Drawn by the third Sunday buzz, we rode the cycle path to the busy Totnes Food Market and sampled new offerings, notably falafel wraps and the standout Tulumba dipped in chocolate. Home via Rattery, we noted Google Maps has finally stopped routing cyclists onto the A38.

Rain wrote off the ride, so we switched to badminton. The evening’s drama came when Dillan misplaced the rackets and refreshments, prompting a fruitless dash back to Buckfastleigh before they turned up along the sports hall wall, briefly hidden behind a door for the hockey gear.

With rain due by late morning, we squeezed in a short climb to Holne before the drizzle set in. Sheltering in the café, we chatted with former chef Simon over rather interesting Tuscan bean soup, then rode back through steady rain to Crofters for an afternoon of computer games.

To mark the final evening ride of the season we tried a ride-and-badminton double: a short loop for Michael’s first ride back, hot drinks and cake at the Salmon Leap café, then straight to Ashmoor for an hour on court—somehow still finishing back at Crofters by 10:15.

Drizzle turned to rain, so the ride was dropped for a late-morning badminton session at Ashmoor, where everyone’s improvement over the past month showed. The day finished with computer games at Crofters, hoping for better weather next week.

Our first social of the season settled into its familiar pattern: computer games at Crofters, then badminton at Ashmoor. The whole club’s enthusiasm made it clear we’ll likely be back on court most Fridays.

Michael’s mid-ride suggestion and a late start reshaped the plan into a relaxed run to Ermington, with photos on the bridge before a brisk return via Ivybridge. Jude’s carrot cake and the courtyard gates being locked over coffee gave the day its quiet, quirky charm.

Tom joined at George’s invitation to cover for Jude; with the court unavailable until 8.30 we filled the wait with PS4 Disc Jam, then headed to Ashmoor for a lively run of challenging badminton games.

With George absent and his off‑road‑averse father along, the off‑road plan was dropped and the day became an improvised Dartmoor ride to Widecombe. Midway, Jude quietly rode home, and a near‑empty Wayside Café lunch set a subdued tone before a steady return.

An evening of lively badminton saw first-timers Will and Harry shine, showing deft control throughout. With everyone taking at least one game, the mood shifted to friendly rivalry and the promise of sterner contests next time.

A short morning ride to Dartington was defined by a first visit to Baynard's Kitchen, the new replacement for Cranks: prices steep, a narrower menu and meat now on offer. After a delayed, lukewarm soup was put right, we headed back via Staverton, catching a steam train pulling out.

A gentle club evening that came alive: a family bonfire and fireworks set a warm start, then we headed to Ashmoor to meet the others for more demanding badminton. The shift from flames to fast rallies gave the night its character.