The old Hembury track entertained again, delighting the youngsters—Toby even declared there wasn't enough mud—before the return through Holne and Scorriton turned comic as Paul, hounded by two riders with water bottles, sparked a full water fight.

A lively Rough Stuff drew a strong turnout and cheerful grit: the course rode well but the bramble-choked track towards Bridford Wood left many scratched. Our first visit to the Canonteign Falls café went down well, rounding off a day of pushes, tumbles and smiles.

A South Dartmoor evening full of moorland scents drew a youthful crowd, the ride flowing in that easy harmony our group is known for. Best moment: Mrs Juste’s brief horror as fifteen hungry youngsters materialised at her Scoriton door, before realising they were only saying goodbye.

Warm sun turned this Dartmeet ride into a day by the water: lunch at Week Ford’s stepping stones, splashing at Huccaby, and a bracing Spitchwick dip where Gary turned back and only Mark reached the far bank. En route we met the Ford family, aghast as most skipped Dr Blackall’s Drive.

An easy spin around the Dartington lanes became a running joke thanks to Paul's do-it-yourself 'saddlebag' – a white vegetable rack strapped to his carrier that gathered sprays of leaves as we went, to the amusement of onlookers. Even Colston Road's potholes were dodged, with Simon staying clear.

Michael’s rocky shortcut to Holne displeased some younger riders, but we reached the Old Forge just in time to avoid a heavy shower. A brisk return via the Hembury track left us early, so we added the long hill to Cross Furzes, to the dismay of Luke and Rohan.

Record numbers brought record confusion, but the evening became an off-road discovery, from the new Bulland Farm track to a blazing Landscove sunset. A split at a muddy fork tested bravado, and Jason punctured then slid into nettles on a steep bend before being rubbed down and sent on.

A glorious, breezy ride to Fernworthy Reservoir under steady sun, marked by two lunch stops after some eager riders missed a turning. Earlier the Primrose’s prices had risen—Michael said the quality was worth it—and we later enjoyed the effortless drop to Widecombe.

An evening dash to the River Dart Country Park turned playful, with the group hurtling down the Anaconda Run on sacks before laughing our way into dusk. After a brief muddle finding the back exit we staged a water fight on the return, the day ending wet and cheerful.

Searing heat defined the ride to the Exeter Ship Canal, with Luke struggling from the start and everyone chasing shade and iced drinks. Two headlong dashes off the front earned a firm word from Michael; relief finally came with iced drinks at Turf Lock.

At last Andrew, Mark, Luke and Gary got their Spitchwick ride, granted on condition there would be no more for at least four weeks. But the evening turned chilly, so nobody took a dip; we headed back by the long route via Buckland and Ashburton.

A windy quest for Whooping Rock on Easdon Tor set the day’s tone: the boulder wouldn’t budge and the views were hard‑won. A well‑timed mutiny spared a long track and brought a lucky reunion with Luke, followed by a comic tea‑for‑two mix‑up at the Wayside.