Castle Drogo was the destination put in for our first day run in November, the first snag with the proposed visit being that the place was closed for repair work. On the day there was a second snag – a forecast of heavy rain spreading from the west and a sky that provided strong support for the forecasters. Despite these discouragements there was a count of 11 riders by the time we had united with the Buckfastleigh contingent at Bovey, including two new riders, John from Ilsington and Mark from Bickington.

It was not quote noon when we reached Moretonhampstead but there was a tempting shelter in the car park should the sky drop some of its abundant store of rain. Just damp during lunch but we had hardly got out of Moreton before capes were needed and, having got within “visi-distance” of Drogo’s bulk, clinging to its rocky hillside, we turned towards home.

Before reaching North Bovey Mark had problems with a back wheel rubbing, due, I diagnosed, to a broken spindle, so an SOS had to be sent out from the village for Dad to come and collect. We also had a couple of punctures and a howling gale to contend with, but all arrived home in one piece, if rather damp.

(Colin Brierly)

[Attendance verified]