Although Bovey Tracey was the designated final pick-up for this ride, Drum Bridges served as the unofficial rendezvous with just a brief stop in Bovey itself. The outward route involved a stiff climb to Trenchford and Tottiford reservoirs, where Ken Twydell's Rann trailer, for his son Paul, attracted attention from a passing motorist.

At the base of Blackingstone Rock the weather conditions were ideal for lunch, but as carrot missiles rained down upon Michael from on high he could well have been thinking of that classic Spencer Tracey film "Bad Day at Black Rock". After lunch several members climbed the shallow steps to the top and lived to tell the tale.

A refreshment stop was made early in the afternoon at the Mearsdon Manor in Moretonhampstead, where the quality and price of the ice cream earned much praise. And Luke Hatherly, who had toiled throughout his lunch break on the removal of his mudguard, devoured a gargantuan portion of toast and jam - richly deserved.

Paul HW's day was made when he heard that we would be passing through North Bovey's ford. By the time the rest of the group arrived he was already wading through the icy water and it was Paul who contributed the almost obligatory puncture on the track which followed.

Return was by way of Hemsworthy and Cold East Cross. Congratulations must go to Toby Hopper for completing his first full-day ride at the age of nine years with energy to spare. Young Paul Twydell also did well of course, but members couldn't help noticing how cool and collected he looked at the top of each hill - in marked contrast to his poor father who had been pulling him of course.

We are most grateful to the Lakeman family for assisting with the CTC stand at the Torbay Sports Fair while the rest of us were out enjoying the sunshine. There was a great deal of interest at the stand, which we hope will show itself with even more new members over the coming weeks.