There were three teams for this 'treasure hunt' style map quiz. Everyone seemed to enjoy it despite the cryptic clues - 'Extra Weighty Meaty Place' turned out to be the Moretonhampstead, much to everyone's disbelief.

We made it to the Totnes pick-up despite Jason's attempts to slow us down along Colston road: riding at the front he shouted at several farm dogs, leaving them in a fine temper for the rest of us! On arrival, however, the weather was uninspiring so a return route was selected which included some secluded lanes between Dartington and Rattery, bringing us back to Crofters for lunch.

Bright sunshine and a good group helped to make this one of the best rides of the month. We met Vicky and Gabrielle at Maidencombe beach a little later than planned owing to the presence of Gary on his first full ride. He felt better after a good lunch, however, as could be seen from the way he joined in with the mad antics of the other youngsters on the shore.

Our return route took us through Stoke-in-Teignhead where we made an earth-shattering discovery: here was a contender for our 'Best Cafe in Devon' award! Included with the excellent refreshments were a real log fire and a tiny silver bell, the latter to be rung whenever we needed anything! Why had we not heard of this cafe before?

This evening's social turned out more like a maths workshop than a cycle workshop - the subject was gear ratios.

Our two new lads coped remarkably well today considering the hilly nature of the route. An indication of how well they did is provided by the fact that we reached the destination by lunch-time despite a somewhat gruelling push across the open moor near Laughter Tor against an unfriendly headwind.

The main event of the afternoon, apart from the hiding and relocation of Michael's mini-roll, was unfortunately a spectacular somersault by young Philip, caused in part by the cyclist in front who stopped without warning. He was not seriously hurt, but the incident highlights the need for members to ride predictably at all times.

The Wayside cafe at Widecombe entertained us once again before we returned to Crofters via Bone Hill, enjoying the panoramic beauty of the National Park all the way.

In view of the poor weather, the Copper Kettle cafe at South Brent seemed like a good place to spend the afternoon! Any idea of reaching the destination was quickly abandoned, return being by way of Rattery.

The main confusion surrounding this social was the venue, changed from Summerlands to Crofters at the last minute. After some experimentation we managed to get Andrew's new Byka electronic dynamo unit to operate satisfactorily, and there was of course no shortage of volunteers to try it out around Michael's house.

This year's Spring games evening attracted around seventeen DA members from South Dartmoor, North Devon and Torbay Sections. Many thanks to the wardens for their hospitality, to Colin and Richard for their slide presentation and to Michael for the Crazy Post game - it is always amusing to see everyone running madly around the hostel balconies in search of a postbox bearing the name of some obscure town!

This morning we joined the day ride at Totnes at 10.45.

Rectification of defective wiring led to a belated departure from Buckfastleigh, but those waiting at Totnes were used to taking our 10.45 pick-ups with a (large) pinch of salt, and were not unduly worried by the delay. We ambled through Tuckenhay, with its imposing old factory dominating the village, and having joined the main Dartmouth road at Forces Cross, followed it as far as Hemborough Post, where we took the lanes once more for the last few miles to the coast.

On arrival there was no sign of tower or trams, just a few cold looking cyclists - the hostellers - who got even colder waiting while the day riders ate their lunches. A brief nterlude was provided by a sprightly gentleman who astounded us all by not only going into the sea but actually staying there for a good ten minutes! The most comical aspect to the event was the sight of Mark Moxham watching the gentleman with the sure conviction that he was watching Colin Brierly: 'I never knew Colin had so much stamina!' he was heard to say, before Andrew pointed out that Colin was in fact behind a nearby tree, reading his paper!

Once comestibles had been consumed, we re-mounted for the fairly short run back to Forces Cross, passing the splendid ruin of Oldstone Manor on the way.

The merry throng adjourned to the Pine Lodge cafe, where "the Headmistress" dispensed tea, cakes and good cheer (and discipline to the younger, more unruly element). The final leg of the homeward journey included the descent of 'corkey', though one of the 'mountaineers' disappointed all by opting for the road instead. Mind you, he was probably thinking of the ribbing he'd have received had he fallen off, which he almost certainly would have done.