Forceful (?) leading from Philip Humphreys took us to Brixham via the tracks. Paul became hysterical near the beginning of the ride (he said he couldn't breath) so Ken took him home early.

The assembled throng weren't too keen on cycling in the rain, so they retired to Crofters and watched a videotape recording.

Dave Humphreys came up with an interesting new game concerning parts of a bike. Later, the younger members wreaked havoc upstairs while the mature folk enjoyed a game of Trivial Pursuit.

Today marked the long-awaited return of Mark Sloman to club cycling. Ken, Paul and Dave left soon after Avonwick and returned via South Brent. Paul crashed at Staverton Bridge, as usual just three seconds after Dad had said "Careful now!"

The rest of us made good speed to Ivybridge and then proceeded through piles of autumn leaves to Harford church for lunch. The cross-country route back to South Brent proved irresistible once again, but this time we avoided the bog (much to Robert's disappointment!). The Copper Kettle cafe proved most hospitable before we made an early return home.

Last season's science fiction film gave way to fantasy this year with <i>The Never Ending Story 2</i>. Some members had seen this in the cinema last Christmas on a club social, but many returned to watch it again.

The usual exploration of the lanes near Denbury, culminating with a visit to the Fermoys cafe.

Cycle videos formed the centrepin of this evening's social, hosted by Dave Robinson. There was some relief that Ken didn't bring his Moulton video.

Ben and Paul did very well today: we were at Mamhead by 1215, enjoying the excellent views but not wishing to hang around too long. A couple of teenagers on mountain bikes hung around for a while but didn't manage to pluck up enough courage to talk to ask about the club.

A new track led us away from the Obelisk. We crossed Haldon, enjoying the delightful autumn colours, and then took the descent to the Teign Valley via Doddiscombsleigh. Always on the look-out for new routes we concluded the ride with the steep climb from the Teign Valley to Hennock and another new lane to Bovey Tracey. When Ken had fixed Paul Oakley's puncture we investigated a new cafe in Bovey Tracey, and gave it a provisional seal of approval. Return to Buckfastleigh was at 5pm.

Most people seemed confident about basic cycle repairs, so when we had done a little wheel truing and puncture repairing we set about enjoying some games.

This ride is always the highlight of our year. All meals were provided as ordered, and all offered excellent value for money. We didn't mind the rain which descended as we left, although Dave Humphreys may have regretted leaving his oilskin coat at Leusdon!