A very small turnout saw the ride converted to a planning session: we booked the Easter Tour, then rounded it off with a low‑key social at Crofters.

Supreme Commander again set the tone for our penultimate social, with Michael and George taking on Dillan and Will despite Michael urging AI opponents. After mid‑island skirmishes, a pair of nukes at George triggered a ruthless counter; M and G won, and George then discovered Michael’s air power was decisive.

The ride centred on the newly working HEP station at Totnes weir, its twin Archimedes screws turning while the weir lay almost dry; a local said it flows after rain. A friendly long-eared owl under the arch charmed everyone, and a later phone drop mercifully resulted in only a cracked screen.

A relaxed Good Friday games night started late after George mistook the day and Lawrence had his own delay. We still fitted in a long film-clip quiz, narrowly won by Dillan.

A windy Easter outing on the southern Tarka Trail mixed easy rail-trail miles with tailwind elation to Instow and a grinding headwind home. Highlights included a sand-blasted lunch after Tao’s ‘sheltered’ spot, and a shower arriving after Michael praised the weather, redeemed by a cosy, dog-decked café.

Flooding after Storm Katie dominated the ride: Topsham detours, a ferryman refusing any discount and reports of a submerged Powderham road sent us back along the Exe trail, ending with a barefoot wade to the cars. A superb coffee stop in Shaul’s briefly lifted the chill.

Between tour photos and computer games, the evening centred on setting our Friday programme: rides when the weather allows, back by 9.30, with a social to 10.30, and at least 13 rides across 26 Fridays. The season has begun with two socials.

With rain looming, we kept the ride cautious: out to the lower Hembury track, over Shuttaford Hill to Holne, then a brief café stop. The new coffee machine served much improved coffee, and we slipped back via Scoriton before the rain arrived in the early afternoon.

Our first evening ride of the season was defined by high river levels at Staverton, denying the stepping-stone crossing and sending us back through the park. A lively chat saw two riders turn off early, prompting a brief sweep to regroup before heading home.

An unhurried spin to Landscove set the tone: after a late start and coffee we ambled via Ashburton, pausing to urge a weary Devon Dirt rider to enjoy the day rather than the clock. We lingered over cake and soup in the garden centre, agreeing on longer rides from next Sunday if the weather is good.

With light rain all evening, we switched to a badminton social at Ashmoor. George was allowed to join on the promise of riding Sunday, and we rounded off with a Game of Thrones quiz over hot drinks, lingering past the planned finish.