After what seemed like weeks of rain we decided to make the most of the good weather by running a fairly brisk and ambitious ride to the South Hams. From South Brent we dropped down the hill to Avonwick and then took the lanes through to North Huish. A local pensioner, out walking his dog in the sunshine, was reminded of his own cycling experiences in Lincolnshire when he was younger, but he politely declined our invitation to join us.

Pressing on through the peaceful village we descended to the picturesque Bickham Bridge where the course of the old railway passes alongside the sparkling river Avon amidst autumnal woodland glades. It would have made a perfect lunch stop, but today we had little time to admire the view. A tough climb was followed by a short spin through the village of Diptford and then a speedy spin along the main road to Tigley and Dartington. With sunshine glinting off every stream our ride ended with Colston road, bringing us home just after 1pm.

It was good to see Dave Hartnell again after his summer fracture.

Another enjoyable evening of badminton, this time at Torbay Leisure Centre, Paignton.

Today's advertised morning ride was quickly changed to a car-assisted day ride at the start. The new start point was Starcross car park, from where we splashed our way along Powderham lane to the level crossing and the beginning of the path to Turf Lock. The going was somewhat muddy, but the views across the Exe estuary were magnificent on this sunny November morning.

The multitude of wading birds foraging on the mud-banks were attracting flocks of bird-watchers equipped with the very latest in ocular enhancements, so progress along the canal path proved slower than expected. It was 12.30 when we arrived at the Waterfront area of Exeter, browsing all the interesting restaurants and cafes in search of the perfect venue for our mid-day meal. After a thorough exploration of the many cycle paths that lines the canal through the centre of Exeter we eventually returned to the Waterfront to enjoy some very large and tasty pizzas in the afternoon sun.

Riding back along the canal path to Starcross we decided that a few more car-assisted rides during the winter months (with lunch out of course) may not be such a bad idea!

Another enjoyable evening of badminton, this time at Dyrons, Newton Abbot.

Today's ride was cancelled.

The social was cancelled.

Michael made up for everyone else's lack of enthusiasm this morning by enjoying a brisk solo ride through Ashburton and River Dart Country Park. Climbing Holne Chase he was surprised to see the post van coming from the Holne direction: sure enough, a check of the post-box in the village confirmed that Holne is indeed fortunate enough to have a Sunday collection, putting it on the same status as Buckfastleigh! Return was via Michelcombe and Scoriton.

Another enjoyable evening of badminton, again at Dyrons, Newton Abbot.

Ride cancelled in view of the bad weather.

This turned out to be a very special social on the opening performance of the opening day of this blockbuster Lord of the Rings film.