Sandwiches with real sand did not make a particularly appetizing lunch but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves in other ways on the beach. Eleven-year-old Mark Morris, who needed a little encouragement on the return through Blackawton in the form of a café stop, set a cracking pace homeward once the cakes had taken effect.

This lively meeting voted to introduce a number of new publicity posts on the Section Committee, each based on a different geographical area. Michael Jones, John Iles and Roger Simmons were re-elected to the posts of Section Secretary, Section Delegate and Social Secretary respectively, with Luke Rake taking on the job of Treasurer.

The long climb onto the moor via Gidleigh Bridge, whilst offering great rewards at the top in the form of quiet isolation and rugged scenery, did not find young Mark Morris in his usual fit form. Like the others he was very grateful to accept Michael's offer of a full cinematic presentation of a video, complete with interval refreshments, after the descent from Cross Furzes.

The election of Matthew as leader provided the group with a suitable target for abuse as the somewhat hilly route from Bovey to Fingle unfolded itself. Spectacular views from the destination contributed to the enjoyment of a late lunch, which in turn provided sustenance for the relatively short trek to Chagford.

The café there made an excellent initial impression when, after an admittedly confused period of ordering, a wide range of good quality, reasonably priced goodies were produced for our delight. The most notable item was Andrew’s £1.50 cream tea which boasted a basket of six scones, a large plate of cucumber sandwiches, three cakes and as much tea, cream and jam as he could wish for. Such was the size of the spread that he had to invite Luke to help him out. It was only when the banquet had been consumed and a bill for £4.50 presented that the poor unfortunates realised the truth: the female proprietor had thought the order was for three cream teas, and she certainly wasn’t going to consider any refunds.

The return journey saw Matthew and Dominic mapping out weird and devious paths through the thick moorland fog as they vied for first place in their latest silly game: the object was to achieve the highest milometer reading of the ride.

Roger’s new compact disc player sprang to life – with a little help from Michael’s compact disc. Mark Morris and Tim Dolley tied for first place in the indoor bowls championship.

This highly successful ride, which followed the usual route through Totnes, Moreleigh, Slapton, Strete and Tuckenhay, was complicated only by the Met Office’s prediction of rain by 5pm. The only time wasted along the way was twenty minutes when Luke, in an attempt to inflate David’s punctured tyre, broke the Presta valve clean in two, and thirty minutes in the Torcross café, where a number of miserly individuals saved 10p by eating their chips outside in the cold.

The grade of this ride changed from hard to easy at Hexworthy when, after a unanimous decision, the destination was changed to Laughter Hole. When the three morning-only riders (Richard Hopper, John Iles and Luke Rake) had split off for Dartmeet the remainder enjoyed lunch by the Dart at Dunnabridge before crossing the heather-strewn moor to Bellever and Widecombe. Tea at the Wayside café was supplied complete with live entertainment – provided on this occasion by the staff who repeatedly dashed out to the roadside to wave gaily at passing tourist-laden coaches.

The return journey, via Buckland and Spitchwick, took us through some of the most beautiful autumn woodlands we have yet seen.

A last-minute change of venue and content did not affect the enjoyment of this social thanks to the efforts of Di and family.

A pleasant meander through the lanes near Broadhempston brought us eventually to Denbury prison and Chercombe Bridge. The eventful part of the journey was yet to come, however, as a number of the group then decided to try the track shortcut to the A383 instead of going around the roads. It was, needless to say, extremely muddy and took them just as long as the roadies. As for the state of their bikes … well, I’m glad I wasn’t anywhere near when their parents got to see them.

The Maypool evening was, as usual, very enjoyable, with North Devon and Torbay Sections also in attendance. The wardens had laid on an excellent firework display followed by hot refreshments served outside on the lawns overlooking the river Dart. The spooky pumpkins really couldn’t hold a candle to the lights of Dartmouth.