Some people are put off even by the thought of rain, aren't they? Matthew did very well on the steep climb to Bigadon, although he needn't have rushed because everyone had to wait at the top while Andrew and Michael devoured a hedgefull of wild strawberries on the way up. A short return via Colston brought us home by 9pm for a change - just in time for some chips from the chip shop.

This was to be a special weekend, visiting hostels that are too close to be considered under normal circumstances. Indeed none of us had ever stayed at either Dartington or Start Bay.

Such was the rain on the Friday evening that several took cars to Dartington, arriving just in time to enjoy one of those excellent meals that are often served at the simpler hostels. Having spent the remainder of the evening playing games in the cosy common room we ended the day with a trek across the pitch black courtyard and its various concealed lakes of rainwater, to the annexe which was, in true simple hostel style, our dormitory.

Next morning we were down to six when Richard went home to look after Toby (who had not been well enough to stay with us the previous evening). The small size of our group made it easier for us to chat with other hostellers, like the two German boys who were cycling with their parents to Bellever and whose English left a lot to be desired.

The rain was still with us, and when we had spent the morning looking over the Tridias toy shop and enjoying coffee in Cranks restaurant, we had to make a move. Riding through Totnes we got as far as Tuckenhay before the rain set in again in earnest. In the end we just rode through it by the quickest route to Strete and the Torcross Cafe, and then of course the sun came out.

Start Bay hostel is situated in the village hall, during the summer months only. As we entered we could clearly see where the partitions had been erected. But what was this? A huge plate of scones with cream and jam, together with a large pot of piping hot tea. The warden liked cyclists, and wanted to give us a warm welcome.

We shared the hostel with just three others, all from Australia and New Zealand. One of them discovered an important fact about the electric wall heater in our dormitory by leaving his shirt on it to dry out. A short time later there was a strange smell of burning, and closer inspection revealed that the shirt had turned brown. Mark was so worried about one of his blankets touching the heater during the night that he moved to a different bunk. Seriously though, the heater was obviously getting too hot and could well have been a fire hazard, so we suggest that the YHA investigate the matter with some urgency.

Next morning the sun was out. There was time for a few silly poses from the new Freewheel catalogue before we set off for our favourite cafe in Dartmouth. The sea and coastline looked smashing today, and everyone felt refreshed after that last two days of misery.

Turning inland, some steep lanes brought us eventually to Dittisham where a very lazy hour was spent by the river in the sunshine. I don't remember when we last had such a peaceful lunchtime. Return was via Corky and Bow Bridge, completing an interesting weekend break.

Simon suggested exploration of the public bridleway from Lower Combe, behind High Beara. It turned out to be a delightful enclosed lane, opening out at the top into rolling fields with new views of our familiar scenery in a all directions. Such was the enthusiasm that everyone voted for more tracks. And so it was that we tried the shorter bridleway towards Barkingdon Manor. This was our mistake. Or rather Simon's mistake.

The vegetation encroached from both sides and met in the middle, with brambles and nettles waiting to add additional pleasure to our journey. Well, it was an adventure, but that is all that can be said about it.

We were relieved to continue the ride on surfaced roads, even if one of them was Colston Road.

The prospect of rain (again) in the afternoon was enough to make us change our route to a more circular one, keeping within close dashing distance of home. It was pure coincidence, of course, that the route passed through Lustleigh. Voting for the Cream Tea award at the Primrose cafe was "enthusiastic", but I am not allowed to reveal any more until the results are announced in September.

The recent tropical rains had given rise to a prolific growth of vegetation everywhere, most notably along the track to the reservoirs which became more like a thicket with every turn of the pedals. Emerging scratched and stung at the end, Nick was not especially amused.

A fast climb through Lustleigh Cleave and Manaton brought us to Bowerman's nose for an early return across the moor. Our rides aren't usually this energetic, but it certainly made a pleasant change.

Climbing to Cross Furzes is never especially popular with the newer recruits, but the rapid descent across the moor to Chalk Ford did have its compensations.

For those who attended Tuesday's superb ride, a special holiday treat took place this evening in the form of an additional ride, making the most of the sunshine. The route took us up to Chuley Cross transmitter and homewards via the many scenic lanes near Landscove.

We don't often organise strenuous rides like this one, but a few of our members seemed to want something a little more testing than our usual activities. So here it was, the South Dartmoor Explorer route, taking members right over the top of the moor and back around Ermington. As the name suggests, the route completely encircles the South Moor, thereby taking in some fabulous scenery.

But there is a price to pay, particularly when the weather is as hot as it was today. After a 10am start at Buckfastleigh and a few problems with Mike G's derailleur, we managed to make Whitchurch Common, just past Merrivale, for a well-earned lunch. We then followed the devious route along our one track of the day (near Walkhampton) to Yelverton, enjoying further liquid refreshment at the cafe there as we pondered over how on earth we could have taken so long over the first half of the ride.

Four riders decided that the last loop through Ermington and Totnes would have just been a little too energetic considering the fact that it was already nearly 5pm. The remaining stalwarts completed the ride after a lengthy stop at Erme Mill cafe, grateful that the last section of the ride was a good deal easier than the first.

Overall reaction to the ride was very favourable - clearly we had met our objectives in finding a scenic and interesting route of a suitably demanding length. Oh yes, the successful participants: Philip H, Mike G, Michael J and Jeremy W - congratulations.

The unaccustomed heat was almost oppressive, but Alan, Paul and Richard made good time to Torbryan. We returned via various tracks, Alan's puncture being slow enough for us to get home without repairing it.