Drizzle nearly scuppered the evening, but we kept it local, threading through Combe Fishacre to Ipplepen and on towards Denbury, poking down side tracks. A dead-end detour for young David, a blocked link near Shiphay and gentle ribbing for Matthew, then the rain drove us gratefully onto the ring road.

A ride to Holne—briefly stalled by Paul’s puncture—led to the steep pull to Venford Reservoir, where water sat at about 30%, lower than anyone could recall. We walked the edge to take it in, then returned through Hembury Woods in semi-darkness.

Cooler temperatures and steady morning progress made this year’s 100km South Dartmoor reliability ride feel easier, despite wet spells later. The day’s defining moment came at Ermington, where we learnt the much‑loved Erme Mill café is closing—an unwelcome farewell on a favourite route.

A curtailed start soon turned into a memorable evening as Julie’s back forced her and Ken to head home, leaving Matthew and Dave to press on to Haccombe, where the quiet rural estate proved a delight. A puncture at Coffinswell brought shelter in a thatched cottage from a kind local, and a late 10.30pm return.

With Michael abroad, we finally headed for Spitchwick; a wry ‘Michael health warning’ preceded the descent. The return was anything but swift: Catherine’s chain jammed solid, the whole chainset had to come off, and we crept back by Ever Ready beams for a 10.15 finish.

As acting leader, Richard Burge redirected the ride to Blackingstone Rock, turning it into a long, testing day of climbs and regroupings. The Primrose Cafe still granted its discount, and a 42mph descent capped the effort before everyone got home in good time.

With only two riders, this evening ride became one of our hardest, through Totnes and along the track to Sharpham with fine views of the Dart. David reached Marldon tired but pleased, the effort making a quiet route feel especially rewarding.

With Michael abroad leading our Norway tour, Richard Burge took charge and set a tidy evening spin to Staverton: Colston Road, a brisk dash on the Totnes road to the bridge, the riverside path, then home via Bumpston Cross and the steep Caddaford climb.

A hot seaside run to Maidencombe was marked by spectacle and effort: powerboat racing in the bay, weaving through Torbay traffic, then the plunge down Steep Hill to the beach for food and rock climbing, before an early split for home.

Rain stopped play, so Dave and Philip Robinson turned the evening ride into a home games social, showing that company mattered more than miles.

With Michael just back from Norway, the evening became a playful experiment: at each junction members chose the road, with him vetoing the wilder ideas. We met apron‑clad Mark Sloman in Staverton, shared Norwegian chocolate at Fursdon, and rode home via Landscove in the dark.