Our first social of the season opened with computer games and Babylon 5 DVDs at Crofters. Despite Michael’s lounge being mid‑refurbishment and space tight, the evening was relaxed and enjoyable.

Continuous rain cut our Buckfast ride to a brief loop, so we switched to badminton at Ivybridge, where new member Sol impressed. Refreshments in the cafe and an afternoon of computer games rounded off a day salvaged from the weather.

The AGM set a clear course: refreshed roles, a publicity drive, publishing adult leaders to bolster safety, a flexible winter social plan and a major tour in prospect; afterwards we christened Michael’s refurbished lounge with the customary computer games.

After a stormy night, a strong turnout enjoyed a dry, breezy ride that soon settled into a steady rhythm. A comic detour when Joe followed Louis the wrong way, and Louis’s unruly pannier, provided the day’s drama, while newcomer Chris impressed and we were back by 1.30.

A strong turnout for our first cinema outing meant two cars to Plymouth, where the animated film about a fish community and the local shark mob—centred on a hustler fish and a kind-hearted shark—was warmly received for its witty script and lively, comical dialogue.

With our biggest turnout since May, we tackled an ambitious ride to Haytor: autumn woods, the stern pull from Belford Mill and sea views rewarded the effort, before a rapid descent to Ashburton. A friendly pony at Haytor Vale and, later, a power cut caused by a squirrel gave the day its character.

Multiplayer PC games and a bit of video editing set the tone for a relaxed club night. We then watched the first half of Secondhand Lions, a warm, gently comic film about a shy boy sent to live with two eccentric uncles whose tall stories hint at adventure, treasure and courage.

With a strong turnout of younger riders we switched to Broadhempston ahead of the showers and made use of the revamped play park, including an Aerobie stuck in a tree freed by bottle-throwing. As the rain set in we chose tarmac over Beaston track, and Ben had a gentle tumble.

An easy-going social evening mixed Monopoly and computer games with the opening of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in full surround: Gondor musters for war as Frodo and Sam push deeper into Mordor under Gollum’s lead. A simple night made by the cinema sound rattling the room.

A long pull to Combe Cross led to ridge‑top lakes that had the youngsters splashing before lunch at Fermoys. Near the Rising Sun, Keir cut across Joe, causing a tumble that left only bruises, and the day was crowned by Keir and Ben completing their first 20‑mile ride.

Moved to Thursday to avoid Bonfire Night, this week’s club social was well attended, with computer games dominating the evening.

Buoyed by a strong climb from Dean Prior, Michael set a more adventurous course over the golf course to the steep slopes of Ugborough Beacon, where the views underlined the youngsters’ progress; the rough descent brought only harmless soft‑grass tumbles. Later the lanes had even Gavin confused.