A perfect, cold morning saw just two of us ride to the Avon Dam, pausing at the reservoir before climbing the moor for crystal-clear views to the coast. The calm was briefly broken by two cyclists wanting multiple photos, and we filmed the rapid descent for those who stayed home.

Our games evening became a rescue mission when Tao arrived with his PC needing urgent upgrades; most of the night went on getting it sorted rather than playing.

We skipped Fermoys and took a gentler, twisting route to Broadhempston so James could manage it, pausing for Frisbee in the park; when James sent the ring over a high fence, Ashley scaled it to retrieve it. We looped home via Staverton to make the most of the fine weather.

An enjoyable PC-network games evening, notable for a turnout of just two, which gave the evening a quiet, pared-back feel.

Torrential rain forced the cancellation of the morning ride, so we turned it into an enjoyable social at Crofters instead. A simple change of plan kept spirits up despite the weather.

Our usual consoles-and-PCs evening was joined by Will’s friend Ashley, giving us two Ashleys and a slightly different mix around the screens.

A short Totnes outing became a calm exercise in guiding returning youngsters: two tried the weir and got wet feet, and the town roundabout needed coached crossings. Headwinds over Rattery hill capped a day more about care than distance.

Our last social of the season before evening rides resume next Friday was a relaxed night at Crofters, making full use of the PCs and consoles, with trips to the chocolate shop rounding it off.

James’s new Trek set the tone: tracks to test and a hot dog at New Bridge that kept us waiting. The grind up Poundsgate yielded no van, but Dr Blackall’s Drive delivered—views from Bell Tor Corner and a fast descent back to New Bridge to close the season’s last morning ride.

The first evening ride of the season headed past Nurston Farm onto Skerraton Down, where dusk gave a panorama of village and town lights from Totnes to Widecombe. With good lights we tackled the dark drop to Cross Furzes and finished by the fire at Crofters with refreshments and videos.

Our first day ride since last June was defined by mud. After the climb of Lustleigh Cleave, a track wrecked by off‑road vehicles became the youngsters’ playground as they rode the ford and got soaked, while the once‑famed Lustleigh café stood closed.