A muddy evening run to Spitchwick was marked by mishaps and quick fixes: Chris Platt’s long-awaited return saw him bogged in Hembury Woods within twenty minutes, and new rider Andrew lost a pedal crank, yet a swift repair had everyone together again for the return from Peartree.

On a damp Sunday we explored new lanes to Buckland Tout Saints, welcoming Jenny back after injury and, after a steep wooded climb, taking shelter for lunch in the church porch with birdsong in the drizzle.

A brisk evening spin along the lanes to Beaston made a fine end to the day under a hazy sunset. We passed a cricket match in full flow, and on the Beaston Farm track Ken finally got his feet wet.

A cautionary evening: younger riders learned not to follow anybody down a hill when Andrew, Simon and Luke took the steep dip through Harbourneford and others went with them instead of Richard’s easier route. We reached Shipley Bridge quickly and returned along Abbots Way with a few harmless grassy falls.

A hardish ride took the group via Berry Pomeroy and Galmpton to Kingswear’s Lower Ferry for sweeping views of the Dart, then on to steep tracks near Mansands. Six punctures—close to a record—were kept in check by an excellent pit mechanic.

A repeat of Friday’s ride, memorable for Ian Luke leading everyone up the wrong hill and later attempting to swim in the Avon, where he promptly ran aground in just a few centimetres of water.

On the Marldon Track Event the group roamed lanes and tracks in a rough-stuff rehearsal via Glazegate Lane and the track through Fleet Mill to Totnes. The finish was marred when Philip, leading, failed to wait at a turn-off, splitting adults and youngsters to make their own ways home.

A familiar evening loop via Colston Road, Staverton Bridge and the riverside path was upset when Paul’s new Charger derailleur fell apart on Staverton Green, prompting a lift home. We returned through Landscove, with Simon leading a shortcut down the track from Five Lanes.

Another fine evening brought an energetic loop via Combe Fishacre, repeatedly crossing what looked like major roadworks—until a farmer’s wife revealed it was a gas main. A brief hold-up by cows at Lillisford and an escort from the local horse gave the ride its character.

Keen not to be outdone by the Marldon starters, Buckfastleigh rode one of its longest evening outings, pushing past Haytor under a warm, hazy sky. A hot air balloon lifted behind Ashburton as we watched, and a close badger sighting near Cold East Cross made a first for many.

On a hot, sunny Rough Stuff, we rode to Lustleigh for elevenses, lunched in the shade, then tackled a five-mile mix of lanes and rough tracks. The day will be remembered for Luke Hatherly missing the first marshal and heading for Exeter, then negotiating with British Rail to get home; earlier, we debated hot tea versus ice drinks.