New rider Charlie brought attendance into double figures for the first time since January on this crisp and sunny autumnal morning. Coats were being stowed in bags by the time we reached Hawson Court. We were keeping options open regarding destination and ride length all the way to Holne, but then we had to make a decision. Charlie was doing well and was still enthusiastic, so we decided to go for the big loop via Dartmeet. After climbing to Venford reservoir we took the bridle path down over the moor to Combestone and the stepping stones at Dartmeet, a new experience for many of our youngsters. When everyone had picked their way across the river we headed for the Dartmeet cafe for lunch.

Charlie had been dreading Dartmeet hill ever since he saw it from the track, but as it turned out he wasn't anywhere near the last person up the hill - some youngsters just can't stop talking! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent Dr Blackall's track along the Dart valley and the subsequent high speed descent to New Bridge. A final climb to Holne Chase allowed us to finish on the Slalom track through Hembury Woods, a favourite with many of our riders.

The weather looked promising and everyone seemed capable so today we set out for the longest ride of the year so far. After riding through Ashburton and Bickington we met Tao and Louis at Chudleigh Bridge somewhat later than arranged. Chudleigh provided our last opportunity to buy lunch, but just as we were leaving, Chris' derailleur tangled itself with the rear spokes and required considerable effort to return it to usability. Chris had come out on his old bike as, apparently, he couldn't be bothered to get his new bike out of the shed!

The sun came out as we took the quiet lanes up to Beggars' Bush, making everyone feel bright and enthusiastic. Two more delays caused by Chris' derailleur just made us all the more determined to reach our intended destination. Crossing the very busy A380 took longer than expected, but soon we had ridden along the tracks to Mamhead Obelisk and were enjoying lunch overlooking the Exe estuary, with spectacular views to Exmouth and beyond.

It was nearly 3pm when we set off for the return journey, which took us along the Haldon ridge to Telegraph Hill and the racecourse and then down towards Chudleigh from Buller's Hill. When Keir got a puncture we really wondered what we had done to deserve so many problems. Tao did the honours this time, leaving us with precious little time before dusk. Louis and Tao left us as Chudleigh Knighton, Keir returned home at Heathfield, and the rest of us made it as far as Bickington before Chris' derailleur finally gave up the ghost. So in the end, Michael's hopes that he could avoid removing it and shortening the chain were dashed. There was tiredness all around as we took the back lanes through Ashburton, arriving home by around 5.30. Lights will now be a requirement for everyone on Sunday rides!

(Previous recorded mileage for today's ride was 39 miles)