A quieter AGM reflected a settled year, with only modest changes: Lorraine Walker became treasurer and Ken Twydell replaced Richard Hopper as Section Delegate; the Publicity Representative post went unfilled on the night, later co‑opted to Sebastian Lessware. No shifts in policy.

Twenty-three riders from Buckfastleigh and Marldon met at Tally Ho Bridge and rode via Ipplepen to Fermoy’s, a calm, uncomplicated afternoon with no incidents. A relaxed café stop at the garden centre rounded off the outing.

An awkward mix-up defined the day: Richard abandoned at Buckfastleigh after no one turned up and forgot to check the Avonwick pick-up, where Seb arrived on time. Undeterred, Seb completed the Burgh Island ride solo.

Track riding to Bozomzeal set the tone, with Ken’s second-hand Moulton the day’s comic focus as he picked his way down the stony, wet field on foot before daring to ride. Dave prolonged lunch with a Thermos, and we rolled home via Dartmouth ferry, some facing extra miles.

Our first social of the new season was well attended, with twenty gathering for indoor games. It was so popular that Michael had to go home at 7.45pm to fetch more milk for the refreshments.

A brisk first winter morning ride became memorable for Alan’s rear derailleur failure, expertly repaired at the roadside by Charlie and Ken before we diverted from the sodden nature trail to the Dartington estate road. Paul sprang off every speed hump, later realising he’d lost his prized Tandem Club bottle on the climb from Totnes.

A lively run to Chalk Ford defined by mud and mischief: Alex somersaulted into a bog, and at the ford only Thaine and Luke rode through; Thaine halted midstream, found how foul it was, and re-named it S**t Ford. The lanes to Scoriton were as scenic as ever.

An adventurous push to the Nutcracker stone in Lustleigh Cleave defined the day, with lunch by the Bovey and a river crossing on a single tree trunk before steep, rooty climbs and fast woodland descents. Zoe took a tumble but was fine, and unlike 1990, no helicopter was needed.

Michael’s slide show of the past year’s CTC adventures—from the wet Welsh Easter tour to the Lake District—proved so popular that a second evening has been set for 21 February, this time drawing on highlights from the last ten years.

Launching the new Paignton social at 12 Clifton Close, the evening was a clear success, with children absorbed in games while the adults took to parlour favourites, all rounded off by Lorraine Walker’s excellent refreshments.