Our first social of the new season proved as popular as ever - so much so that Michael had to return home at 1945 to get more milk!

Nobody walked the hill to Cross Furzes so Dayle didn't have very long at the top to explain the dubious virtues of the rectangular frame tubes on his new mountain bike. From Lud Gate we descended at various rates to towards the destination. Alex's progress was interrupted when he did a somersault into a wet bog part-way down the hill.

At the un-named ford, Thaine and Luke were the only ones who didn't pick their way around the edge. Thaine, who discovered just how filthy the ford is when he accidentally stopped in the middle, re-named it S**t Ford!

The scenery en route to Scorriton was as attractive as ever. As we were a little early, we returned via Holne, narrowly missing a herd of cows by taking a clever detour towards Gallant le Bower.

This was a poor turnout for the first morning ride of the winter. The pace was quite fast until Alan's rear derailleur packed up and Charlie and Ken had to completely dismantle it and bend it back into shape.

In view of the previous wet weather we decided to give the nature trail a miss (perhaps Ken was afraid that his 16" wheels could get stuck!), following the Dartington estate road instead. Paul delighted in launching his mountain bike on every speed hump, but did manage to lose his prized "Tandem Club" water bottle in the process. He didn't discover this loss until the climb out of Totnes ....!

We returned via Berry Pomeroy and Westerland to conclude a very enjoyable morning. In fact, Andy was so pleased with the ride that he took the trouble to say thank-you to the leader.

Dave Robinson was on the ride so we couldn't ride through Lustleigh without calling in at the Primrose cafe. The Nutcracker stone is located amidst dense undergrowth in the heart of Lustleigh Cleave. Unfortunately Zoe Hatherly took a tumble during the descent of the steep track, but she was not too badly hurt.

After lunch beside the secluded river Bovey we crossed the river by way of the provided tree trunk and set about climbing through the steep track through the woods. Ken wasn't particularly impressed with the upper reaches, but everyone else seemed to enjoy the adventure. As we descended the unfamiliar woodland tracks, Dave Humphreys made public his opinion that Michael had probably selected a track that would emerge near the hinterland of Buckfastleigh.

Nobody fell off today, and nobody was airlifted to hospital (see report dated 25 March 1990 in newsletter 16). Martin and Alan went home from Manaton while the rest returned to Cold East Cross via Hound Tor, delayed only by Dave's puncture.

Michael showed all his slides of CTC activities taken during the past twelve months, including those of the Easter and Summer tours, together with a small selection from earlier times. The event was so popular that a second show has been scheduled for 21 February, drawing on Michael's CTC slides from the last ten years.

There was some confusion over the start time at Longcombe today: Michael was under the impression it was 1620 (as it was last year) and left promptly, since Alan was early and all those who had booked were now accounted for. The published time was actually 1630, however, and when Ken and Paul joined the road near Waddeton at 1640 we had just gone past. They rode all the way back to Longcombe for nothing!

Plymouth Section joined us at the hostel for an enjoyable display of fireworks which was not unduly affected by the strong winds. Afterwards the wardens served up a range of snacks which included hot doughnuts. Luke Hatherly sauntered in last and attempted to use his powers of persuasion to join Michael and company who were near the front (surprise!). To his surprise he failed miserably, and had to content himself with last place.

Plymouth Section and four of our group went their separate ways on Sunday morning. The rest of us rode into Dartmouth and were flabbergasted when the lower vehicle ferry tried to charge us more than a pound each to cross the river with a bike. They got quite stroppy when we informed them that they were charging three times more than the other ferries, so we took the passenger ferry instead and crossed at passenger rates.

The Spinning Wheel cafe provided us with welcome refreshments before we continued to Blackpool Sands for lunch. Return was via Tuckenhay and Totnes, where we called in briefly at the Widger estate.

The first Paignton social, held at 12 Clifton Close, was a great success. The children played children's games, the "grown-ups" played parlour games and everyone enjoyed the brilliant refreshments supplied by the lovely Lorraine.

From the Bickington pick-up we made good speed to Jay's Grave. Some made even better speed than others - like Luke Hatherly (yes, he's got a mention in the report again!) who shot right past Jay's Grave and didn't stop until he had led about six youngsters (and Seb) to the bottom of the hill. The rest of us enjoyed a brief lunch break in the shelter of the path - lined on both sides with tall banks - while waiting for a passing cyclist to take the message to Luke.

There was a lot of mud on the rest of the track down to Hamel Down gate. We were in good time, however, so we decided to "ride the Down" on this occasion. There was a spell of rather unpleasant rain as we neared the top which made a few people think twice about going on. The precipitation was short-lived, however, and we were soon enjoying the track in much brighter conditions. As we neared the final descent to Widecombe, Luke made the same mistake AGAIN, missing the left turn and leading Seb on a wild goose chase across the moor. His father thought it best to leave him to it, so we proceeded to the cafe.

They met up with us again at the cafe, only to repeat the escapade for a third time as we left the village by taking the turn to Natsworthy by mistake. They caught us again near Leusdon, but Michael had to ask Seb if he had finally learned not to follow Luke!

Michael's day was made when he found that his favourite ducks were swimming happily on their pond as we descended the hill to Spitchwick.

This was the usual workshop, covering all aspects of road safety.