Climbing from Dean Prior to Skerraton Down, a hot air balloon race drifted across Dartmoor, at least seven craft and the hiss of burners breaking the still evening. After savouring the high moor views we explored a couple of new tracks before the familiar drop to Cross Furzes.

A brisk evening ride became an exploration as we left Ipplepen for Torbryan, following a scenic footpath past fields and a grand house; wary of previous unfriendly encounters, we pushed the bikes near the end—only the ducks on the lake took notice—before returning via Broadhempston.

With Philip free for a rare Sunday, we traced his favourite Colston Road–Totnes path, pausing at the Somerfield cafe, then pushed on towards Harberton and stumbled on a brand-new track descent. Lacking a map, we looped back to Follaton before the steep haul via Tigley to Rattery and home.

With several riders without lights, we kept it short and brisk to beat dusk, taking the lower Hembury track towards River Dart Country Park. A diverted path led to an amusing mix-up: Michael waited in the woods while the others were already inside the park.

With rain threatening we kept close to Buckfastleigh, threading a rarely used cornfield track and pausing for tea in the garden at the Mother Hubbard tearooms. When the sky brightened we added the Staverton extension and returned along Colston Road.

A short evening spin through Ashburton towards Sigford and back via the lanes south of the A38 was defined by kit irony: Michael’s costly front light shone brilliantly—until the battery died, prompting Oliver’s dry verdict that it helps if you charge it.

To accommodate younger riders who missed the scheduled outings, Michael led a short swimming ride to the River Dart at New Bridge, turning a hot day into a welcome dip and a quietly memorable afternoon.

Under rich blue skies we turned a sleepy morning start into a full day to Mothecombe Beach, rewarded by the long descent and the ritual low-tide wade across the Erme with bikes held high. The return proved less certain, an unhelpful sign sending us to California Cross instead of Aveton Gifford.

An evening climb brought us to Venford Reservoir at dusk, where nightfall ruled out the planned track descent to Michelcombe. Instead we lingered for a quiet, unhurried chat in the moorland calm before heading back via Hembury Woods.

Our café stop at the Round House in Buckland fell through when we found it finally closed, so we switched to the ice cream van at New Bridge. Sitting on the verge, we watched two cycling families arrive, children in seats and trailers.

On the final evening ride of the season we kept it gentle, taking Colston Road to Staverton and returning through the lanes; a straightforward, quiet close to the season.

On the last ride of summer we turned it into a full day on the moor, with Tao unveiling a rideable new track from Bonehill Rocks that opened superb scenery. A swift traverse of Hamel Down and its breakneck descent, then Dr Blackall’s Drive, made it our most off‑road outing for months.