Our first car-assisted ride of the year basked in superb sunshine along the Exe estuary and canal, lively with wildlife and crowds. A huge flock of Canada geese set the tone, and a late puncture right by the car spared us any roadside repairs.

To mark Ashley’s birthday we headed to the Exeter Odeon for the latest 3D Alice in Wonderland, a darker, more action‑packed retelling than the older versions that really suited the format. The film delivered and everyone enjoyed the evening.

On a warm, clear morning ride to Skerraton Down, a delayed start—Michael finally fixing Ash’s two punctures—gave way to a breezy ridge with wide South Devon views and a joyous plunge to Cross Furzes, with burned gorse turning our legs charcoal-black along the way.

Zac’s idea of another Blu‑ray gave way to Callum’s Charades, and the game carried the night, ending with Ash crowned winner. A quick COD4 break in the middle added variety to a simple, lively evening.

On a fabulous morning a full turnout rode to Staverton, with steam trains everywhere along the riverside. A prolonged park stop—Matt’s nail puncture and Ryan waiting for an inhaler—became a chance to try the new swing and our whistler rocket before heading home.

A good-value night at Tenpin Plymouth saw Michael top the bowling with 136, while Ryan’s late surge pulled him level with Zac for second. We rounded off with a few frames of pool and a dash to Tesco.

With rain due, Michael set a short, flexible route through Hembury; we got back just as the first drops fell. The mood was playful, highlighted by whistler rocket antics at the fort, before an impromptu games social.

With bikes out of action and the weather uninviting, the planned ride became a social: pool at Tenpin in Plymouth, three games each, with Ash, Ryan and Michael taking two wins apiece while Callum, unlucky, lost out. A Tesco stop, then Call of Duty at Crofters to finish.

Sunshine and a lively pace set the tone as the group looped to Diptford via the Avon, pausing for Easter Eggs on the Cobbly Walk. A passer-by rescued Matt’s dropped chain early on, and a fruitless search for a Rattery play park later gave way to a relaxed ride home.

Our first evening ride of the season set the tone: a steady climb to Cross Furzes and a moorland drop to Chalk Ford. We picked our way down the stony track to Scoriton and reached home by 9pm, the light almost gone.

In sun and warmth, a repeat of Friday’s route became a gentle meander when the old path to Chalk Ford proved overgrown and boggy, leaving some with wet feet. We lingered to play with a Frisbee and Rocket, then stopped again to meet a basking family of piglets.