the Totnes arch.

Sunday 2 February

Afternoon ride: Rolster Bridge

15 Present: Neil Ault, Alan Dawson, Sam Everett, Thain Hatherly, Decima Jones (A, new), Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, David Robinson, Philip Robinson, Ken Twydell, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker

Weather: dry but slightly grey

Disaster struck today before the ride had really begun. Dave Robinson, approaching the Totnes pick-up from Marldon, somehow lost control and fell off during the descent of Bridgetown Hill. Regrettably he fractured his leg near the hip joint, and is still recovering at home. It is very unusual to sustain breakages of this kind through falling off a bike. We all wish Dave the speediest of recoveries, and hope that he will soon be able to join in our activities again.

For the rest of us, unaware of the seriousness of the incident, the ride continued with a vague air of normality: Neil had a puncture; Martin Luke had a puncture, but didn't start fixing it until we were about to leave ... We didn't make it to Rolster Bridge today, but derived some pleasure from a brief ride in the Harberton direction before heading homewards.

Friday 7 February	Social: Games Evening	1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley

More fun and games at the Southpark Centre, Buckfast.

Sunday 9 February

Day Ride: Fingle Bridge

14 Present: Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Thain Hatherly, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: showers

A brisk ride through Lustleigh (notable for the fact that we did not stop at the Primrose cafè) and the Wrey valley brought us quickly to Moretonhampstead and the lanes beyond. The sun was shining so we stopped for lunch beside the grassy track near Cranbrook Castle - only to be rained upon rather viciously within twenty minutes.

As we began the climb from Fingle to the upper reaches of the Hunter's Path, Martin Hills announced that he felt miserable in the rain and wanted to go home by a quicker route. Shortly after he left the rain stopped again and we enjoyed a superb ride along the sunlit path to Chagford. The corner shop was the only refreshment stop available, so Michael made the most of it by purchasing and consuming a pint of milk.

Return was via Hound Tor and Ashburton.

Sunday 16 February

Morning ride (BF): Henroost Mines

13 Present: Daniel Broadbent, Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Martin Luke, Paul Oakley, John Stuart, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: sunny but cold and windy

Once again we didn't make it to the elusive Henroost Mines: the youngsters were finding the bitter headwind somewhat tiring by the time we reached Venford. John Stuart would have been happy to continue, however: he thought the ride was all day and had brought a packed lunch!

We decided to take the interesting bridleway down the Holy Brook valley to Michelcombe, but Alan didn't see us turn off to the left and disappear over the hill. A few moments later Seb was chasing after him, shouting uselessly against a headwind.

The descent offered delightful views of the unspoilt valley: on this occasion there were no injuries along the treacherous upper reaches of the track. We returned to Buckfastleigh at 12.30 after an excellent ride. A number of members opted for videos and computer games at Crofters before setting off for a late lunch.

Sunday 16 February

Morning ride (PT): Rattery

No report available

Friday 21 February	Social: Slide Show 2	1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Richard Burge, Alan Dawson, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Martin Luke

This travelogue of the Section's 1989 Norwegian tour did not come close to attracting the large audience won by the autumn show, but offered some amusing images of present members in their childhood.

Sunday 23 February

Day Ride: Gara Mill (35m)

12 Present: Neil Ault, Tom Current, Alan Dawson, Harry Hall, Thain Hatherly, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Sebastian Lessware, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Sam Wilde (J, new)

Weather: dry, occasional sunshine

We enjoyed a brief chat with our neighbouring Torbay Section members at the Totnes pick-up before we set off for an all-new route to Gara Mill. We started off as we meant to go on with the delightful (but sometimes muddy) Sharpham Drive. Ashprington was inevitably the next port of call, and then at Tuckenhay the members demanded 'Corky' in reverse. As we reached a junction part-way up the track, Dave Humphreys suggested the left fork instead of our usual right. We were rewarded with snowdrop-lined hedgerows and excellent views of Tuckenhay and the Dart - and I suppose the mud at the end was a reward for some.

