This energetic grade 3 ride attracted a good turnout, including Alan Skinner and Phillip Harler who coped very well with the fast pace despite their tender years.

An unusually friendly tailwind blew us along the A38 from Avonwick to Ivybridge, from where we took the cross-country route to Cornwood. There was just time for an ice-cream-and-photo stop before we were forced to continue to the reservoir via Cadover Bridge. It was the last hill that really wore us out: we were now riding into the wind, and suddenly it didn't seem quite so friendly.

We had arranged to meet the two Rushworths by the reservoir. During the approach we had spotted the police helicopter circling high above, so we guessed that Martin must be somewhere nearby! In the event they failed to find us, so after enjoying a well-deserved lunch on the reservoir's eastern bank we continued along the rocky track to Princetown. The track involved a fair amount of climbing, but the younger riders were often with the leaders. Poor Martin Hills was last, because he had cut himself at the start of the track and was now nursing a wounded knee.

This was the day of the Dartmoor Prison riot, so there was plenty of action at Princetown. While we were enjoying refreshments at the Foxtor cafe (ruined only by Warren and Andrew Simmons who upset the proprietor with their bad behaviour) the authorities took possession of parts of the affected wing of the jail: the large white banner we had seen as we arrived had been removed by the time we left the cafe to look at the numerous satellite dishes and tv cameras that surrounded the scene.

We finally arrived home at about 7.30, having taken the usual scenic route through Hexworthy and Holne. The ride had been tiring, but everyone enjoyed it.