A surprisingly flat spin behind Ashburton turned into a search for refreshment when every café in town was shut. We met Julian and diverted to Buckfast, where an impromptu mug-size test showed a large just fills a small; earlier, Ben earned bonus points for spotting the mill house.

A special two-hour screening of Mel Gibson’s The Man Without a Face anchored the evening. Its story of a scarred recluse mentoring a boy for his entrance exam—set against a wary community and a cliff-side retreat—made for a quiet, affecting watch.

Daniel returned brimming with energy, and with Ben aiming for his 20‑mile stage point we set our sights on Fermoy’s. After scones in the sun and a few sharp hills—prompting them to call Michael a few names—chocolate bribes helped the lads home, target met and a ride Daniel won’t forget.

With the original report missing, this seems to have been a straightforward social trip to the English Riviera Centre in Torquay for a swim—a relaxed break from the bike and a chance to be together by the sea.

A ride defined by the long, winding off-road descent to River Dart Country Park, which Daniel had been waiting for and relished, mud and all. Ben impressed by climbing on a gearless BMX, while Jamie had to re-inflate his tyre three times before an enormous old thorn was finally found.

Instead of riding, we had a low-key social at the PC as Daniel learned the strategies to succeed in Total Annihilation; a focused spell of tips and practice that gave the day its quiet satisfaction.

Sunshine set the tone for a lively outing: we reached Staverton just as the steam train pulled out and couldn’t resist a chase along the riverside. Later, sharing the Landscove track with the Rainbow Ride, we slipped past the horses and revelled in the rough woodland descent.

With courts only free at 9pm, we eased into the evening with computer games before an hour of shared badminton at Dyrons in Newton Abbot. Everyone joined in, the mood was lively, and more than a few players showed real promise.

A first spring outing to Avon Dam became a lesson in pacing and gears, as the newcomers mastered the long climbs and found their confidence. A mid-ride blowout forced a bike swap, and on the thrilling descent to Cross Furzes Tommy flew over his bars - declaring it the best part.

Our movie night featured The Kid, a Disney comedy in which Bruce Willis’s jaded image consultant is confronted by his younger self; it was warmly received and provided a light, nostalgic close to the season’s socials.

A warm, unhurried spin to Spitchwick, Frisbee on the common and long climbs framed a sleepy morning; Oliver’s ride unravelled with back‑to‑back punctures on Hembury, repaired while the others lounged by the brook—after an earlier deer sighting in the woods.

New lighting took centre stage on our first evening ride of the summer, as a rich red sunset faded to darkness and we tested beams through quiet Landscove. The climb to Green Lane, scented by the sleeping countryside, left us keen for the season ahead.