The track brought us out in Cornworthy, a village we haven't visited for many a year. We followed a lane from the village which brought us to the more familiar territory of Higher Tideford, and had lunch in the sunny shelter of the big dip just before Hemborough Post. Poor Alan had been making heavy weather of the ride today, so he was very glad of the rest.

The exploration of new routes didn't end with the consumption of lunch. We continued to Bugford Farm and took more interesting new lanes to the destination - a picturesque mill surrounded by woodland and situated by a river in a steep-sided and very private valley. Some members were so intent on getting up the far side that they rode straight past the mill, unaware that it was the destination and oblivious of the scenic delights of the area.

We returned to Moreleigh from where some continued to the Copper Kettle at South Brent for refreshments. Congratulations to young Sam, who performed admirably on his first ride.

Sunday 1 March

Afternoon ride (BF): Sigford

8 Present: Harry Hall, Thain Hatherly, Zoe Hatherly, Martin Hills, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Sam Wilde	Weather: damp
Michael was down with a cough this week, but the other keen members had a good ride to the destination through some delightful lanes.

Sunday 1 March

Afternoon ride (PT): Higher Brownstone

? Present:	Weather: damp
No report available

Friday 6 March	Social: Give us a Clue	1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones

This evening is always a lot of fun, and tonight's session was no exception. Highlight of the evening was Julian's pathetic mime of a bat - mimicked later by Dayle when he had to do 'Batman'.

Saturday 7 March

Weekend Ride: Maypool YH

4 Present: Neil Ault, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright

Weather: damp

This was a very poor turnout by South Dartmoor standards. Michael was still afflicted with his cough and wasn't too keen to make matters worse with a drenching on a bike. And so it was that Michael, Neil, Eliot and Paul attended the hostel by car. We had an enjoyable time, and returned next morning after a walk and cafè stop on Paignton sea front.

Sunday 15 March

Morning ride (BF): Huntingdon Warren

13 Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Tom Current, Thain Hatherly, Michael Jones, Luke King, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Andrew Thorne, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: dry but windy

The climb to Cross Furzes was quite pleasantly sheltered from the wind, but it was a very different story as we reached the open moor at Lud Gate. Our immediate task was to climb to the top of Puper's Hill, but the youngsters were soon pushing and not terribly enthusiastic about continuing.

Once we had crossed the top of the hill we were exploring new territory - well, not new to Ben, who helpfully pointed out a track that made the descent to Huntingdon a good deal easier. We viewed the deserted settlements and the relics of the tin mining era and then began to work out how to get home.

We were reasonably familiar with the moorland terrain from Red Lake to Cross Furzes, so we decided to follow the stream down to its junction with the Avon and then pick up the Abbot's Way behind the dam for the journey homewards. The going proved a little boggy in places, and more than one of the younger members got ankle-deep in mud, but the ride rapidly turned into one of the most enjoyable of the winter season to date.

Sunday 15 March

Morning ride (BF): Grattons

3 Present:	Weather: dry & windy
Mark, Robert and Andrew were the only members in attendance at Paignton today.

Friday 20 March	Social: Games evening	1900-2200
8 Present: Neil Ault, Joseph Bellows, Richard Burge, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones,

The low turnout gave us the luxury of enjoying pool, table tennis and computer games without the necessity of queuing - a fabulous evening to end the season.

Sunday 22 March

Day Ride: Hayne Down

8 Present: Daniel Broadbent, Harry Hall, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Ken Twydell, Paul Twydell

Weather: dry but very windy

Ken, whose bad cold was making him unusually miserable today, persevered against the headwinds and steep climbs for as long as he could, but by midday he was ready to go home. He stayed with us for an enjoyable lunch, however, in the shelter of Black Hill overlooking Trendlebeer Down. Several horses were being ridden up an interesting-looking track which followed the edge of Yarner Wood nature reserve - we decided that it might be fun to ride down on another occasion.

