Wimbledon men's singles final, the early start and the weather combined to dampen just about everyone's enthusiasm for the first of the year's reliability rides. When Toby and Richard turned out to give the new tandem its first CTC outing no one else appeared.

The rain looked as though it might hold off for a while as they made their way to Newton Abbot for the pick up, but had become quite steady by the time they got there. A double puncture made them late; the first one was just bad luck, but the second was the result of carelessness - Toby eventually spotted the sliver of glass that Richard missed after the first tube change.

The bad weather and lack of companions made the programmed ride up on to the moor less than inviting, so they took the quickest route back to Buckfastleigh.

Discretion again seemed the better part of valour as we retreated to Crofters to watch the men's singles tennis final over hot drinks.

Only Ken turned up - in the bus in view of the appalling weather conditions - so the ride was abandoned.

Report unavailable

Those who braved the early drizzle were rewarded with a delightful sunny evening ride through Pridhamsleigh, Landscove and Staverton, which included a sprinkling of tracks just for Alan. After the first one turned out to be rather muddy and steep, he seemed to have lost much of his enthusiasm for tracks!

Richard had just two loops in the course this year, one before lunch and one after lunch. This proved a very satisfactory arrangement, and the clever clues provided plenty of entertainment. Many thanks to Julie for preparing and serving the drinks and cakes, which were very welcome.

Report unavailable

This evening's route took in some newish lanes in the Rattery and Dartington areas, returning via the Staverton track, Abham and Green Lane.

Four riders from Buckfastleigh entered the 100km Audax. We enjoyed the varied route, which included the Plym Valley cyclepath, and the company of riders from around the country.

There was a slight delay at Avonwick caused by Tom Widger, who had left his helmet at Totnes plains. Eventually however we set off for our usual route over Wrangaton golf course, enjoying lunch on the Beacon. We continued along the stony track to Petre's Cross, meeting up with a group of amateur mountain bikers from Ivybridge school as we joined the Abbots Way behind the Avon Dam. Return was via Cross Furzes.