After some computer games and a quick run to Tesco, we rounded off the evening with an hour of tennis at Ivybridge—simple, good value and hard work that left everyone hot and happily tired.

Zac’s first “mystery ride” began with suspicion that he’d be tricked into going further, but it turned into a highlight when the group rode through Hembury to Gallant le Bower and discovered the field path down to Holne Woods, new to most and thoroughly enjoyed.

When swimming plans fell through — the Torquay pool shut at 8pm and Ryan was too tired — Michael rescued the evening with a music quiz on film, TV and modern hits; Ash and Callum beat Ryan and Zac.

By popular demand we chose the Riverside at Exeter over Torquay, opting for diving rather than a flume. After an hour of off-the-side dives, we stopped at Sainsbury’s for snacks and got home a little late, satisfied we’d made the right call.

A lively social evening on court at Ashburton, highlighted by Michael and Ash taking on Callum and Zac, who began with a ten‑point handicap. Back at Crofters the friendly rivalry carried on with linked Call of Duty matches.

After a wet night, we rode out in sunshine to Staverton, where the riverside path glowed with autumn colour but the Dart ran too high to attempt the island crossing. A family’s Halloween pumpkin display and the timely passage of a steam train added character before we headed home.

With Zac barred for missing recent rides, the rest enjoyed a relaxed evening centred on three good games of pool in Plymouth, swapping pairings each time. Fireworks in all directions lit the ride home.

After the car plan fell through, Michael’s mystery ride sent us down the famed Beaston Track—muddy, wet and great fun. Callum went too fast and was left covered and soaked; Ash misjudged the biggest puddle and rode on with cold, wet feet. A swift drop to Lower Combe finished it.

Wild wind and rain curtailed plans, with the Tamar Bridge closed to high-sided traffic; after a cautious run to Peartree garage in a loaned Volvo, the group settled in for a relaxed LAN night, swapping miles for Lord of the Rings and Call of Duty.

At Ryan’s request we rode to Ashburton and spent time on the park ramps with two local youngsters, with puddles and roadside lakes betraying the recent rain. The woodland track from beyond Belford Mill was the highlight—Callum loved it—but Ash was sore, so we cut the ride short and took the old road home.

The youngsters took charge of the evening, steering us to Plymouth for ten-pin bowling; Ryan fell a point short of his 100 target while Michael led with 142. The night ended with the customary Tesco stop for sweets and cheap doughnuts.

With sport cancelled by Ryan’s bad toe, we switched to an evening in Plymouth: pool, a few goes on the arcade machines and a quick Tesco stop, then twenty minutes of computer games back home.