It was almost dry as we left the hostel next morning, descending to the village shop at Rhandirmwyn for refreshments and lunch. The rain soon began to set in, however, like some horrible nightmare. By the time we had reached Llyn Brianne reservoir, just a few miles up the road, gale force winds and torrential rain made progress almost impossible. The reservoir was impressive with its gigantic water fountain at the base - worth a few photographs despite the weather.

We found a modern toilet block near the reservoir's dam, which offered some small degree of shelter under its porches. A few members then discovered the warm-air hand drier in the lavatory itself, and it wasn't long before sixteen wet cyclists were packed into the tiny area, enjoying the nearest thing to comfort that we were to experience that day. When a gentleman arrived to use the convenience for its intended function we offered to leave, but he said he wasn't bothered and didn't blame us for sheltering.

It soon became obvious that the rain was not going to stop. We had a long way to go, so we set off over the dam to 'enjoy' the track that runs around the reservoir. In all my time as a cyclist I have never known such unpleasant conditions as we experienced a few minutes later, pushing into a gale-force headwind with torrential, icy-cold rain beating into our faces. Fingers became blue as we were tested to the limits of our endurance: we would have given anything to be spared the misery of those few moments.

Somehow we managed to round the bend into the lea of the wind and continued along the forest path in improving conditions, taking only one wrong turning along the way. Approaching the junction with the road, a sheep was discovered stuck in a cattle grid with its feet through the bars, completely helpless. Martyn helped it out and it trotted off, bleating joyfully.

Tyncornel is the most isolated hostel in England and Wales, situated in a remote valley on a rough track. From our present position we could have taken the track short-cut over the hills (just a few miles). Sadly, however, we hadn't purchased supper or breakfast at the shop, and there seemed little point in getting to the hostel with nothing to eat. And besides, none of us had ever tried the short-cut, and it seemed from the map that we might end up pushing our heavy bikes for much of the way. There was nothing for it but to take the road alternative adding 18 miles to our journey.

When we had ridden up the long drag to the telephone box, young Joseph was totally exhausted (hardly surprising really). We allowed him a short rest and, after a puncture, arrived at Tregaron at 5.30, just seconds before the Spar closed its doors.

Michael's tyre was bulging in two places now, requiring constant attention to keep it from bursting. He hobbled along behind while the rest set off up the long climb from Llanddewi Brefi to the hostel, but progress was still painfully slow: everyone was weary and hungry after so much bad weather. When we reached the top and the road turned into a track we found ourselves riding in virtual darkness, wet, tired and hungry. When the dark shape of the hostel loomed up ahead we were heartily thankful.

Tyncornel's kitchen is even smaller than the one at Bryn Poeth Uchaf, so a repeat of last night's supper fiasco was a certainty. Tonight, when the clearing up had been completed, we just went to bed and luxuriated in warmth, comfort and sleep. Tomorrow would probably bring more rain, but right now we didn't really care.

By the time we reached the final pick-up point at Combe Fishacre the rain had really started so we sheltered under the railway bridge for a while. During a brief respite we set off to Ipplepen with the idea of going towards Torbryan. Unfortunately the clouds threatened again, so we followed the motto "when all else fails, off to Pick 'n' Park".

After a lengthy tea break the weather had improved, so we went to Denbury (where the Burges left us) and took a circular route back home. We learnt the following week that Martin Luke had turned up at Fishacre Barton instead of Combe Fishacre - what a Wally!!

An excellent turnout for an evening ride - could have been more if Rob's carrier bolt had not worked loose. Ken did have a spare but he was still on his way to Marldon when Rob shot by on his way back home, gibbering.

We went via Farthing lane to Red Post and on to Broadhempston. There Ken made a slight miscalculation on timing and led us even further from home before cutting across to the Landscove road and back to Red Post. Unfortunately the pace got slower as time progressed and we didn't get back until gone 10pm.

We were pleased to see Catherine Hopper and Nathan Arecco cycling again today.

Dave Humphreys couldn't lead the ride due to an injured back so Ken took over at short notice. The ride took direction as we went with a series of votes and, for once, went smoothly with an interesting if hilly circular route via Westerland to Stoke Gabriel and on via Aish and Berry Pomeroy, arriving home for 9.30.

On the way back Ken went over what he thought was a puddle that turned out to be a major pothole. He didn't come off but vowed to drastically improve his lighting - watch out for further developments and reports.

There was more than a little confusion tonight. Richard Burge was down to lead the ride along a predetermined route, and Michael was planning to catch them up when he got back from his trip to Bristol. In fact he got back a little earlier than planned, and Neil told Richard, who somehow got the idea that Michael would therefore change the arrangements and come down to the start. So at 7.25 Michael left home and chased up Dean Hill, riding faster and faster all the time and wondering how they could possibly have made such good progress. Meanwhile, Richard and the rest of the group were waiting at the start. They waited until 7.45 before deciding that perhaps there had been a misunderstanding.

Michael went all the way to Diptford and home via Rattery as planned. The others enjoyed a short ride up Dean hill and then returned to Crofters to explain what had happened!