A return to Stoke Gabriel, this time taking the long sweep down Aircraft Hill through Collaton St Mary; a simple route made memorable by that fast descent.

An ambitious evening ride via Ashburton and Cold East Cross took the group over rough moorland to the Ten Commandments Stone. Catherine fell on the descent and hobbled homewards, and the late return meant no refreshments at Crofters.

Reaching Mothecombe we found the beach still affected by oil from the recent collision, the smell hanging over the sands. We salvaged the day by wading the Erme to Wonwell with bikes held high, then taking a fresh return via the Aveton Gifford tidal road.

Peter led us cleanly through Newcombe Woods, proving Gary’s scepticism misplaced. Heading back from Denbury a farmer’s warning preceded a cow tottering onto the road by a Land Rover and open gate, and Gary wisely kept any BSE remark to himself.

With Dawlish newcomers Jamie Davey and David Waldron aboard, we made the always‑popular run to Avon Dam, where the ‘quarry’ beside it puzzled many. A mad dash over the moor brought a comic pile‑up—Shane in a stream, Martin on top, then Julian’s somersault.

Morning rain thinned the Invitation Ride, but those who came enjoyed a leisurely ride to Broadhempston with time for the park before heading back via the Rising Sun and Pridhamsleigh. It ended, as so often, with refreshments at Crofters.

An easy evening ride went from Berry Pomeroy along the rough track to Redpost, then on to Uphempston and back to Marldon. The night’s lasting image was David, after showing off his racing shoes, slipping over while carrying his bike.

With showers about we stayed close to home, tracing the River Dart through Hembury Woods, up to the fort and back via the Shuttaford track. Back early, several of us headed to Crofters for Michael’s video, rounding off a damp but companionable evening.

Hot sun made a long “Ride of the Year” to Elender Cove both testing and memorable. With bottles empty, Piglet Stores’ chiller saved the day, and later the group “paid” for lawn refreshments by helping the Forces Cross café sort out its computer.

A brisk run to Littlehempston set up an evening of exploration, finding new ways through Woolston Green to the track. Wild strawberries added a light-hearted pause—Andrew Makepeace even saved one for Michael—before Martin and Dayle’s private code livened the ride home.

A quiet night ride to the Plym Valley Cycle Path saw dark clouds clear to a pale dawn, and even a puncture couldn’t dampen things. The night belonged to the wildlife: glowworms and bats, and a badger that almost ran us down.