The day dawned dry, for a pleasant change, and also I was nearly ready when Jeff, Barney and the esteemed new Chairman of the Cornwall TRF, Ross Fisher, who was apparently voted into office unopposed. arrived to escort me to the starting point at Roborough. My readiness must have been a pleasant surprise for Jeff and Barney because I'm renowned for being a laggard....and you all thought I'm called Cap'n Slow because I don't ride fast, didn't you?

We went straight to Roborough and circling the roundabout saw Rob Froggerbiker tearing up the dual carriageway trying to escape the cloud of noxious gases issuing from his two smoke Gasser and which was enveloping the northern part of the, suddenly, murky city of Plymouth.

The ride had been closed at 9 riders some days previously, then a text came through from Mark Wheely who wished to come, followed by a PM on the Forum from Phil who was dropping out so that he could look after Sonny on an exploratory satnav expedition. Thanks Phil, that's the polite way to do it. Someone else didn't do this so, although we were itching to get going I thought it prudent to wait a few minutes as the rider in question had a few miles to cover to get to us. He didn't show, so off we went at 9.38.

Today's party consisted of Jeff, Neil and Ross of the Cornwall TRF and Barney, David, Mark, Rob and Bob (me) from Devon TRF. Us Devon boys aren't proud- we'll ride with anyone!

The ride to Roborough had been surprisingly chilly but the first lane is always a great warmer- upper. Imagine my surpise when, at the end I was waiting with Ross and the next arrival was a dripping wet Jeff. I think he's not getting enough practise these days, that's twice he's been off this year (and I've missed them both!)(but I didn't miss the next one!!!!).

We continued on and the first part of the next lane has, I feel, completely changed it's character over the last few months which has caused me to struggle. This time I rode onto the grass and lost all grip and promptly stopped. Some run leader eh- last again to the next gate!. We stayed in the new running order, now being led by Ross, down to the ford. The tide was low but as last week on Fixer's ride, the water was running very fast towards the sea due to the heavy rainfall we've had of late. In I rode, was taken off course by the heavy flow of water, feet down, the solid surface surprisingly slippery, beginning to lose the rear end towards the edge of the dam, sphincter clamped shut, when somehow I managed to retrieve the situation and straighten up, and made it to the other side. Learning from this the others generally crossed pretty close to the concrete walkway and appeared to have little trouble, all were nice and steady which is a phrase which cannot be levelled at Barney. His KTM 525 has had some extensive and expensive work done recently and whilst it has been off the road he has been honing his undoubted natural ability on a real bike....Yamaha XT225 Serow. Up on the concrete route he goes and crosses without even getting a damp foot! If he'd come off there we'd never have seen his bike again!

We ascended to the road without a problem and then dropped down for a slither along the estuary to the old ford. Although the tide was low the volume of water coming downriver persuaded us that it would be prudent to give this crossing a miss. Shame, but there's always another time. The next five lanes were despatched with alacrity and then we approached the suddenly infamous 210- 037 ( see Fixer's report 'Circumnavigation of Dartmoor). No sign of the poison dwarf this week and I don't remember seeing any cowprints either, although the top gate was latched as usual and also tied with baler twine. I've never seen the twine before on this gate.

Five more lanes and we scooted into Cornwall, fuelled at Pearce's and settled in behind Barney who now took the lead. So far, to the best of my knowledge Jeff had hunted the only badger, but that was soon to change. Barney had been exploring in his locale and was able to introduce us to two brand new lanes which he'd found that morning. Apparently he'd been startled by a fox on one of them which caused hin to fall off. The fox then transported itself into the South Hams where it appeared on Tim's run, with a similar result I believe? I think it was a smooth 12 lanes later that, joy of joys, I saw the Silver Fox himself fall off. I believe he said the sun was in his eyes and caused him to ride into the bank. Strange that those behind him were completely unperturbed by the aforementioned sun which at its height could only be described as weak and watery!

We were now heading for the lunch stop, at Louis Tea Rooms, Kit Hill. Readers may wonder why thus far there has been little mention of Neil, Mark, Rob and David. All I can say is that they were riding with their usual skill and smoothness and I am unaware of any incidents, amusing or otherwise, which I could report. They are ideal riding companions, unflustered, capable, always seem to enjoy themselves and good company.Thanks guys!.

A leisurely luncheon was forced down our throats whilst sitting in the outdoor area of the Tea Rooms and I can report that David the Rain Monkey's reputation is intact...a few spots of rain were seen to fall through the sunbeams, and Rob was, strangely, going to leave most of his chips. Fortunately assistance was at hand. I always feel that if you leave food you tend to get less next time ( at least that was how I worked when I had a pub many years ago- check the waste. Too much? Cut down the portion size). David left us here to ride home to Plymouth where an exciting afternoon's tinkering on his campavan was awaiting him.

Back into Devon we rode and despatched the only nest of lanes we have down here in West Devon, in short order. I must admit to a cross-eyed badger on the run into to the gloopy 201-024, but I gunned it through the gloop as did all the others. The lunch had stolen a great chunk of time, but we all enjoy the social aspect of trail riding. There is more to trail riding than just riding, we feel. In due course we approached the recently opened 201-014, which I personally haven't ridden since before Xmas. On that occasion 3 4x4's were winching themselves out of the muddy field and the field was a right mess. Caused by them? Who can say. This visit though revealed a good section of the field newly fenced and gated, but leaving a straight run down to the lane 'proper'. Traditionally slow on this lane I encouraged all the others to go before me. Neil, bless him, takes his TEC duties seriously and sent me off in front of himself. I hope he didn't regret it.

Our next lane C216 (claimed lane) was planned from North to South but it's a favourite with some so a little more road work saw us arrive at the southern end so it could be ridden both ways. Neil took his leave of us here to return to Saltash and I wimped out, suspecting that I would have to work harder than I really wanted to on this lane.

Several more lanes zipped by until we found ourselves at the Tea Kiosk in Tavistock Bus Station. The welcome cuppa and chat marched the time onwards and the general consensus was to end the official ride here. Mark and Rob would return to Plymouth via the two Jetwash machines on the outskirts of Tavistock whilst Barney, Jeff, Ross and myself would head West towards home, doing a few lanes on the way.

A quick tot up saw the following result from those who were left at the finish.

Plymouth Boys= 0 (Well done chaps, I hope you were honest?) Country Boys= 7 (5 Badgers, 1 squirrel,1Fox??)

The run record follows for those who are interested in such things,but none of the Cornish lanes, nor these last few lanes are included.