An off-bike social saw us introduce Dillan to squash at Torbay Leisure Centre; from never having heard of it he quickly mastered the racket and developed a solid serve. Meanwhile John and George fought a string of tight games on Court 3, rounding off a lively first taste of the sport.

With heavy rain forecast all day, we swapped the planned ride for a sports social, spending the morning playing squash and badminton at Ivybridge Leisure Centre. A relaxed change of pace that still delivered a workout, with everyone sharpening their game.

With Lawrence newly back in Buckfastleigh and too tired for the planned badminton at Plymouth’s Life Centre, the group switched to a low-key night: provisions from Tesco Lee Mill and relaxed games back at Crofters.

Determined to beat the rain, we pressed on to Ashburton via Holne Woods and judged the return to Buckfastleigh perfectly. Michael's excitement at a BT sub-cabinet and Dillan's rapid lead home gave the morning its character.

Some members didn’t know Pizza Hut was the venue and had eaten at home, so only Dillan and Michael went, with George joining later. We used the quieter night to plan the next three socials and outline the summer programme, including events needing booking.

A damp start turned into a sunny afternoon, the ride switching to an impromptu games morning before a short spin to Spitchwick, where Frisbee on a near-empty common was the highlight; Lawrence’s split shorts prompted an early exit, and the group agreed afternoon rides could work.

Forced into the Ashmoor gym court after the main hall was booked, we started with brisk 1v1s before an early opening let us finish on two full-size courts. Over post‑match drinks at Crofters, a lively discussion unpicked YouTube misinformation, including misleading claims about Disney.

A cold morning ride became a relaxed exploration: with Ugborough Beacon set aside, we found a new Avonwick play park and gave it a thorough trial, then the youngsters skimmed stones and did gymnastics on the River Avon bridge before a brisk return via Rattery.

Computer games at Crofters set the tone, with a late-night trip to Tesco neatly slotted between sessions. A simple, lively evening that the youngsters clearly enjoyed.

On a chilly morning that brightened, we rode three Landscove tracks—mud, gentle climbs and swarms of flies—before our first visit of the season to the Hill House Nursery Tea Room, where enormous cakes awaited. Lawrence stayed wary, recalling his toddler tumble into the pond.

We ended the social season on a high with Laser Tag in Plymouth, having the arena to ourselves. In a friendly split of honours, Dillan and George edged the team game while Michael topped the overall scores, leaving everyone satisfied and keen to return.

Persistent rain and wind turned the morning ride into a badminton social at Ivybridge Leisure Centre; when it was still wet at 2.15, the afternoon ride was abandoned as well.