ROGER and Erica Young once again opened their farm gates to Endurance GB riders on August 31.

With the assistance of Pauline Morris and Kay Bond the Brentor Ride provided EGB members with a choice of six classes ranging from 36 to 80kms.

The event was graced for the second year with fine sunshine in addition to a new extension to the 36km route.

Competitors in the 51, 65 and 80km classes explored new areas of the Dartmoor National Park. The route took riders over Little Links Tor, Great Nodden and Sourton Tors to Prewsley Moor, where the route split once again taking the 65 and 80km competitors over Meldon Dam in northern Dartmoor and included a vet-gate at the Okehampton Camp. The 80km riders also rode a loop around Belstone Tors.

Class one (80km) saw two finishers out of four starters. These were Kirsty Winscombe (Jake V) and Lorna Kidson (Crimson Skye). Class two (64km) had 15 finishers out of 16 starters, with grade one awards going to Nicola Martin (Rahvishin), Lesley Nott (Gai Spirit) and Mary Chowne (Lumahla Gold).

Class three (51km advanced /intermediate) attracted 18 competitors. A grade one award was picked up by only Debra Colling (Haccombe Jamal) in this class. There were eight starters in class 4 (51km novice). Emily Howard upgraded herself as a rider from novice to intermediate and Rachael Claridge?s Blue Chip Prince Meliodas will start the 2004 season at intermediate level after passing all novice competitions as a five-year-old in 2003.

Class 6 (33km adv/int) saw 16 finishers out of 17 starters and class 6 (33m nov) attracted 45 starters, 38 of which completed successfully.

The speed for competitors across the Brentor ride averaged at approximately 22km/hr.

Erica expressed thanks to ?the Ministry of Defence ? John Loch, whose partner Yvonne Prout took Part in class 3 on Zsa Zsa, and to the Dartmoor Commoners and land owners.

The ride donated £220 to the Devon Air Ambulance, made up from the 120 riders? bib money and the organisers? donation of a further £100.