Two punctures in the Buckfastleigh group delayed the Chudleigh Bridge meeting by half an hour. As there was still plenty of time before supper we wandered slowly up the Teign Valley road, pausing for fresh fruit and carrots at the nursery near Crocombe Bridge.

Paul's new new-derailleur held up well, allowing us to reach the hostel by 6.05 and in plenty of time to settle into our two dormitories. The one in the main hostel building was cosy but lacked proper ventilation - the annexe was definitely not short of that particular commodity! The meal was delicious and filling, and it proved necessary to work off the surplus energy with a lengthy walk along the riverside nature trail.

Sunday dawned bright, but became dull by the time we left at ten, delayed by Martyn needing to replace his brake yoke cable. Through the woods on the north side of Steps Bridge and then along the forestry track to Fingle Bridge. Michael's tyre exploded as he pumped it up. He rang for motorised assistance while we went on, agreeing to meet beyond Chagford.

We struggled up Hunters Path, to be rewarded by the superb descent below castle Drogo and a double puncture for Shane. The repair was inadequate, and Michael reappeared while it was being fixed again. The pressing demand for a lunch stop meant a rather hurried break in a grotty spot just outside Chagford. Then onto the B3212, south past Challacombe Down, and a welcome tea at the Wayside at Widecombe. We then went our separate ways at Cold East Cross.