Our social evening swapped bikes for cinema with a showing of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the middle chapter where the Fellowship is divided, Rohan faces invasion and Frodo and Sam press on towards Mordor. Helm’s Deep and Gollum’s split loyalties dominated the room.

Riding out from Skerraton onto the open moor, we met Dartmoor in a quiet, mist-softened mood that slowed us to its pace. The haze made the homeward path elusive, but with the moor hushed and unspoiled we were in no hurry to leave, finally slipping back via Cross Furzes and Wallaford Road.

A simple, good‑humoured social: an evening drive to Plymouth for three lively games of pool, capped by a spin on the simulator at the Ten Pin bowling centre. A relaxed change of pace that kept spirits high off the bikes.

A sharpen-up for the forthcoming Cornwall tour, this sunny run to Staverton welcomed Ashley back and had both lads riding strongly, punctuated by newborn lambs on a family farm and a station‑master’s proud correction: not just a diesel, but a 50th‑anniversary engine.

With no squash courts available, the planned sports social was swiftly recast as a games evening at Crofters—a modest switch that kept the night alive and relaxed.

A sunny spin to Dartington’s Cider Press Centre became a gentle treat-stop, highlighted by a do‑it‑yourself hot chocolate that proved both tasty and fun. At Zac’s urging we sampled the new natural sweet shop before looping back via Staverton, all agreeing it was a very enjoyable morning.

A relaxed evening of squash, starting with warm-up games at Crofters before a late session at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton. The highlight was newcomer Zac finding his feet with steady encouragement from Ashley and Michael.

A Good Friday social centred on Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence, which proved a hit: a sombre, futuristic fable of a robot child’s quest for love and belonging that held the room and gave the evening its reflective mood.

We drove to Vue, Plymouth for The Spiderwick Chronicles, a nimble fantasy adventure where siblings uncover a secret realm of faeries and goblins. It was better than expected, its brisk pace and vivid creatures making a simple, satisfying night out.

Our first evening ride of the new season centred on a simple aim: try the new lights in real darkness. Night fell by Abham, the beams proved sound, and the stillness of the deep Devon lanes made the outing quietly unforgettable.

With Zac still tired after half-term, we kept it to a brief spin along Colston Road and back, savouring a gentle spring morning. A modest outing, but a welcome breath of fresh air.