This is always one of our hardest rides of the year, and always one of our most enjoyable. We were somewhat surprised, therefore, to find two new members at the pick-up. We needn't have worried, however, as they coped admirably with the tough terrain.

The Buckfastleigh contingent were entertained on the way to Avonwick by Simon Hopper. He had decided to try a fixed wheel on his Gemini cycle, the main disadvantage of which is the need to continue pedalling quite quickly at all times, even when descending a hill. He seemed happy with the new gear despite our jokes.

The length of the ride dictated that we use the A38 as far as Plympton, a fast option in view of the tailwind that accompanied us. We were soon inspecting the steam engines at the start of the cycleway, and twenty minutes later were enjoying a well-earned lunch in a delightful glade about a mile up the track. Ken reckoned it was the best lunch spot yet, and no-one disagreed. The whole area was surrounded by tranquillity and wooded slopes, with the river wending its way far below us.

Pursuing the track after lunch we passed numerous cyclists, out for the afternoon from Plymouth. The viaducts offered further spectacular scenery, and then there was the tunnel, pitch black in the middle and about ¼ mile long. If you happened to have a dynamo you were in a spot of trouble: the light wasn't bright enough unless you cycled quickly, but you couldn't cycle quickly across the rough surface because you couldn't see. It is not necessary to describe the fun that our younger members had from the tunnel.

Andrew found himself in deep trouble when his fooling around, which is often in bad taste anyway, went badly wrong. He pushed Michael towards a muddy ditch, but one of the pieces of wood in the middle turned out to be unsupported. A hasty apology saved him from indefinite suspension from Section activities!

A number of enthusiastic members paid no attention to instructions to wait at the road junction, choosing instead to press on along the track. It took them just ten minutes to reach the barbed wire fence and turn back again.

Climbing the hill from Goodameavy Gary discovered a broken rear axle - the second time on his current bike. It was unrideable, so he had to push it on to Yelverton and ring for help. The rest of the group sailed down to Meavy and up to Burrator, where the air was heavily scented by the profusion of blooms which lined the roads. The area was very crowded, however, so we were glad to set off up the hill towards Princetown and the open moor.

The Foxtor cafe provided welcome refreshments, although the service did not seem up to the usual standard. The youngsters were made to feel as though they were causing trouble when the gentleman brought the wrong order, and when someone suggested paying separately he nearly blew his top! They did pretty well out of us despite their frustration - Michael had two Knicker Bocker Glorys, many others had chips!

We finally departed at about 5.30pm, returning home via Two Bridges, Hexworthy and Combestone Tor. The Paignton brigade got home rather late at 8.45pm, but at least they had enjoyed the ride.