This was an excellent ride, taking us through some delightful scenery enhanced by the perfect winter weather conditions. Neil, who had been feeling unwell for half an hour, decided to go home at Bovey Tracey - a sensible decision, as it later transpired that he had German Measles.

A steep climb past the hospital brought us quickly to the reservoirs, and thence to the Rock for lunch. A few foolhardy members ate lunch on the top whilst the sensible ones sheltered from the wind at the base of the rock, making the most of the sunshine. Moretonhampstead's Mearsdon Manor provided welcome warmth and refreshments before we proceeded to North Bovey and the famous ford. The river was too high for fording today, but the muddy track offered amusement for many - the sight of Paul HW and others gingerly creeping along a high bank to avoid getting dirty was amusing.

Part way up the hill towards the Manaton road we met an interesting old lady and her two rescued dogs. After a short chat we were on our way again, only to be subjected to a mad motorist hurtling down the hill towards us. The icy patches which were causing us problems did not affect the car, but he very nearly overshot the bend: Paul and others were fortunate to survive!

A 'hot snack van' at Hound Tor proved irresistible for some despite the descending darkness - Dave Robinson certainly wasn't going to wait for them. When we finally descended Ausewell hill we discovered that Tao was in a poor state: his fingerless gloves had done little to protect him from the cold. We thawed him out in the Peartree filling station, and then Michael's gloves protected him for the short journey home. He vowed to bring better gloves in future!