With only Mark, Robert and Andrew turning up, the morning became a quiet, determined effort aimed at Grattons Farm near Littlehempston.

Climbing in shelter to Cross Furzes before being buffeted on the open moor, we pushed over Puper's Hill, Ben pointing out a track that eased the drop to Huntingdon. A boggy streamside return via Abbot's Way left youngsters ankle-deep, yet it proved one of the winter's best rides.

A small turnout at the Southpark Centre, Buckfast made for an unhurried games night, with free run of the pool, table tennis and computer games; a relaxed, queue-free end to the season.

A day ruled by the wind: we battled up to Hayne Down and at the tor it was hard to stand, riders leaning into the blast. Ken, suffering a cold, turned back at Manaton, and a catering van stop brought comic relief when Alex objected to the drink bought for him.

A day defined by delays and downpour: after an exasperating wait at the Avonwick pick-up—one rider rang from Totnes then went straight home—the group headed for Avon Mill café as the downpour began; two who pressed on for Ringmore walked in half an hour later, soaked.

The first evening ride of the new season became a brief outing to Staverton, cut short so Matthew and Andrew could be home before dark. Along Colston Road Michael paused to deliver a parcel to his aunt before the return via Caddaford.

After several years away, Glen Powling reappeared unexpectedly. Riders from different starts converged at Fishacre Barton, with the Buckfastleigh and Paignton groups sharing a short spin past Newhouse Barton before parting at Ipplepen.

A quiet evening ride to Spitchwick—no thunder this time—pleasant throughout, though the return was distinctly cold.

A day defined by the wind: after a remarkably quiet run along the old A380, lunch on blustery Haydon Common gave way to a sunlit, sheltered track before a hard headwind home. Michael twice lost the end of his Presta valve in the long grass; Tao climbed past Ashcombe Tower twice.

A short evening ride to Staverton, out via Colston Road and back through Abham, was marked by Michael’s pre‑tour mishap—having to dismantle his derailleur after routing the chain wrongly—and the sight of John arriving on a gleaming new Raleigh Royal.

Summer-like high pressure made this Easter Special a sociable meander on our usual lanes, enjoyed for spring hedgerows and a long natter at Broadhempston. Sam rode in from Totnes for his Easter egg, and Fermoys catered the stop, leaving a conspicuous gap in Ken’s wallet.