We chased the sun up past Nurston, only to reach Skerraton Down as it slipped below the horizon, yielding a fine sunset photo. The moor turned chilly and, contrary to Michael’s assurances, we did need lights for the dark run to Cross Furzes and the long descent home.

With Will and John resting after a long Dartmoor ride, George joined us and rode superbly on a gentle ride to Diptford. The River Avon was too high for the rocks, but a chocolate stop on a sunny disused bridge and alpacas by the viaduct gave the day its easy charm.

With Ash unwell, the planned evening ride became a social, with Callum and Neil joining to play several games of Modern Warfare 3. The impromptu gaming session proved a lively stand-in and great fun for all.

With Ash unwell and Chuley Hill taking its toll, we turned back, then chanced a muddy drop to Dart Bridge that thrilled the keenest and wearied the rest. The afternoon brought the stirring sight of the Olympic Torch passing through Totnes.

A relaxed evening ride through Hembury Woods split briefly between the main hill and the Holy Brook, then on to River Dart Country Park for a playful stop by the lake in semi-darkness; Callum’s customary tree climb added colour before a quiet return along the old Ashburton road.

With everyone on top form, the ride to Totnes ran fast and smooth, capped by a café stop. A shower helpfully arrived just as we reached Morrisons, and earlier the youngsters had climbed a riverside tree for a photo, setting a light, lively tone for the day.

A warm evening spin took us from Scoriton up to Holne and into Hembury’s hidden glades, where a quick game of Frisbee provided a pause. The mood shifted when a tree root snagged a toe-strap, buckling a handlebar and forcing a lopsided ride home through the woods.

Miserable weather kept it to a short ride to South Brent, beginning with Jack’s barely-there puncture and a tube swap. We sheltered at the Co‑op during a heavier burst of rain before heading back and salvaging the morning with a relaxed games social.

With a low turnout, Ash and Michael took a short ride up to Cross Furzes and back at a steady pace.

With the morning ride cancelled, we turned it into a relaxed gaming social on Xbox and PC. Callum, still sore from paintballing, was relieved, and Modern Warfare 3 became the battleground for much of the morning.

Windy, chilly weather kept the ride short: up to Cross Furzes and back via Buckfast. The talking point was Ash’s brief detour home to see a new motorbike, and we ended the evening indoors with computer games.

A welcome return for Adam set the tone as we headed briskly to Holne; he even straightened Michael’s handlebars after Friday’s mishap. Tree‑climbing at Galant Le Bower and a split at Hembury Fort—Ash taking the slalom while we kept to the road—gave the morning its own flavour.