With Ashmoor closing early, we squeezed in a brisk session that brought out sharp form: Dillan went from missing shuttles to winning points within the hour, and Callum gave Michael and Ash excellent games. We ended the night with PC games at Crofters.

Our first club visit to South Brent’s island set the tone: a bike swap put Dillan on the front, a Co-op feast in hand, and river games turned to a soaking when Lawrence missed a stepping stone; later he upheld his swap deal by urging Dillan uphill with a stinging nettle.

After some discussion we took a trip to Plymouth to Tenpin, sharing pool, air hockey and other games. The simple fun set the tone, rounded off by the youngsters stopping at Tesco for drinks and snacks on the way home.

Off-road fun defined the ride past the uniquely shaped Belford Mill, down Whiddon Scrubs and along Terrace Walk for sweeping valley views. A half-built BMX park and a good-natured pasty price comparison gave the day its character in the rising heat.

An easy-going games evening set the tone, with Ash joining briefly before we settled into the consoles. A spontaneous trip to Newton Abbot added a twist, as Dillan wanted to spend some of his money.

A sun-baked loop from Fingle Bridge up the Hunter’s Path defined the day: hard climbing in the heat gave way to spectacular views and flowing singletrack. The rough Fisherman’s Path back, complete with bankside steps, saw slick teamwork and the younger riders shine.

After the usual trip to buy food, the youngsters tackled back-to-back TV and film theme quizzes, trading answers into the evening; it ended level, a neat draw that captured the friendly rivalry.

The ride to Totnes was ruled by the weather: a dash into Morrisons as the first shower hit, then the heaviest rain ambushing us on the main street by the castle while Michael, unwell, sat snug in the support car. Sunshine saw us home via Staverton, briefly halted by a passing steam train.

We settled the key details for the summer tour—18–22 August in the Yorkshire Dales—before switching to a newly found free Steam game on the club PCs. A simple, purposeful evening that balanced planning with a shared bit of play.

With George keen to test his new bike and Dillan training for the summer tour, the lads climbed strongly then insisted on both routes: the moorland drop to Chalk Ford and lanes to Holne. Deer showed by the ford, and the heaviest showers arrived while we were in the café.

A short foray into Hembury Woods became a battle with overgrown tracks, scratched shins and laughter. Lawrence’s attempt to copy Ash’s jump fizzled, then he overshot into a holly bush—brakes later proven fine—while Arthur loved the steep slalom descent.

John treated the youngsters to pizza for George’s birthday at the newly refurbished Pizza Hut by Plymouth’s Barbican, but the night’s highlight was Neil’s temperamental Micra: opening the boot and getting it started required such a bizarre ritual that Michael ended up phoning Neil for instructions.