On the season’s final evening ride, we turned back at Staverton when Gavin’s knees flared up and darkness closed in, opting for the shortest route home via Green Lane. We ended quietly with drinks and a chat at Crofters.

Daniel Houghton finally joined a club ride, borrowing Michael’s spare bike, and was treated en route to Staverton’s raft race, where low water made for comic progress. Drinks and scones at Fermoys, Ipplepen, preceded a tougher ride home, yet he’s keen to come again.

Friendly rivalry on a booked court at South Dartmoor Leisure Centre, Ivybridge, gave us ninety brisk minutes of badminton before we headed back to Crofters for multiplayer Xbox. A simple, lively mix that kept spirits high on and off the court.

Torrential rain cancelled the morning ride, so we diverted to badminton in Ashburton, booking a court at short notice and enjoying five excellent games.

By unanimous vote we re-ran last week’s social: a badminton session at South Dartmoor Leisure Centre in Ivybridge, then Xbox on our return.

With the forecast deluge failing to appear, the two who set out enjoyed a brisk loop through Hembury Woods and Holne, slipping back via Cross Furzes just as the rain turned unpleasant. A small turnout, but a rewarding ride snatched before the weather closed in.

Two close games at LA Bowl, Newton Abbot, were marked by below‑par form but lively rivalry: Julian took the first with 114, then Gavin edged Luke to win the second on 136.

After a week of grim forecasts, the rain eased and we stole a short, lively spin through Hembury Woods, returning via River Dart Country Park and the Ashburton road. The surprise respite ended neatly with a cheerful game of badminton back in Ashburton.

A relaxed club social where the usual mix of Xbox and PlayStation 2 games kept everyone entertained.

When heavy showers cancelled the morning ride, the day shifted to badminton in Ashburton and indoor games, a simple mix of activity and relaxation that kept spirits up.

With Sundays spoilt by poor weather, the club chose badminton to keep fit instead of riding. A straightforward indoor session that kept spirits up while rain kept us off the bikes.

Two thorn punctures in the first mile and worsening weather ended the ride; a vote switched us to badminton at Dyrons, Newton Abbot. We left with a pledge: next week will be a full-day ride if no juniors appear.