Matthew Jago's brake cable could have broken almost anywhere, but on this occasion it broke just outside Dave Robinson's house in Marldon. Various tools were quickly produced and the group was soon back on the road again.

The evening continued with a pleasant lane route through Knowle and Broadhempston, returning via Red Post. There was time for a photo call at the top of the lane to Marldon, where Matthew posed in his "home-made" T-shirt - we declined the £5 pose on this occasion.

Highlight of this evening's ride was the investigation of a new Dartmoor track. Having ridden to Galant Le Bower by way of Lower Combe, Higher Combe and Michelcombe we took the track that descends through North Park Wood. It is quite level and smooth at first, but one soon has to tackle stiles, stones, ruts and fallen tree trunks. The verdict as we emerged at Holne Bridge was a definite thumbs up, especially from the mountain bikers.

To round off an enjoyable evening we made use of our newly-acquired permission to ride homeward through the River Dart Country Park, pausing briefly for the inevitable descents on the Anaconda Run.

The long wait at Totnes, caused entirely by Roger who needed a new brake cable fitted to his mountain bike, was ultimately in vain as he had dropped the lever ferrule somewhere on his way in from Dartington.

Rolster Bridge was now unattainable, but new lanes in the Tigley direction made the ride unusual. Highlight of the afternoon came when Michael directed the group along the right-hand fork at Cobberton: on cycling around the corner he found everyone grouped in the farmyard of Higher Cobberton Farm. The chickens found it all quite amusing.

A pleasant evening spent crisscrossing the swathe of the new gas pipeline, as we headed to Kingskerswell and then up to Daccombe (Richard wanted to tackle the double arrow hill). Along the ridge to Milber, turning down the bridleway just before the woods, and back through Compton.

Having tackled Green Lane the ride continued through Abham to Landscove playground, which kept nearly everyone happy for a few moments. The circular route through Forder Green and Broadhempston enabled us to return home quickly at the first sign of rain without getting too wet.

The idea was very simple: climb to the top of each of the ten tors along the carefully chosen route and you get a certificate. Things weren't quite that simple, however.

First the long climb to Haytor from the Bickington pick-up proved a bit much for Ian on his first ride, so Richard escorted him home at a leisurely pace. Of the remaining members most were taking part in the event, leading to something of a scramble to get to the windy summit of Haytor. Only Andrew Simmons, however, was daft enough to carry his bike up as well!

Saddle Tor is just around the corner from Haytor. Its sheltered northern side made an admirable lunch spot, although any letterboxes that may have ëbeen secreted round about eluded our young searchers, Peter and Shane.

Rippon Tor was not to be so easy. As we arrived a dense mist descended on the entire area, making all the nearby tors invisible from the road. Nearly everyone found their way to Rippon Tor, and then to Pil Tor, where a number of letterboxes were uncovered. Top Tor was in an unknown direction, so a nearby outcrop served as the fifth tor.

Next was Bonehill Rocks. The highest point was too high for the majority to climb, so a lower promontory had to suffice. Three more boxes were found here in the drizzle. Tor number seven was meant to be Bel Tor, just opposite Bonehill. Unfortunately a number of meñmbers, led by Dayle, had their minds only on the exciting descent of Bone Hill and the warm Widecombe cafe at the bottom. Only half of the group therefore managed Bel Tor and Chinkwell Tor as planned, discovering an interesting "Whooping" or pivoting rock at the latter.

The last leg of the ride began with a puncture, just a few minutes after leaving the cafe. Nick was the culprit. Unfortunately the damage was too close to the valve to effect a good repair, and Nick didn't have a spare tube. Mark Moxham and Mike Giles kindly did the honours while the rest of the group proceeded to Ponsworthy, up to Beltor Corner and along the rough but scenic track that is known as Dr Blackall's Drive.

There appeared to be no public right of way to Bel Tor (the second tor with that name on our journey), so we continued to Mel Tor, which proved quite straightforward. At nine tors down with just one to go, Michael found it hard to believe that everyone could possibly have gone past Aish tor without stopping. Admittedly it was hard to recognise as a tor, but everyone had been told where it was.

Time was getting on and the day had been quite tiring, so no-one felt like going back. We regrouped at New Bridge and announced the results before making our various ways home. No-one scored ten tors this year, which should encourage everyone to try again in 1990 when this very successful event will be repeated. Certificates will be awarded at the Christmas Lunch.

9 Tors: Martin Hills, Matthew Jago, Philip Roberts, Matthew Comboy, Matthew Paine, Jamie Davey, Matthew Simpson, Michael Jones.

8 Tors: Peter Hern, Dayle Guy, Michael Roberts, Shane Powell, Eugene Tollemache, Peter Rushworth, Martin Rushworth, Gary Taylor, Nicholas Hydon.

7 Tors: Mike Giles

6 Tors: Paul Hamlyn-White, Steven Hills

The Blagdon lanes brought us eventually to the castle, where certain members enjoyed jumping off the speed ramp. After a snack break and a puncture fix the youngsters attempted some stunts on the bank, with varying fortunes. The ride continued along the bridleway to Afton, returning via Fishacre, Torbryan and Ipplepen under the light of a wonderful sunset.

The group were so fit and enthusiastic that we were able to do the full circuit through Spitchwick this evening, riding out through Hembury woods and returning via Buckland-in-the-moor and Ashburton.

There were the usual adventures along the way, of course. At New Bridge, Paul ran off when some of his friends threatened to throw him in the river. He rejoined us in the woods, after Martin had demonstrated his skill at jumping into the pool at Spitchwick from the rope on the rocks above. To round off the evening, Michael offered the remainder of his chocolate bar to the first person to see "My Dear Mother" at Buckland. The only snag was that he ate a piece for every wrong guess (poor Martin Rushworth wasn't very popular). Paul Hedges finally noticed the phrase written around the church clock, and won the single piece of chocolate that remained.

This special half-day invitation ride, timed to coincide with National Bike Week, certainly attracted a good attendance. When the enormous group had met at Broadhempston playground, attempts were made to move in the direction of Denbury school. Nick was there of course, and was pleased (we believe) to let us refill our water bottles at the school. There was time to negotiate the track at Knowle before the riders separated.

Apologies from the ride leader, Richard Hopper, who forgot all about this little ride. The four youngsters present used the time wisely and went for a swim.