An obstacle-strewn run to River Dart Adventures set the tone: fallen trees and slick roots demanded care, then a smooth return via Holne to the Hembury Woods descents. A mid-ride call about Michael’s peacock in a neighbour’s bedroom lent surreal humour.

We set out to explore Hembury’s lesser‑used tracks and soon found ourselves in new territory, with tempting side paths left for another day. A quiet pause for refreshments in an upper glade of primroses set the mood before a fast run back through the woods to Crofters for lunch.

On a tranquil sunny evening we retraced the familiar route to the Avon Dam, pausing in the hush near the top of the Abbots Way to hear our first cuckoo of the season. Dusk fell on the return; lights stayed off until the final descent to Buckfastleigh.

A day built around the Devon DA’s 75th anniversary at Starcross, framed by an exploration of Haldon Forest Park’s new red trail and a coast‑path ride back. Emblematic moments: Tao taking on a steep wooden ramp on the black run, and Joe’s trio of SPD topples, the last knocking Tao over.

An evening spin to Spitchwick became a lesson in light and line: Ben twice ignored warnings on the steep descent, skidding into leaves and straight on at a corner, then, in Hembury Woods after dark, he relied on Joe’s new beam to pick out the slalom while his own lamp pointed uselessly ahead.

On a warm, sunny Dartmoor ride, the long climb via Leusdon set up a thrilling return along Doctor Blackall's Drive, capped by a fast descent that Dennis called his best ride yet. We found Leusdon Lodge now a private house, and Michael alone paused at the river Dart viewpoint.

Our first junior ride of the season saw ten riders make brisk progress to Staverton, with a pause for stone skimming on the island. The day’s defining moment was Michael’s left pedal working loose and finally coming off near Riverford, leaving him to limp home on one crank to general amusement.

An evening defined by newcomer Glen keeping pace throughout, and a missing-helmet saga: noticed near Hembury, found later at Holne Play Park. We finished with a dark descent through Hembury’s tracks.

Jack Greep returned after nearly two years away and rode strongly throughout a scenic Dart-side loop. Highlights included ducklings briefly separated from their mother at Bow Bridge, and a post‑Diptford lesson in fresh cow droppings without mudguards.

Heavy rain forced the cancellation of our second junior evening ride, but a computer games social took its place and kept everyone happily occupied indoors.

Further heavy rain forced the evening ride to be cancelled—the second this week—so we turned it into a social at Pizza Hut in Plymouth and enjoyed a very tasty meal as the rain continued outside through the evening.

A rainy morning ride defined by a change of heart: Josh arrived eager for a longer outing, but at the start settled for a brief spin through Buckfast. A damp yet cheerful compromise that kept the wheels turning.