On a hilly, headwind‑buffeted ride over Laughter Tor, our two new lads impressed, reaching Bellever by lunch. The afternoon brought a harmless somersault for young Philip after an abrupt stop ahead—a reminder to ride predictably—and a mini‑roll prank, before tea at Widecombe and a scenic return via Bone Hill.

Persistent rain turned the ride to Owley into a cafe afternoon at the Copper Kettle in South Brent; not our favourite stop, but warm and welcome. Plans shelved, we returned via Rattery.

A last-minute switch from Summerlands to Crofters set the tone, but the evening soon found its purpose: getting Andrew’s new Byka electronic dynamo working. Once it behaved, there was no shortage of volunteers taking turns to test it outside Michael’s house.

A steady run to Blackpool Sands was made memorable by a sprightly gentleman who swam for ten minutes in the cold, prompting Mark Moxham to mistake him for Colin Brierly; tea at Pine Lodge later warmed the group before the run home.

Hard climbing over Dartmoor brought sweeping views and a visit to Grimspound, then a near half-hour descent to Widecombe. Lunch had its own drama when Gary scaled an overhanging tree and dropped dead sticks on Luke and Andrew.

An intimate evening at Summerlands as Michael Jones gave a clear, hands-on talk on cycle wheels and how they’re built, sparking questions around spokes, rims and truing. Newcomers Julian and Mr Juste joined the group, adding fresh interest to the workshop.

Rain set in and never lifted, but Canonteign Falls were in full voice. Graham’s attempt to ride the footpath ended with a heavy bruise and a lift home, while the rest pressed on to the Primrose cafe at Lustleigh in torrential rain.

Planned as an easy outing to the Mamhead Obelisk, the day toughened after lunch when a near‑unanimous dash for tea at Stoke‑in‑Teignhead was derailed by Chris’s puncture near Dawlish and a wrong climb from Shaldon. Cream tea became supper, prompting grumbles but proving sound Easter‑tour practice.

The season’s final social at Crofters ended on a nostalgic note with an episode of Star Trek — the original series — from Michael’s video collection.

The day’s highlight was exploring a new track from Torbryan to Tornewton, with a river running down it that delighted the youngsters; wet shoes and a route that should be superb in summer.

On the first evening ride of the new season, four Ashburton youngsters arrived in the rain, so we unanimously switched to a social at Crofters. Computer games, hot drinks and food – plus a promised mention in the Highwayman – made the wet ride over feel worthwhile.