Spring sunshine set the tone for riverside tracks and woodland climbs along the Teign, but the day was really about the dogs—capped by one carefully picking its way down an absurdly steep flight of steps. We finished at Fingle Bridge, then promptly raided Michael's chocolate shop.

Arriving at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton, we found our badminton court double-booked, but the mix-up worked in our favour: a free squash court until 9pm, then 20 minutes’ play on two spare badminton courts—an unexpected, lively evening.

A north wind and stinging hail defined the ride, forcing a change of plan from Avon Dam to Skerraton Down to spare Osian on his first outing in a year. Alex, coatless, turned back early; the rest battled gorse and two hail squalls before a glorious tailwind descent and a warm clubroom finish.

A relaxed evening of networked PC games brought our penultimate social of the season to a lively close. Shared screens and easy chatter made for a simple, satisfying night together.

Anxious at first, Ashley set a slow tone to Holne and we switched our aim from Dartmeet to Venford, where his confidence returned. A quiet lap of the reservoir led to a wooded lunch and impromptu stick swordplay, before the day’s neat twist: Ashley pedalled up the hill he’d walked earlier.

A relaxed movie night hinged on the unanimous choice of Anthony Horowitz’s teen spy thriller, Stormbreaker, with Alex Rider pressed into MI6 service to foil a tech magnate’s scheme. Interval refreshments and chat rounded off the easygoing evening.

Choosing the track-laden west loop turned the Broadhempston ride into a lively shakedown for the Easter tour, with the Beaston Track’s puddles recalling its muddy reputation. At the play park, a wayward Frisbee twice hit a cottage window before climbs proved everyone tour-ready.

Our first evening ride of the season mixed easy miles with playful diversions: Michael’s cousins put on a pony and trap display by Colston Road, and at Staverton island we took stone skimming lessons before returning via Abham as the light faded.

With the regulars absent and Matt still tired from the tour, the morning ride was shelved for a day at Crofters practising Command and Conquer 3—a quiet, absorbing switch from roads to real-time skirmishes.

With just two riders we seized the chance to climb to the Avon Dam, arriving as a sudden temperature drop conjured an eerie, rolling fog over the water—Canada geese, a red sunset and a rising moon completing the scene. An earlier quip about dog‑walkers’ cars proved spot on before a cautious, lamp‑lit return.

A ride that warmed from cloud to midsummer, centred on riverside fun and stepping‑stone challenges at Dartmeet; two youngsters ended up stranded across the water, and a chance discovery of a Dartmoor letterbox capped superb views from Mel Tor.