The routes for the 100 miles and 100km runs had this year been planned to allow Dartmoor members to begin at Ashburton, meeting up with the rest of the club at Drum Bridges. When we arrived we were pleased to welcome Michael Ward of Torquay on his first ride. We said farewell to Antony, Colin, Peter and John who had decided to attempt the 100-mile route.

Don led the kilometre bunch off to Liverton and the rest of us proceeded at a steady pace through Bovey Tracey and the Teign Valley. It was a cold morning but the sun was shining and we were soon enjoying ourselves. A short stop at Exeter to stock up with food and we were off again, pressing on through Pinhoe, Broadclyst and Cullompton before stopping for lunch at the usual spot.

The Exeter Sections were doing their kilometre rides today and it wasn’t long before we caught up with the large A-Section who were just finishing off their lunch. We rode with them from Waterloo Cross to Tiverton but our paths then parted as we turned southwards for Exeter and home.

Don and Grace kindly gave us tea, biscuits and moral support at Dawlish before the last lap to the finish and it was almost eight o’clock when we finally arrived home, tired and hungry. Congratulations to all riders who took part, especially young Nigel Wilson who completed 105 miles with a brave face, and our sympathy for our only casualty, Peter Adams, who was sadly forced to drop out of the “100 in 8” due to a minor injury (he pulled a muscle in his abdomen).

(Michael Jones)