For me, morning came all too suddenly as two louts who obviously couldn’t sleep decided to throw me out of bed at 6.30! We had to catch a train at Shrewsbury at 9.59, and that was fifteen miles away, so we crept about as quietly as possible during breakfast. At this juncture, Mark and Kevin left us to cycle back home. Yes, you did hear right: 210 miles. Obviously they couldn’t afford the train fare, I hear you say. But sadly, the truth is far worse: they are just completely mad!

Owing to a mix-up with the bookings, no seats had been reserved for us on the train, and much to our delight we were taken to the first-class carriage and told to make ourselves comfortable. An elderly couple sitting nearby looked at us with an element of disgust as we settled down, the youngsters dressed in their bright cycling gear and all of us carrying our cycle luggage. Still, they didn’t seem to mind too much as long as we kept quiet.

And so, as the train sped towards the South West, our fantastic voyage was drawing to a close. We’ll never forget it of course – the food poisoning, the rain, the Roman Steps, Cader Idris, all adding up to our greatest adventure yet. And as the train passed through Teignmouth, with the bright salt air all around, the sadness of the moment was overwhelming. Could it really be coming to an end? Could we really all be going our separate ways? Well, there were the parents waiting on the platform, so I suppose it’s all over.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeahh, I’m alright ..”

(Michael Jones)

Maceley Cove was the destination on 12 September, and surely it must have been the best ride of the month? Fifteen gathered at the Totnes pickup, including Kevin’s brother Nigel braving the club again. With Kevin and Mark looking after the maps we rode through Harbertonford and along an interesting route to Sherford and Frogmore, reaching East Prawle by lunchtime. The area was enshrouded in fog but Frances knew the way to the beach, and we enjoyed an exhilarating view across the cove in good sunshine while Matthew entertained us below with his diving.

On the way back to Torcross we bumped into Frances’ parents on their way to Maceley, and later after enjoying some refreshments at the café, Matthew discovered a somewhat deflated tyre. It’s always the way isn’t it. Funnily enough the chap outside, trying to enjoy a quiet cup of tea (some home), happened to be from Ilsington, so Kevin was able to chat with him before we set off a little belatedly for Strete.

Rob, Matthew and Richard went back on the ferry as they had to be home early, but the rest of us decided to take the lanes along the Dart to Totnes. Unfortunately for Nigel, the roads near Tuckenhay were a bit damp, and the result of sharp braking in such conditions was a badly grazed pair of elbows. After patching up and a short rest he was able to ride the few miles back to Buckfastleigh, where an ever-ready Dad was waiting with his car. I’m not sure what time Kevin and Andrew left Redmount that evening, but by the time they’d swapped light bulbs and repaired persistent punctures it must have been at least 9.30!

(Michael Jones)

[2 points: Nigel Wilson, Colin Downie, Frances Lofty]
[3 points: everyone else]