The biggest surprises today came not from the weather but from the respective appearances of Craig and Warren, who had been in summer hibernation. There were no signs of cobwebs as they both kept up well with the brisk pace. Sadly, however, Jamie and Matthew were unable to join the ride as they had no transport available from Dawlish.

Following the main road to Kitterford Cross we soon reached "Graffiti House", a derelict building near California Cross with various large messages displayed on the walls. From there it was but a short ride to Reveton Farm and the footpath to Silveridge Wood.

There seemed to be a certain amount of disbelief in the ranks as we gathered at the start of the path. Everyone had been warned about the ride of course, but this looked beyond a joke. One or two would have taken the lengthy road alternative if they hadn't been so hungry and tired.

The atmosphere changed once everyone had actually started along the track. For one thing it was all downhill. And for another it was nowhere near as overgrown as Michael had predicted. There were a few encroaching brambles to contend with, and the carpet of autumn leaves concealed a few stones and pits, but progress was fast and the hedgerows were a delight. And then there was Ian's assurance that he wouldn't fall off this week - of course he did fall off, on the first corner, as everyone had expected, which added further enjoyment to the ride.

The track brought us eventually to the course of the old South Brent to Kingsbridge railway line at the point where it crosses the river Avon. The area was buried in the heart of Silveridge Wood with Autumn leaves ankle deep almost everywhere. This was to be the lunch stop: it would be difficult to imagine a more picturesque location.

Getting the bikes up onto the bridge proved a little more tricky than anticipated, since the holly-lined path was too narrow for a bike. Finally the job was done, and there was the railway track disappearing into the undergrowth, beckoning is to explore it. No-one needed any encouragement.

Things went fine for a while. The track was again very leafy, and vegetation encroached from the sides in places, but the path was level and the scenery unspoilt. Then came a big problem in the form of a fence - an electric fence to be precise, as Steven found out to his cost. After some consideration the bikes were passed (cautiously) over the top of the fence whilst the owners squirmed (equally cautiously) beneath it. There was then a second fence to tackle, the two fences together lining a link lane between two fields to stop the animals straying along the track. This time Craig was not so lucky, performing a spectacular leap into the air after receiving a hefty belt from the unfriendly fence.

Members were warned to watch out for other traps which might have been set for us. A few moments later we encountered the quicksand, and finally noticed that a bridge had been taken out to stop our progress. Seriously though, this was the end of the line as far as the railway was concerned, and there was just the little matter of following the footpath on to the road at Topsham Bridge. This was no easy task in itself: a steep path descended to the bottom of the valley, with the promise of an icy ducking in the Avon for anyone missing their footing.

Back on solid ground once again progress was swift. From Hendham the group rode the easy lane route through Moreleigh to Diptford, returning to the Avon Valley once more for the last lap to Avonwick. And here was the old station, Ham Mill Halt, now a private dwelling but still retaining many of the features that make it obviously a station.

The Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent was a perfect place to finish the day's ride. Young Paul Ledingham was counting up the miles, as he was being sponsored in aid of Children in Need. And Craig was counting up the Cafe Award Scheme votes on the new voting form. Ian may have been counting his bruises, but I think he had enjoyed the ride.