Back to normal for the last week in October with a day run and dull, miserable weather. Richard, Matthew and Mark re-joined us for their second ride, bringing attendance to 17, but unfortunately we hadn’t gone far past Holne before the heavens opened and spirits (amongst other things) were dampened. To make matters worse, Richard picked up an evasive puncture which moved twice to avoid Colin’s and Don’s patches, but eventually Don managed to corner it and we turned tail and headed for the Downie Nest in Buckfastleigh as quickly as possible.

By the time we arrived we were decidedly wet and words could not express our gratitude to Mrs Downie for the friendly fire and sumptuous tea – but no doubt she noticed our reluctance to leave, even at six o’clock! I certainly didn’t envy the Torbay crowd’s ride back to Marldon that night!

(Michael Jones)