Most people sleep at night, particularly after a day of cycling. There is usually an exception to the rule, however, and on this occasion it was Lee, who entertained everyone all night by throwing his blankets on the floor from his top bunk and then shivering loudly until Laurence threw them back up again. To top it all, he got dressed at 5.30am and wandered downstairs to watch tv! Clearly nobody had told him that wardens don't approve of such behaviour.

After an orderly breakfast and some doorstep photographs (some taken by our new friend Michael Stringer from Launceston) we set off into the morning. And what a morning it was. The sunshine and temperatures were enough to convince anyone that spring was here, and the abundance of primroses and snowdrops seemed to prove the point beyond doubt. The Torridge estuary formed a delightful backdrop during our descent to the village, with boats glinting in the sunshine and Appledore rising up behind.

North Devon Section had kindly agreed to meet us this morning to guide us around their territory. A few were waiting for us as we arrived; when the others turned up there were twenty five cyclists in the group. North Devon Section are all adults at present, so we had plenty of variety in the final group.

We took the cycle path back to Barnstaple - much easier now without the headwind - and then followed our friends to the fabulous St. John's garden centre near Newport. No, we hadn't all turned into gardening fanatics overnight. The centre boasted a superb cafe facility, situated to the rear of the retail area and surrounded by plants of all descriptions. This had to count as one of the nicest environments for a cafe. To make things better, the food was good and the prices were excellent.

Craig used the garden centre to good effect by buying a pair of gardening gloves. He had left his cycling gloves at home and had been suffering all morning from cold hands.

The lanes through Herner offered delightful scenery as they followed the river Taw towards Umberleigh. When Laurence broke a brake cable near Hawkridge the proposed extension route was abandoned, the group descending instead past Hoe farm to Umberleigh station. Mark couldn't help noticing the lambs "gambolling in the meadows".

Lunch was enjoyed in continuing sunshine at the station. We were early enough to see our homeward train on its outward journey to Barnstaple - and fortunately it consisted of two DMUs linked together, with two guard's vans. We were able to warn the guard, so he was ready for us when he returned.

Saying goodbye to our Barnstaple friends we settled down to enjoy the ride to Exeter. The train was so comfortable that some were sent to sleep - except those in the forward carriage who were entertained by a young gentleman wandering around bottomless (not one of our group I hasten to add).

I'm not sure whose idea it was to use the lifts at Exeter station, but it took a lot longer than carrying the bikes over the footbridge. To make matters worse, the lift could only accommodate about four bikes at a time. It was definitely more fun though. As the doors closed on the innocent cyclists, those queuing outside could here the gas filling the chamber. When the doors opened a few minutes later, the cyclists were gone ..

The next train back to Newton was not due for three hours, so the group elected to make the most of the good weather and cycle home. The route took us along Cowick street to Ide before depositing us at the bottom of Dunchideock Hill. This climb felt like mount Everest to some members. It was during the final ascent that Craig broke his rear derailleur. He said he was "just cycling along normally and it broke", getting itself caught firmly in the spokes of his wheel. There was nothing else to do except remove the offending item, shortening the chain so that he could ride the bike home in mid-range gears.

Everyone got home safely. Michael took Lee and Eugene home by car from Buckfastleigh to Totnes as it was getting rather late. And so it was that a great weekend came to an end. It had been a little tiring, but I'm sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.