Ken and Paul left us at Manaton while the rest of us proceeded up the rough track to Hayne Down, doing our best to ignore Alex's curses which floated up behind us. The wind was quite bearable until we reached the tor: here it was difficult to stand upright, and one could lean at several degrees to the vertical, supported only by the force of the wind.

There was a catering van at Hound Tor which seemed a quicker solution to the refreshment problem than a detour to Widecombe. Alex got Michael to buy him a drink, then Daniel shook him and discovered that he had his own money! He then proceeded to complain about the drink which Michael had ordered, saying he didn't really want it. Definitely a problem child!

We returned to Crofters via Cold East Cross and the Ten Commandments Stone (as windy as Hayne Down) and enjoyed some video and computer entertainment until 5pm.

Sunday 29 March

Day Ride: Ringmore

13 Present: Neil Ault, Tom Current, Harry Hall, Thain Hatherly, Decima Jones, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Mark Moxham, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger

Weather: showers

There was a considerable delay at the Avonwick pick-up, which had something to do with Mark Moxham deciding to make a telephone call from Totnes fifteen minutes after the listed departure time. When he finally arrived at Avonwick he announced that he was going home, so everyone felt it had been well worth the wait!

The forecast was unpromising but we decided to continue as planned while the brighter spells held out. We took the primrose-lined lane from California Cross to Harraton, which was mainly downhill and offered good views across the rolling countryside to Ermington and beyond.

After lunch on one of the B3392's grassy verges the ominous clouds prompted most of the group to make for the Avon Mill cafè at Loddiswell, which made Thaine and Harry even more determined to reach the destination. The main group arrived a few minutes after the downpour began, and the other two walked in about half an hour later, thoroughly drenched.

The rain stopped after an hour, so we headed back through Woodleigh and Moreleigh in brighter conditions.

Friday 3 April

Evening Ride (BF): Staverton

4 Present: Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones	Weather: dry
Matthew and Andrew had to be home before dark, so we just took a short ride along Colston Road (where Michael made a delivery to his Aunt) and home from Staverton via Caddaford.

Sunday 5 April

Afternoon ride: Fishacre Barton

16 Present: Tao Burgess, Matthew Jago, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Glen Powling, Gary Taylor, Andrew Thorne, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Alan Widger (A, new), Ben Widger, Eliot Wright	Weather: sunny
Glen Powling turned up again today out of the blue, after an absence of several years. Buckfastleigh and Paignton starters enjoyed a short ride together past Newhouse Barton and then separated at Ipplepen.

Friday 10 April

Evening Ride (BF): Spitchwick

7 Present: Neil Ault, Tao Burgess, Julian Duquemin, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Chris Platt, Eliot Wright	Weather: sunny but cold
We didn't get thunder today (as we did for our last evening ride to Spitchwick). Another pleasant ride, although it was a little cold on the return.

Sunday 12 April

Day Ride: Haydon Common

13 Present: Tao Burgess, Harry Hall, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, Glen Powling, Philip Robinson, Glen A, Glen B, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger

Weather: sunny but very windy

The old Waddon Brakes section of the A380 was amazingly quiet and safe today following the recent opening of a replacement road section. The location selected for lunch was near the top of the wood at Haydon Common, where the strong wind was very noticeable. After lunch we explored a nearby track which was warm, green and sunny by comparison - so pleasant in fact that several of us took a detour up and down the section to Chiverstone Farm.

The return to Kingsteignton was via Pitt Farm. Here, Michael decided to fix his slow puncture, and was most frustrated to find that the end of his Presta valve was not firmly attached: it dropped into the long grass twice. The first time it was found after an intensive search, but the second time he just gave up and borrowed Charlie's spare.

The length of the ride was taking its toll on Lorraine, but Tao was feeling so fit that he did the big climb past Ashcombe Tower twice. The Walker family went on at their own pace while the rest of us took the track to Humber and returned via Kingsteignton against a tough headwind - funny how the wind seems to change direction so that it is always against us, isn't it?

