The forecasts for the weekend looked abysmal right up to the start of the ride: storm force winds, torrential rain, all continuing throughout the weekend. In fact the worst weather we experienced was some light rain as we neared the hostel on Saturday evening.

We were not deterred from venturing out for our traditional walk through the woodlands, despite the inky blackness of the night and the promise of rain. Armed with a handful of battery lights we bravely set out, but MJ and Tao were not amused when the rest ran on and left them lightless on a rough path that had numerous pools of water along its length and a fast flowing river close to the edge. There was nothing much to be done except wait for the rest to return. Card games saw us through the remainder of the evening.

The rest of the weekend was plagued with mechanical problems, including Chris Platt's irreparable derailleur spring and numerous punctures. Our Sunday ride was therefore doomed from the outset, so we returned home after a less than satisfying ride, taking all day to ride from the hostel to Buckfastleigh by the direct Moretonhampstead/North Bovey route. We stopped for lunch at Mearsdon Manor, Moreton, as about half the group had not brought a packed lunch.