The participants in this year’s ‘Spectacular’ seemed less able to generate their own entertainment than previous groups. Perhaps the lack of adult and near-adult contribution was partly to blame. Nevertheless, computer games, videos, synthesisers and vegetarian mince pies seemed more than adequate for many of the youngsters.

Many thanks to Kevin and his family for laying on this daytime ‘social with a difference’ at Ilsington. Several awards were presented as follows: Graham Brodie, for the most festively decorated cycle (a miniature Christmas tree on the back complete with working lights); Kevin Presland, for the most impractical dress (a bow tie amongst other things); John Stuart, for the silliest Christmas present (a tyre patch); Dominic Sanders, for the greatest number of seconds spent in Kevin’s outdoor swimming pool (9); and Hunter Brimmacombe, for contributions to the general feeling of adventure (A broken hub spindle).

There were also certificates of commendation for the slide contributors (Graham, Michael, Phil, Kevin and Don).

This Exchange Ride (Torbay and South Dartmoor meeting at a pick-up for the sole purpose of bringing Torbay riders to the South Dartmoor ride and vice versa) turned into a joint ride in view of the relatively small number of participants. We joined the seven Torbay members on their trip towards Grimspound, although we didn’t intend to follow them up the steep track from Heathercombe which led up into what appeared to be a particularly damp cloud. Instead we preferred the idea of the all-downhill route to Widecombe where we could visualise endless cups of tea and cakes.

The others joined us there much later, wet and bedraggled, having time for only one quick ‘cuppa’ before setting off on the homeward journey via Cold East Cross.

The light drizzle we had experienced at Buckfastleigh became steadily heavier and colder as we progressed up Wallaford road towards Cross Furzes. Having confirmed the relationship between rainfall and altitude to everyone's satisfaction we made a hasty U-turn to Crofters - a little too hasty in Tim's case, as he rode into the hedge during the descent!

Escape to Witch Mountain provided suitable entertainment for the youngsters at this enjoyable social.

A number of factors conspired to ensure that no-one was available to lead the scheduled ride to Redlake, so a brief excursion through the lanes of Landscove and Staverton weas undertaken instead.

Saturday's trip to Salcombe youth hostel had been cancelled by the warden, much to the disappointment of the youngsters who had booked, because his water pipes had been frozen by snow. There was no way we were going to be done out of a ride through the snow today, however, so off we set towards Slapton Sands, stopping frequently for the inevitable snowball fights.

It was near East Allington that Marc fell into the snow and made the fatal mistake of lying there asking for help. He quickly became soaking wet and cold, in that order, and was more than grateful to settle into the warm dining room at Torcross.

With lots of encouragement he managed the return journey as far as the Forces cafe, where a kind father was waiting to transport both him and his brother back to Ashburton. The rest of the group completed this otherwise excellent ride as winter darkness fell.

D.A.R.Y.L. was the subject matter for this evening's social by popular request.

Progress towards the Primrose cafe was impeded somewhat by the Bovey bypass roadworks which had cut across the old railway track, but eventually we arrived to enjoy a superb spread of tea and cakes.

When the 'exchange' (with Torbay Section) had taken place we set off up the steep wooded little lanes near Rudge for the thirty minutes journey to the destination. Colin was able to guide us to an interesting little cave up in the woods which boasted a boy-sized exit at the rear, providing endless opportunities for lunch-time amusements. One amusement which wasn't cave-related - covering Michael's bicycle with huge dead branches - did not amuse Michael at all!

The afternoon involved riding through North Bovey and Jay's Grave to Widecombe, the remaining snow providing fuel for occasional snowball fights along the way. There was, of course, time for a visit to the Wayside cafe before making our various ways homeward.

A repeat of the January Afternoon Run's weather conditions led to an unprecedented mutiny as every last man voted to turn for home near Ausewell!