Friday 17 April

Evening Ride (BF): Staverton

8 Present: Neil Ault, Jane Ford (A, new), Jeremy Ford, Stan Ford, Michael Jones, David Platt, John Stuart, Sam Wilde

Weather:

This was another relatively short ride, because some members didn't have lights. Michael had just carried out a pre-tour service on his Mercian, but when he got to the start he discovered that he had installed his chain incorrectly around the derailleur. The only solution was to dismantle the derailleur.

The outward route was via Colston Road and Staverton Bridge. After taking the riverside track to Staverton we returned through Abham, pausing to inspect the pheasant farm near High Beara and arriving home by 9pm. John was resplendent on his gleaming new Raleigh Royal today, having decided to keep both a touring bike and a mountain bike in his shed from now on.

Sunday 19 April

Afternoon ride: Easter Special

13 Present: Neil Ault, Harry Hall, Ben Hobday, Karina Hobday, David Humphreys, Michael Jones, Seb Lessware, John Stuart, James Twydell, Julie Twydell, Ken Twydell, Sam Wilde, Eliot Wright

Weather: sunny and warm

High pressure dominated the weather and gave us summer-like conditions this afternoon. A number of members made a special effort to join us, including John Stuart, Dave Humphreys, and Sam Wilde. Sam came out from Totnes just to get his Easter Egg (courtesy of Michael) and Easter Chocolate (courtesy of Julie).

We enjoyed a natter in the park at Broadhempston, then a meander through the lanes - nobody minded that this was our usual route, because spring was in the air and the hedgerows were alive with the bright colours of primroses and dandelions. Fermoys did the catering for our cafè stop, leaving a large space in Ken's wallet (he had nearly all his family out today). Michael and Seb didn't fancy any tracks on the return route as their bikes had just been cleaned for the tour.

Monday 20 April

Junior Tour: Somerset & North Devon Coast

18 Present: Neil Ault (15, Buckfastleigh), Jonathan Burgess (13, Winchester), Sam Cannon (11, London), Arthur Caulfield (13, London), Jonathan Crabtree (13, Bristol), Ian Gibbs (15, Rochdale), Michael Jones, Rufus Kähler (12, London), Sebastian Lessware (17, Totnes), Anthony Lowne (10, Stockport), Nicholas Lowne (12, Stockport), David Platt (15, Buckfastleigh), William Raffety (12, Bristol), Zachary Slatter (13, London), Bruno Taylor (13, Winchester), Roger Whalley (13, Winchester), Dan Whittle (13, Cheddar), Tom Widger (13, Totnes)

Weather: variable

1992 Easter Tour, Somerset & North Devon

Click on the link below to read the full report on this 5-day junior tour to Somerset and the North Devon coast. The report includes many full-colour photographs.

Full report

Friday 24 April

Evening Ride (BF):

1 Present: Seb Lessware	Weather: dry
Seb went to Staverton to meet up with Richard, but Richard didn't go because there was nobody else at the Buckfastleigh start. So Seb enjoyed a short solo ride.

Sunday 26 April

Day Ride: Bowden

8 Present: Daniel Broadbent, Harry Hall, Richard Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Ben Widger, Tom Widger

Weather: showery start, sunny later

Confusion reigned supreme this morning when Michael was late at the Buckfastleigh start (yes, later than usual Seb). Richard Hopper was a little late as well, thought Michael had gone and went on to Totnes. Michael and Neil found the start deserted and decided to travel to Totnes by car. When they arrived they found Richard trying to ring Michael to see where he was. Michael promised not to be late again.

We took the easy route to Slapton Sands, making excellent speed. A shower caught us as we got to Torcross, so we treated ourselves to pizza and chips in the Sea Breeze restaurant, a very comfortable establishment. Dan had the nerve to ask if he could eat his sandwiches inside, and seemed surprised when he received a firm refusal from the proprietor.

We completed lunch on the now-sunny beach, throwing in more than a pinch of tomfoolery to round of the meal. Michael, remembering a treacle tart he had purchased from the Inn a year or two ago, decided to try another today and found it far less appetising than he had expected. Just before we left some of the youngsters decided to inspect the tank (a relic from the second world war now permanently on display near the beach) and left Michael to do battle with the officious bloke who told them to get off.

