A special Easter Day ride to Venford Reservoir saw Michael handing out Easter Eggs for everyone. The return via the rough track to Michelcombe was slowed by Martin Hills’ puncture, before we rolled back through Hembury Woods in sunny spells and a cold wind.

An evening spin to Totnes almost went to plan: Jeremy, delayed fixing a wheel at Michael’s, missed the start, and as darkness fell we returned via Dartington and Rattery amid debate over whether Michael’s elegant rear light was actually red.

A mainly sunny Dartmoor loop turned playful: after climbing past Lustleigh Cleave we lunched by the ford near North Bovey, skimming stones, then detoured to the play park at Widecombe and finished at Spitchwick, where Philip’s floppy Frisbee proved the highlight.

Centred on riding the Staverton riverside track in reverse, the evening saw the group walk the first stretch to keep the irate householder calm, then unwind on Staverton Island skimming stones and running about. Julian’s new front forks also drew admiring looks.

With his freewheel broken, Keir rode Michael’s Romany touring bike all day, handling it with unexpected poise and pace. Lunch by the water at Bridgend became a duck-and-swan picnic, and later skylarks over Skerraton Down gave the ride a clear, singing finish.

A balmy evening tempted us to an ambitious ride to Haytor, the hazy coastal lights our reward; Jeremy’s broken chain at the start sent him home to fix it and he never caught up. We slipped back via Cold East Cross.

In afternoon sunshine we explored the quiet Badworthy lane, a new and unspoilt detour to Shipley Bridge, before ice-creams and a brisk return along the Abbots Way. A jogger matched our climb and Budgie took a tumble, adding humour to an otherwise flowing ride.

A chilly evening ride defined by a muddy‑but‑passable traverse of the infamous Beeston Track and the very rough descent to Dart Bridge. Julian’s puncture slowed things for a time, but the group pressed on in good spirits.

An impressive turnout for the Ideford Rough Stuff turned into a long, testing day, with showers, a hard course and a late dash for home after leaving before the results. Laughter peaked when Tao lifted a stubborn gate that had beaten Keir; delay followed when his chain snapped.

Marking the club’s 10th anniversary, we rode via Buckfast and Holne Woods to River Dart Country Park, where, with special permission, we played on the slides; Allen tackled the long, steep one and landed on his feet. We finished back in Buckfastleigh with games at Crofters.

With others away racing, a small group rode to Slapton, where Michael pointed out local landmarks before lunch on the beach. Drinks in Torcross brought the day’s talking point when Garry, embarrassed, broke his glass, after which we wound back through the lanes.

Our first under-13s ride of the season proved a success, welcoming seven newcomers from the Buckfastleigh Cycling Proficiency course and a parent for a gentle outing to Staverton and the riverside path. A highlight came when Austin, Jenna and James joined Dave on the rough Fursdon-to-Hole descent.