A cold Hardriders day centred on a hefty Moretonhampstead cafe stop, then a split to Clifford Bridge via Castle Drogo—Martin reversing the Hunter’s Path, Richard on the road. Martin later ‘listened’ to Richard’s puncture, and a bridlepath search from the Claycutters Arms ended in mud.

At South Dartmoor School’s workshop, a hands-on session on regreasing hub and bottom bracket bearings saw adults outnumber the juniors, with vices and proper tools put to good use; thanks to all the trainers who gave up their evening.

A scratchy, overgrown drop to a riverside glade gave way to a dry, open run along the old railway towards Topsham Bridge. Matthew produced the Section’s first Pot Noodle, brewed from his flask; Tom suffered an undignified top‑tube tumble, and we finished with a café below the Totnes arch.

Disaster struck before we’d begun: Dave Robinson crashed on Bridgetown Hill en route to the Totnes pick-up, fracturing his leg. The rest of the ride felt muted—two punctures, one fixed only as we were leaving—and we never reached Rolster Bridge, turning briefly towards Harberton.

A relaxed indoor games night at the Southpark Centre in Buckfast brought everyone together over table tennis, pool and board games, an easy, good‑humoured change of pace.

A brisk run via Lustleigh and the Wrey valley became a day of sun and showers: lunch by Cranbrook Castle ended in a soaking, and as Martin Hills turned back on the Fingle climb the rain lifted, giving a superb, sunlit Hunter’s Path to Chagford. Michael celebrated with a pint of milk from the corner shop.

Henroost Mines eluded us again as a bitter headwind tired the younger riders by Venford, so we dropped to Michelcombe via the Holy Brook bridleway, enjoying fine views. Alan missed the turn and Seb’s shouts were lost in the wind; John meanwhile had packed for an all-day ride.

At the Southpark Centre, Buckfast, a modestly attended slide show revisited the Section’s 1989 Norwegian tour. The charm was in the nostalgia, with present members caught on film in their childhood, as Michael supplied projector and screen for the evening.

An all-new route to Gara Mill set the tone: Sharpham Drive's mud, 'Corky' in reverse, and a left fork that revealed snowdrops and wide views over Tuckenhay and the Dart. The secluded mill's steep valley rewarded the effort, though a few rode straight past it.

With Michael sidelined by a cough, the rest enjoyed a relaxed spin to Sigford through delightful lanes, joined en route by riders feeding in from the Totnes start to link up with Buckfastleigh.

Our Give us a Clue social at the Southpark Centre, Buckfast, delivered the usual laughter, with Julian’s hapless bat mime the standout—then Dayle drew “Batman” and reproduced it to general amusement.