An evening ride to Venford Reservoir was shaped by the ‘interesting’ return track: bracken and gorse, with Jeremy landing in a prickly clump after a tumble. Dayle and Paul, late at the start, still found us despite Michael’s route change that left Dayle waiting at Hawson.

Wind, drizzle and near-zero visibility defined the Ten Tors, yet the group still stood atop all ten, expertly guided by Michael, with morale restored at the Wayside café. A heavy fall for Martyn Williams and a leader hiding in a car added colour; certificates await in December.

An evening devoted to the Gatcombe tracks became a joyful christening for Bob and Steven’s new Dawes Super Galaxies. Ken was astonished at the sheer spread of hidden paths, resolving to use them on future trips to Totnes—and to bring his youngsters back with their BMXs.

Changeable skies set the tone as we looped past the new Pennywell farm centre towards Rattery, finding wild strawberries hanging on despite hedge ‘demolition’. When the rain burst at Gidley Bridge, we abandoned further plans and raced home through the downpour.

Those who ignored the morning rain were rewarded with a sunny, very muddy run through Burchetts Wood, to the younger riders' delight, en route to the characterful Old Forge at Holne. With everyone except Matthew short of money, Michael paid for refreshments, before the return via Gallant Le Bower to Holne Bridge.

Our 80km West Dartmoor Reliability Ride was a calm, steady test of endurance, the only real talking point the sight of crop circles near Bickington; a damp start gave way to brighter skies.

While others watched the World Cup, the group took a quiet spin through the lanes to Ipplepen, Torbryan and the track at Knowle; Ken shared sweets at Broadhempston before leading the return via Denbury.

With drizzle making the evening feel dreary, the youngsters pushed for a games social at Crofters; Michael agreed—but only after a short ride through Buckfast to earn their refreshments. A damp spin, light spirits, and then the welcome of refreshments and games.

A track-intensive outing over Ugborough Beacon and the Redlake Tramway set the tone, a breezy summit lunch before rough moorland tested legs. Newcomers turned for tarmac at Avon Dam, while others dabbled in muddy ditches and followed Wimbledon on Gary's radio.

After the long haul to Lud Gate, the youngsters declined a second climb to Pupers Hill, to Michael’s disappointment. Spirits lifted on the open‑moor descent to Chalk Ford and the long, stony run to Scoriton before heading home.

Richard Hopper set an excellent three-loop treasure hunt around Broadhempston, with teams racing for points. The day’s twist came when his time penalties flipped the highest scorers to last place—clearly flagged from the outset. Oppressive heat, but plenty of smiles.

A straightforward evening ride was defined by a firm reminder on safe cornering after Marcus and Edward’s dangerous riding on a Colston Road bend; later, some waded over to Staverton Island before we turned for Landscove.