A brisk ride through Michelcombe to the open moor set the tone for exploration. In Hembury Woods we guessed our way at a three-way clearing and uncovered new paths to the riverside; earlier, Julian lightened the mood with bike-less jumps off the moorland mounds.

A warm, adventurous traverse of the South Moor from Ivybridge to the isolated Tinners’ Hut and on via the Redlake Tramway, crowned by sweeping views from Petre’s Cross. Highlights included Gavin slipping at the Erme crossing and Luke’s repeated spills, ending in a somersault on the final descent.

Our second junior ride saw many go their farthest yet: a muddy riverside start, a stern climb and a cheerful pause at Holne's play park, then sunset views on the easy return. A farm dog chased the tail-enders, and a wild deer crossed our path to end the day.

A fast evening outing saw us reach Spitchwick in a record 28 minutes, then press on up the steep, wooded climb to Buckland in the Moor. Rumours of the Roundhouse Cafe's closure proved premature: it was up for sale but still open.

With only two out owing to A‑level revision and rain forecast, Tao and Eliot drove to Starcross and enjoyed the best of the Exeter Ship Canal track before the weather arrived.

A downpour nearly sent us home, but a climb up Green Lane lifted spirits and we pressed on to Broadhempston Play Park before looping through quiet lanes to Landscove. Tommy twice toppled off his BMX and Daniel’s failing brakes meant a push down the last hill and a late return.

Fearing mud after the downpour, we chose a compromise route past Caddaford to Staverton and along the riverside before turning through Landscove. The two closing tracks to Baddaford Farm were as wet as warned, yet tackling them became the unexpected highlight.

With Calum still recovering from his birthday, steep Hembury climbs gave way to the long drop to River Dart Country Park, where two spills on the descent gave a scare but no harm. We returned via the lower track, threading narrow paths past hidden mines and river views.

On a warm, still summer evening we rode up to Skerraton Down for an unhurried wander across the moor, pausing to throw Frisbees and admire a valley carpeted with bluebells. The highlight was chancing upon a private ‘secret’ golf course before an exhilarating descent to Cross Furzes.

With tea firmly on the agenda, we looped via Colston Road to Staverton and on to Landscove, where the riverside path was crowded and the tearooms bustled. In the Olde English garden at Mother Hubbard’s we ate outside, amused by the owner’s dogs and Julian’s stream of texts.

An adventurous evening ride took the group by back lanes to Ashburton and up the long climbs to Halshanger Cross and on to Cold East Cross, the moor quiet but for sheep and skylarks. A playful Frisbee rescue in the river and the rare sight of two deer made it memorable.

A damp start kept us close to home, but a stop at the vegetarian restaurant in Dartington for enjoyable, if expensive, refreshments lifted spirits as the drizzle eased. A steep pull up Corkscrew Hill led to a hidden footpath and a lunch perch with panoramic views over the Tuckenhay valley before a prompt return.