The steeply-sloping fields above the track from Slapton to Strete were swarming with wild rabbits this afternoon. At first glance they were invisible, but if you watched closely for a while you noticed little white bobtails almost everywhere. We returned via Forces Cross - where the cafe appeared totally deserted - and Corkscrew Hill.

Friday 1 May

Evening Ride (BF): Hembury Tracks

7 Present: Neil Ault, Clive Buckland, Julian Duquemin, Andrew Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Michael Jones,	Weather: sunny
We wanted to get back reasonably early tonight, so we rode up through Hembury Woods (passing several squirrels along the way) and down the track from below Galant le Bower to the Country Park. From here, Martin and Clive chose to take the track back through Hembury whilst the rest of us returned to Crofters for refreshments via Ashburton.

Sunday 3 May

Afternoon ride (BF): Stert Barton

9 Present: Thain Hatherly, Richard Hopper, Toby Hopper, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Ben Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: sunny & calm

Richard and Toby were out on their Tandem today to make the most of this perfect afternoon. Our route took us up Dean hill, into South Brent, through Avonwick and Diptford to Stert Barton. Here the hilly lanes were lined with hedgerows alive with a huge variety of flowers and other vegetation. There were several ups and downs to tackle, but the whole ride was a delight.

Returning to the main road we continued homewards via Tigley and the Cobberton road. Buckfastleigh starters concluded the ride with live computer entertainment at Crofters.

Sunday 3 May

Afternoon ride (PT): Littlejoy

? Present:	Weather: sunny
No report available

Friday 8 May

Evening Ride (BF): Skerraton Down

? Present:	Weather:
No report available

Sunday 10 May

Day Ride: Grimspound

17 Present: Richard Adams (17, new), Matthew Bentley, Richard Goss (13, new), Dayle Guy, Thain Hatherly, Martin Hills, Richard Hopper, David Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Mark Moxham, Paul Oakley, Philip Robinson, Ben Widger, Tom Widger, Eliot Wright

Weather: mainly dry

We took the B-road from Bovey to Manaton and enjoyed lunch in the sun at the junction above Heatree Cross. Just for a change we decided to try the steep track to Heathercombe. After a lot of climbing, which took us past a secluded adventure centre, we reached the top and sat down for a well-earned rest. As the conversation died down, the sound of running water could be heard emanating from Richard Hopper's selected seat! Richard was quick to point out that it was nothing to do with him: he just happened to be sitting on a disguised drain cover!

We left the tarmac here and set off across a stretch of open moorland that was completely new to all of us. It was difficult to follow the 1:50 000 map across the barren terrain. At one point Michael sent the main group off in one direction, then changed his mind and took the remainder in another, more boggy direction which in fact proved to be the correct route. The main group either didn't look back or simply chose to continue regardless, and didn't even have the sense to come back or wait when they reached a cross-paths. Instead they selected a route at random to see where it would lead and hurtled off across the moor.

The path took them all the way to Canna Park while Michael and the others spent over an hour scouring the moor in search of the missing cyclists. They finally arrived by road with Dave Humphreys: he had just happened to be lost as well, having set off from Paignton more than an hour late, and had bumped into the youngsters around the first corner. Dave was quickly given the blame for the whole situation, but we were pleased to see him so it didn't really matter.

We returned home via Widecombe and Leusdon, feeling grateful that the forecast rain hadn't materialised.

Friday 15 May

Evening Ride (BF): Buckland Beacon

7 Present: Neil Ault, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright	Weather: dry but cold
Matthew HW wanted to go to Buckland Beacon, so that's where we went. We were rewarded with excellent views of a hot air balloon, and very cold extremities. A quick vote directed us to return by a similar route with all possible speed, to play games by the fire at Crofters.

