Babbacombe Downs was tranquil compared with the bustle of Torquay's harbour area. Matthew led us homewards through Daccombe and Edginswell, bringing us out at the bottom of Shiphay to everyone's annoyance! They couldn't complain though, as no-one else knew the correct route through the estates either.

Taking the road past Rattery to Dartington, Mark was relieved to get through without falling off on this occasion. Michael delayed everyone at Brutus Bridge by getting a puncture in his puncture-proof tyre, but it was later that the real problems began.

Setting out along the riverside path to Dartington a group of teenagers advised us not to proceed as the path was flooded further along. They were hanging around under the bridge and looked as though they were out for a laugh. No-one thought that there could possible be floods after all the dry weather, so we ignored their warning.

Of course we had forgotten that this stretch of river was tidal. Today there was a neap tide, and about halfway along the path our way was blocked by water which came up beyond the hubs. The leading riders braved the waters, getting rather wet in the process, but then came across water that would have come up to their necks, with no alternative route forwards.

There was nothing to be done but retrace our steps, fortunately only as far as the industrial estate where we were able to rejoin the road. We were now hopelessly late, but by careful choice of route we managed to get home by 10pm, with several wet feet to back up our stories.

The Buckfastleigh starters made their way to the Pulsford pick-up via Green Lane, Beaston and the Knowle track. The others were waiting, and had to wait a little longer while John tried rolling in the pile of straw that lay by the roadside.

Taking the lanes through Denbury to Ipplepen made everyone thirsty, so Pick 'n' Park was again selected to provide our refreshments. Martin and John took great pleasure in annoying Michael by eating enormous iced desserts. Shane, however, was more concerned about escaping from the wasp that buzzed around his apple juice.

Marldon riders had an easier return than the Buckfastleigh riders, who rode past the remains of the Rising Sun Inn which was partially destroyed by fire a few weeks earlier.

Would the ride take place or wouldn't it? Indecision gripped us as the drizzle fell, but eventually we went, keeping close to home as ever. The Combe Fishacre road brought is quickly to Ipplepen. From here we rode past Denbury to Two Mile Oak. Young David wanted to explore a side track: it turned out to be a dead end, but everyone enjoyed the ride - except Matthew, who moaned "like a girl's blouse" according to Dave Senior! The ride finished by exploring a new link from Stoneycombe to North Wilborough and the nurseries near Shiphay. A proposed track turned out to be barred to unauthorised vehicles, but we were ultimately grateful for the quicker ring road as the rain began in earnest.

The ride to Holne, punctuated by Paul's puncture, was followed by a steep climb to the reservoir. Water levels here were lower than anyone could remember (about 30%). There was time for a short walk before returning through Hembury Woods in the semi-darkness.

This year's 100km ride was similar to last year's event, except that we made better progress in the morning and had some wet weather on occasions during the afternoon. Temperatures were also much cooler, which made the whole ride seem easier.

The route took us through Holne, Hexworthy, Two Bridges, Walkhampton, Yelverton, Ivybridge, Ermington and Totnes. There was some sad news at Ermington when we were told that the Erme Mill cafe would be closing within the week, along with all the other businesses in the estate. Management had apparently decided to convert the property to flats.

Congratulations to the successful participants: Shane Powell, Matthew Jago, Gary Taylor, Jeremy Weston, Michael Jones, Mike Giles and Richard Hopper.

Ken and Julie were forced to drop out when Julie's back began to cause problems. However Matthew and Dave went on to the destination and were thoroughly impressed with the scenic delights of the quiet rural estate. Dave had puncture problems on the way home through Coffinswell, but a "very nice lady" invited the two into her thatched cottage while repairs were effected. The result was another late return - 10.30pm to be precise.

With Michael in foreign parts, it was the ideal time to visit Spitchwick. The outward trip was via the old A38, past the Lanterns and the ascent of Highgrove Hill. It was then onwards to Buckland-in-the-Moor, but before the group descended the hill to Spitchwick a "Michael health warning" was given.

With darkness closing in there was just enough time for a few brave souls to swim in the river while everyone else amused themselves upon the Common. The return trip was via New Bridge and Hembury. But before the descent into Hembury Catherine Hopper caused major delays when her chain became jammed. The whole chainset had to be removed to free it. By this time darkness had descended and with Ever Ready beams lighting the way the group arrived in Buckfastleigh at the rather late time of 10.15.