Our famous track-intensive ride may not have been quite what Leo and Susan had been expecting on their first ride with us. Avoiding the flying golf balls we picked our way up the side of Ugborough Beacon and enjoyed lunch on the top in a stiff breeze. We then followed the usual route along the Redlake Tramway, a few going all the way to Redlake and discovering some delightful muddy ditches - which kept them entertained for quite some time.

The path from here back to Cross Furzes is somewhat rough to say the least, and the newcomers decided that enough was enough and headed for tarmac at the Avon Dam. A number of members were kept entertained throughout the afternoon with Gary's radio, which was tuned to the men's singles final at Wimbledon.

The long climb to Lud Gate left younger members in no mood for another climb to Pupers Hill - much to Michael's disappointment. There was plenty of fun to be had in the descent to Chalk Ford, however, and the ride homewards via Scorriton.

Richard Hopper had prepared an excellent course for us today. There were three teams and three separate loops, each starting and finishing at Broadhempston. The team that earned the most points (by completing all three loops of the course) were deprived of victory by Richard's system of time penalties which moved them instantly to last place - but warning was given at the outset that unspecified penalties would apply, so they couldn't really complain. Everyone enjoyed the event despite the oppressive heat.

Marcus and Edward were in trouble today for dangerous riding on one of Colston Road's many bends. At Staverton, some walked through the river before we set off for home via Landscove.

Very hot weather made this weekend particularly exhausting despite the selection of the easiest possible routes. British Rail escorted us on four separate trains between Newton Abbot and Eggesford, all of them DMUs, without a single hitch - well done BR. We took the A377 to Barnstaple and then the cyclepath to Instow - virtually flat all the way. There was time for a walk to Instow beach after supper. The hostel was well-liked by everyone, most looking forward to their next visit.

When everyone had finished sliding down the Anaconda Run tube at the River Dart Country Park Martin suggested a new route through Holne Chase - a track! It sounded like a good idea to the mountain bikers, and indeed it was an interesting route. The problem was, it was all uphill, and it finally brought us out even higher than we needed to climb, near Galant Le Bower! Perhaps we'll try it the other way next time.

There was still time for Julian, Martin and Andrew to jump off the rope at Spitchwick despite our delays. When they had dried off we climbed the hill again to return via Hembury Woods.

Only Ken and Martin Luke attended this ride, so they decided to join forces with the two Torbay Section members who had supported the Torbay Section evening ride.