Maypool hostel was in a state of turmoil when we arrived, the electricians having been in residence for some two weeks on a massive rewiring programme. The weekend proceeded only after extensive warnings not to touch any wires that may be found poking out of wall sockets or attic covers, but sadly the warnings failed to stop a certain group of individuals from fusing the hostel immediately prior to the games!

When light had finally been restored everyone tired themselves out in the now-traditional method by posting letters all over the hostel, and then there was time for light refreshments and a birthday celebration for one of our North Devon friends before exhaustion eventually overcame even the youngest members.

Now joined by Philip (and having lost the Lakemans and Glen Dowty) we set off from Maypool for the Dartmouth ferry and light refreshments at one of our favourite establishments in the town. A fabulous climb and subsequent descent brought us to Blackpool Sands just in time to see a courageous gentleman remove his clothing and dive into the icy sea - the same gentleman, in fact, whom we saw on this very ride last year! He told us then that he had a dip on every day of the year regardless of the weather, and now we began to realise that perhaps he was serious after all.

Toby, Gary and Co managed to get wet feet in no time at all while other more sensible souls enjoyed their lunches, and then it was time to set off once more. Delightful lanes near the destination (Bowden) successfully managed to puncture Jason's tyre, but otherwise our progress to Hemborough Post was unimpeded.

Gary brought his walkie-talkies today. Now these devices could actually prove useful on a popular cycle tyre for communications front to back. Today, however, they succeeded only in annoying those who weren't playing with them - all the way back to Totnes.