After a wet afternoon, the Staverton ride set off in a brief dry spell but soon turned fraught: Alec fell on the bridge and—more seriously—two riders ignored instructions, forcing walkers to step aside on the riverside path; a clear reminder to respect shared routes.

A well-attended evening ride likely headed towards Dean and South Brent, keeping our alternating-route tradition on a dry, easy outing.

The National Bike Week invitation ride brought the Buckfastleigh and Paignton contingents together at Broadhempston and even gained three new members. Ken drew attention with a tandem and Rann trailer, and cakes at Fermoys prompted a hurried visit before its 4.30 closing.

An evening ride through Holne Woods to River Dart Country Park was made memorable by unexpected permission to use the Anaconda Run, which the youngsters enjoyed after the testing track. Dale came off at the bottom and Ben had a brief chain problem on the way home.

An unusually eventful evening became a spirited off‑road ramble, crowned by Keir’s insistence on the Beaston track. Roy’s double puncture and merry bike‑swapping in the Broadhempston play park gave the ride its character.

A relaxed coastal run to Maidencombe became a day to savour, from Torquay’s bustle to a quiet lunch above the sea. Early drama with Neil’s broken derailleur bolt soon faded; later, beach-shop gloop and Ben’s quinoline-yellow stained grin set the tone for a playful finish.

An evening loop saw us climb past Pennywell Farm to Rattery, drop by the viaduct and, best of all, discover a new lane from Kerswill Cross to Avonwick; progress paused while Roy fixed a puncture before we headed back via Marley Head.

An uplifting ride over Hamel Down became memorable for an injured crow rescued en route: box from the ice cream van, constable on hand, and a dash towards Moretonhampstead. With skylarks above and Dartmoor ponies with foals around the moor, the youngsters set a fine example on the tracks.

With a record junior turnout, Daniel’s gran’s route took us up to Skerraton and onto the open moor, where sweeping views made it feel like an adventure. Most rode the climb, and the grassy descent to the ford ended in splashing and memories of Ben Ireland’s birthday ride.

A calm summer ride to Avon Dam became a very special evening: warm air, a windless sunset and time to linger on the grassy bank. We crossed the moor by Abbots Way as dusk deepened, the south Devon coast lights showing through the haze, and Roy’s puncture made the return later than planned.

The day turned on a surprise: the Plym Valley cycleway had quietly opened beyond Leighbeer tunnel to Clearbrook, letting us continue onto the new rail path to Princetown. A family from Bath joined us, their young son riding it all, and at Princetown Michael bought a 5-litre water to share before a late dash home.