Sunday 17 May

Day Ride: Bantham Sands

17 Present: Richard Adams, Richard Goss, Dayle Guy, Luke Hatherly, Thain Hatherly, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Paul Oakley, Bob Taylor, Mrs Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Loraine Walker, Robert Walker, Eliot Wright

Weather: sunny & windy

This ride broke all recent records by attracting two women - the Ladies Taylor and Walker to be precise. The sand at Bantham is exceedingly fine, and managed to get absolutely everywhere with the assistance of a persistent wind. Eating lunch in a semi-permanent sandstorm meant that there was rather more sand in our sandwiches than we would have liked! We were thoroughly entertained for the entire half hour by a gentleman who was flying an enormous kite further down the beach: every so often the wind would take a firm grip on the kite and lift the owner more than a metre into the air.

On the return we stopped at the Sorley Tunnel Centre, a farm owned by one of Michael's relations, where the excellent, modern cafe offered a good range of food at bargain prices. Buckfastleigh starters managed to scrape home before 6pm.

Friday 22 May

Evening Ride (BF): Landscove

7 Present: Neil Ault, Julian Duquemin, Dayle Guy, Martin Hills, Michael Jones, Paul Oakley, Eliot Wright	Weather: sunny
This was a re-run of one of our favourite evening rides, taking us along Colston Road to the riverside track at Staverton. We noticed that the meadow at the Staverton end of the track had been fenced off since our last visit, presumably to deter people from taking the short cut across the centre. We returned via Landscove, arriving home at 9pm.

Sunday 24 May

Day Ride: Holcombe Burnell

20 Present: Richard Adams, Daniel Broadbent, Tom Current, Julian Duquemin, Richard Goss, Andrew Guy, Dayle Guy, Matthew Hamlyn-White, Martin Hills, Richard Hopper, Dave Humphreys, Michael Jones, Alex Lessware, Seb Lessware, Philip Robinson, Bob Taylor, Andrew Walker, Charlie Walker, Robert Walker, Ben Widger

Weather: sunny

James Allason, a new member from Paignton, met us at Chudleigh Bridge today to suss us out: he was suitably impressed and vowed to bring his bike next week.

This really was an excellent turnout. After riding up the Teign Valley, Richard Hopper turned off to lead the senior ride to Laurence Castle, but he had no followers today - which virtually sealed the fate of senior rides! We continued along the B-road, climbed to Longdown and were just about to turn left for the destination when Julian and Martin decided to go to Exeter instead: apparently Julian had never ridden all the way to Exeter before, and now that he was this close he wasn't going to miss the opportunity!

We followed the road past the church, then took the farm track down to the woods. Here we enjoyed a peaceful lunch time in the dappled sunlight, pursuing various discussions about the relative merits of Red Dwarf (which Michael hated) and Fawlty Towers (which Michael liked).

The way out was hampered by several stiles and some overgrown undergrowth - we so wished that Ken had been out on his tandem to enjoy these obstacles. Scratched and stung we finally found the main road. Bob and the rest of the Paignton contingent thought rain was in the air and headed home, but the rest of us took the climb to Bridford and the reservoirs. Trenchford was surprisingly low for the time of year.

We were aiming for Bovey, but a cafe sign at the entrance to Beadon Farm caught our attention. The onset of a heavy shower settled the matter, so we quickly moved in to occupy all four tables. Other customers were turned away before we realised that several of the members didn't want to buy anything! Michael sent them outside in disgrace while he awaited his glass of fresh farmhouse milk with eager anticipation. What eventually arrived was a glass of double cream, which he forced down with as much dignity as he could muster.

Catastrophe struck as we descended the steep hill to Bovey: Daniel hit a wet patch in the road, lost control and grazed his arm rather severely. The hospital was conveniently close (sited at the bottom of the hill for just such eventualities no doubt) so no time was wasted in dressing the affected area. He managed to cycle home without too much difficulty after stopping off at Buckfastleigh for a drink and a rest.

Friday 29 May

Evening Ride (BF):

3 Present: Neil Ault, Martin Hills, Michael Jones	Weather: damp
Michael, Martin H and Neil decided that a Crofters social was better than a damp ride.

Sunday 31 May

Day Ride: Slapton Sands