A sunny, sociable spin to Dartington set the tone: a relaxed café stop at the Cider Press Centre, then a riverside meander to Staverton and time for frisbee and a rocket at the recreation ground. Ash’s impromptu flat-ground flips capped a ride more about play than pace.

An evening of competitive fun: a pre-match game of Supreme Commander was cut short when Callum nuked Will, then we drove to Newton Abbot leisure centre for an hour of badminton from nine to ten.

A perfect morning for an off-road dash to Avon Dam: Ash set a brisk pace via South Brent to Shipley Bridge, then pulled flips while we ate ice-creams. We returned via the Abbots Way to Cross Furzes.

A spontaneous evening saw the youngsters drive to Plymouth’s TenPin for a few relaxed games of pool; a light-hearted social detour, with the roll‑call even a little uncertain.

A steady morning to Holne was defined by introducing John and Will to the Langaford track: deceptively smooth at the top, then increasingly steep and rocky, it left them unimpressed by the bottom. Earlier mud through Burchett's Wood and a café stop gave the ride its colour.

Rain kept everyone inside for a three‑team game of Supreme Commander. The defining exchange saw Lawrence and Will try to nuke Ash and Mike, only for the missiles to be thwarted by their formidable defences.

With rain forecast, a shorter ride to Landscove via Green Lane set the tone as Michael coaxed the wary youngsters out. A stop at the Hillside garden centre café brought enormous cake and a frisbee session in the gardens before we rolled home well ahead of the first drops.

A big multiplayer game of Supreme Commander defined the evening, with Ash and Mike taking on the youngsters — and, for a change, the youngsters won. Lawrence’s practice paid off, tipping the balance.

A straightforward spin to Holne gained a twist when we were challenged at the gate to River Dart Country Park for the first time before being waved through. A steady climb through Holne Woods led to a welcome café stop, then a quiet return via Hawson Court.

After overnight rain and threatening clouds, Michael had to coax the younger riders out, and we settled for a shortened route to Cross Furzes and Coombe; a puncture for Will at Hawson Court was fixed quickly so we could be home by 12.15.

A massive team battle on Supreme Commander saw Ash and Michael take on the rest; after alliances were forged and swiftly broken, they emerged victorious.

On a flat, scenic run along the Plym Valley, the day’s theme was an elusive cup of coffee: we passed early options, found no café at Clearbrook and settled for overpriced pub fare, only to meet a huge queue at the good coffee van on the way back.