A swift run from Bickington to Jay’s Grave set the tone for a lively day on Hamel Down, dominated by Luke Hatherly repeatedly overshooting turnings and dragging Seb and a group of youngsters off course before regrouping at the café. A passing cyclist took our message back, and Michael was cheered by his favourite ducks at Spitchwick.

Our road safety workshop delivered its usual comprehensive run-through of safer riding, pitched for all ages and experience. Held at the Southpark Centre in Buckfast, the 50p entry and refreshments kept it friendly and practical.

Persistent rain meant cancelling the ride to Skerraton Down; we took shelter at Crofters and watched a videotape. Not much pedalling, but a sociable pause in the dry.

On a wet morning, forceful leading from Philip Humphreys drove the group along the tracks to Brixham, setting a brisk tone. An early scare saw young Paul struggling to breathe; Ken turned back to take him home.

The second Paignton social was shaped by Dave Humphreys' inventive bike parts game, then the evening split: younger members wreaked havoc upstairs while the adults settled into Trivial Pursuit.

Mark Sloman’s long-awaited return set the tone for a brisk run to Harford through autumn leaves, lunch by the church and a cross-country line to South Brent that, for once, avoided the bog. Paul’s tumble at Staverton Bridge, seconds after “Careful now!”, supplied the day’s rueful laugh.

We moved the social to the Crofters Clubroom for better picture, sound and seating, a fitting setting for The NeverEnding Story II. Some had seen it at Christmas and returned. Bastian revisits Fantasia, his wishes erasing memories as Xayide manipulates him, until courage and friendship prevail.

Meeting at Torbryan, we threaded the lanes around Denbury before finishing at Fermoy’s Garden Centre in Ipplepen for large, well‑priced cakes and hot drinks — a straightforward, sociable afternoon on familiar roads.

Cycle videos were the centrepiece of the evening at Dave Robinson’s in Marldon; there was relief that Ken didn’t bring his Moulton video.

Route-finding set the tone: from the excellent views at Mamhead Obelisk we took a new track across Haldon, dropped to the Teign Valley and tackled the steep haul to Hennock, before a puncture stop and a cautiously approved new café in Bovey Tracey.

Most were already confident with basic maintenance, so after a little wheel truing and puncture repair the Bicycle Workshop turned into a sociable evening of games.

Our Christmas Lunch Ride again proved the highlight of the year, with meals arriving as ordered and excellent value. We scarcely minded the rain on departure—except for Dave Humphreys, who had left his oilskin coat at Leusdon.