Welcoming John Iles back, our junior evening ride flowed off-road to River Dart Country Park, crowned by the steep final descent that had many keen to go again. We rounded off along the riverside track, where a few bravely peered into the small cave.

Planned as an easy route to Staverton for a newcomer, the ride proved brisk as Jack showed surprising pace. A passing steam train and a quick Frisbee in the park added colour before a straightforward run home.

We downgraded the ride so Kane could join, turning it into a relaxed, stop‑laden outing that ended with him proudly reaching his planned 20 miles. Highlights included sheltering in the greenhouses during a sharp shower and threading the maze‑like tracks of Orley Common.

A perfect evening saw our young riders crest the long climb to the open moor of Skerraton Down, savouring far-reaching views and a thrilling descent to Cross Furzes. Jodie’s plunge off a stone bridge and Abi’s spill on fresh chippings were swiftly patched up, and we finished in high spirits.

The long climb of Wallaford Road proved decisive: Kane wisely headed home while the rest were repaid with a fast moorland descent to Chalk Ford and views to the coast. Midges cut short the stop, and the stony run to Scoriton led to a relaxed finish through Holne and Hembury Woods.

On a hot, fast day the ride became a bold detour along the Redlake tramway, then down to the Avon for a careful crossing of the stepping stones and a sweeping run home. A gracious picnic invite at Harford church and Lemon Meringue Pie above the dam gave it its flavour.

Light-hearted progress marked our junior ride to Staverton and Landscove: Michael needed a reminder call, the group later split, and the longer loop enjoyed a bumpy bridleway drop to Lower Combe before a testing final climb. Several looked ready to move to Friday rides soon.

A mid-ride puncture on the rough track from Parkfield halted progress; we watched the cows go home while Gavin’s first repair failed, then looped back via Beaston to buy time. With Jack still riding strongly, we took the more interesting return by Gullaford and Lower Combe.

On a sweltering ride to Broadsands we chased shade and sea breezes, taking a cliff path that revealed quiet coves far from Torbay’s crowds. The day’s quirks included a vast display of council machinery on Paignton beach.

The last ride in our junior series traced Ashburton’s lanes and riverside tracks, crowned by panoramic evening views from the Terrace Walk, before a steep, rocky plunge from Five Lanes to Dart Bridge brought us home.

On his first Friday ride, Jordan handled the route well as we moved from Burchetts Wood towards Holne. The three J-named riders could not resist the ford and got wet feet, and an Aerobie session in the play park rounded off the evening.