A planned spin to Hembury Woods turned into a dash for home when the rain began just as we were weighing up a muddy riverside track; we cut through the woods to the Hapstead road and were back by 11.30. Consolation came with a post-ride games social of Halo and Lord of the Rings.

We spent the evening in Plymouth playing pool at Tenpin, staying on until 9pm helped by a table that gave a few free games. Jerry lost every match, while Ash and Michael shared two tight frames decided on the black, before a brief visit to Tesco on the way home.

Choosing the moor over Avon Dam set the tone: a steady climb to Skerraton Down, bridleway and open moor giving way to a lively drop to Cross Furzes. Callum O’Brien’s ill-fated ford attempt soaked his feet, and we capped it with a cheerful post-ride team game of Lord of the Rings.

With Michael’s five-seater loan car ruling out a trip, the evening became a lively games night: Jack and Callum F battled through Lord of the Rings to earn their shop rewards, others played Halo and Two Worlds 2, and we finished with more Halo and a movie/TV music quiz enjoyed by all.

A sunny, chilly morning turned into a relaxed detour: a late start and frequent chats led to a split race up to Holne, the shortcut brigade edging it, and a vote switched the plan from Venford to River Dart. A café pause and a go on the snake slide set the tone before heading home.

A lively evening centred on a music video quiz that ran to 9pm, with Ash, Jack and Zac edging Jerry and the two Callums 46–43. We ended with a trip to Tesco at Lee Mill, where a soapless car wash disappointed and Ash and Callum’s lift meant they missed the end.

A light-hearted spin to Broadhempston mixed park stops with a muddy run to Beaston; a ‘Road Closed’ sign that wasn’t actually closed set the tone, and Ash wisely declined a suggested backflip before Frisbee took over.

Disagreement and lack of funds kept us in again, to CoB’s frustration. Michael salvaged the evening by building the music quiz from everyone’s five favourite tracks, which drew Zac off his PC—and we resolved to get out for the next two socials.

A bitterly cold morning reshaped plans, sending the ride to Burchetts Wood and a drier-than-expected loop, with only two tackling the muddy Hembury Slalom while the rest swapped chat with a Scottish motorist about eye-watering tyre costs. Back home dry and on time, the day ended with Risk and a quick bounce.

A pricey night at Tenpin meant just one game, with Callum F edging a modest win before we finished with some Pool. The evening turned memorable on the drive home when we met a car blocking the fast lane near South Brent, forcing sharp braking but ending safely.

A brisk, sunny run became a longer outing to Totnes, then an ambitious return over Rattery. Memorable moments included action shots at the weir and Lawrence’s regretful climb after a fry-up, following a café stop where appetites overruled advice.

With Michael unable to book courts, a last-minute switch to the Plymouth YMCA saved the evening, though our two courts at right angles and professional trampolining erupting sky-high beyond the barrier kept everyone on their toes. Amid the chaos, Callum O'Brien shone in his games.