Wet weather shelved the evening ride, turning it into a relaxed social: we enjoyed an hour of badminton at Ashmoor, then computer games at Crofters.

With rain looming we kept it short around Hembury, turning back as drizzle set in. A brief stop to help a policewoman searching for a car was the day’s standout moment, and we were home early to swap the trails for a lively games session.

On a cloudy, damp evening we rode the old Ashburton road to River Dart Country Park, a short outing coloured by playful detours: a turn on the snake slide and a daring ride along stacked tree trunks in Holne Woods, before heading back via Hembury.

We explored a new path by Ashburton, rough and boggy near the gate. Ashburton Park brought Frisbee and tennis-ball chaos when a dog made off with Ash's ball, before we returned to Buckfastleigh for post-ride computer games.

A pre-ride shower sent the group indoors: a badminton social at Ashmoor for an hour, then back for computer games. The rain turned a planned ride into a relaxed indoor evening.

Sun and sociability set the tone as we welcomed returning member Simon Hopper and his toddler Rowan for a gentle run to Holne play park, Frisbee and a café stop with teacakes. The day’s flourish came when Ash set a Slalom record, before we rolled back for games at Crofters.

A warm, sociable evening ride saw us climb Green Lane before a flowing woodland descent from Higher Penn. Will and George were unusually chatty, and we rounded things off at nine with a game of Supreme Commander.

A sunny ride to Avon Dam led into a search for the Abbots Way across the open moor, rewarded by sweeping South Devon views and a thrilling descent towards Cross Furzes. Will’s attempt to ride the ford left him with soaked feet and sitting out with John before rejoining later.

A planned evening ride became a spontaneous squash session at Paignton Leisure Centre, with Michael coaching Lawrence and then Will before everyone enjoyed a lively 45 minutes on court. Back in Buckfastleigh, Modern Warfare 3 wouldn’t work, so the youngsters took to the trampoline until closing.

Keeping it short for afternoon revision, we explored Hembury Woods: a brisk climb to Hembury Hill, a loop by the fort moat, new paths and a lively slalom. Back by 11.55 as planned, we rounded it off with an hour of games and the trampoline.

Heavy rain forced a switch from the planned evening ride to a social: computer games first, then badminton at Ashmoor Leisure Centre, making the most of three courts. A simple change of plan that kept the evening lively.

Rain stopped the morning ride, so we turned it into a games social at Crofters, wrapping up at 12:15 when Ash left to get on with revision.