Youthful determination set the tone as the group shunned a shorter option for Bonehill, fixed a stubborn puncture and pressed on to Widecombe for a well‑earned café stop. Ash’s somersaults on the rocks and a detour to call on a school friend gave the day its cheerful, unhurried character.

Vouchers turned a Pizza Hut outing into a bargain, setting the tone for a relaxed social evening that flowed into spirited Air Hockey at Tenpin—Ash and Callum taking the win, George third—before an unexpected meet-up at Tesco delayed our return.

After a sluggish start—Callum creeping up Nurston hill after late-night gaming and no breakfast—we kept faith with the plan to reach Avon Dam. Ice creams at Shipley Bridge sparked a revival; Callum led the off-road climb, views were superb and we still got home early.

Short evening ride to Hembury Woods marked by Will’s first real off-road: quick climb, loop round the fort and a steady descent, Michael helping him take the gentler line until he rode the last section. Home by nine, we wound down with Modern Warfare 3.

A fabulous sunny morning spin to South Brent became a simple out‑and‑back, turning for home at noon. Two moments set the tone: pausing to watch radio‑controlled helicopters over the Buckfastleigh track, and passing a riverside field packed with geese and chickens.

Ash and Callum pulled us back to Ashburton, then on towards Belford Mill; George tackled the woodland track and kept pace while others skipped it. In the chill we headed home via Druid, rounding off the night with some Modern Warfare 3.

A sunny climb to Broadhempston turned into an unplanned 45-minute park stop, complete with takeaway coffees and Michael's first cappuccino, before dark clouds sent us skipping Beaston track and huddling in an old barn; a damp detour via Landscove rounded it off.

An evening ride marked by early setbacks: George’s back pain cut short the start, and high river levels at Staverton blocked the stepping stones. Even so, the group pressed on and made a swift return, rounded off by a surprise fish and chips back at base.

Persistent wind and rain converted the ride to a social: an hour on MW3, then lively badminton at Ashmoor. Back at base, games and Ash’s electronic drum kit rounded things off, with the Rogers family impressing on court despite little experience.

A cold, damp evening ride to the Hembury hill fort became a confidence builder, with Ash guiding the youngsters before a cautious but clean run down the Slalom track. John turned back after taking a photo, and the rest finished smiling and glad to warm up indoors with a round of Modern Warfare 3.

A relaxed morning that abandoned Venford for fun at Holne Park and the café, with tennis ball, Frisbee and swings stealing the show. A water‑filled Frisbee splash sparked a brief dispute, soothed by cake—one slice was kindly upgraded—before an easy run through Hembury Woods.