We gathered expecting the Routemeister who had conceived a nasty test only to find Mrs Routemeister back too late for him to join us, so we thought we’d give it a go anyway. Bad decision!!!

With Sam standing in for Routemeister (aka Chief Beaster!!) we set of at a gallop for Walkhampton and Puff Pant Hill picking up Glen at the bottom. Once at the top, the usual route to Sampford Spiney bearing left before the church and then heading out onto the moors west of Pew Tor. Once we had forded the Sortridge and Grimstone Leat we climbed up to skirt the wall and then across Whitchurch Common to the Pork Hill cattle grid. Then, gently handrailing around Cox Tor, we picked up the road to take us towards Stephen's Grave.

But aha, the cunning bit. Instead of the usual route out to the farm and up to Stephen's Grave, Routemeister had decided to drop down to Peter Tavy before climbing back up to SG. We did so but in the dark kept too far right and found a brilliant and challenging drop down (Paul took the obligatory tumble) into the valley and Colly Brook. A great little bridge took us across and we found ourselves at the bottom of the narrow rat run through which we picked up the road climbing to SG from Peter Tavy.

Little did Paul know what was in stall? Nor it seems did Sam who we watched disappear into the distance demonstrating thighs of steel and total indifference to a 25% (1:4 to you old codgers) hill. Up we all went to SG with Sam well in the lead. He was obviously so focused on killing the hill he went straight past SG and was halfway to Okehampton before he heard our whistles.

By this time is was 21:15, so we figured it was time to head towards home. So from SG, across the moorland track to Higher Godsworthy Farm, then back around Cox Tor, across Whitchurch Common again and the fast run down following the wall to the single track road. Then roads back to HQ past Pew Tor, Sampford Spiney, Huckworthy (dropping Glen off at home) and Walkhampton.

On arrival at HQ, the Social Sec was there to greet us as we have come to love and expect and Martyn too, keeping him company and in a GOWCC shirt. It seems he too is a “roadie” even if it only cost him £10 and is made by a company called “Push” (or is it Puch??)…strange name for a bike manufacturer!!! Still once a roadie, always a roadie. I didn’t know Martyn shaved his legs and batted for the other team!!!

Routemeister, next time you have these good ideas….come and try them out too!!!!!!!

Reporter: Paddy

President's footnote: I had two gentle offs tonight below Pew Tor and with the second one 'time stood still', or at least I did! With my speed impeded by our reporter I hit a bog too slow and although I was pedaling frantically there was no forward motion! I think I was still pedaling after I'd hit the ground!