A short evening spin took us along Green Lane to Landscove, then back via Chuley Cross and Pridhamsleigh; dry, chilly air made it brisk, with the quiet lanes the highlight.

Another request for Hembury Woods drew us back to Hembury Fort in near darkness, where the twisty track proved tricky. Some still pushed the pace; Neil took a branch to the eye, thankfully without serious injury.

On the last evening ride of the season, Michael’s plan for a climb to Cross Furzes was politely overruled; even as the sky brightened behind Buckfast, Matthew’s lack of lights settled it and they turned early for Crofters—an amiable, early finish to the year.

A long-anticipated return to the Tinners' Hut route became a classic moorland adventure: we ignored a resident’s cross-examination, boulder-hopped a river at the price of a few wet feet, and later corrected a bracken-choked detour—only to find the Copper Kettle shut.

News at Torbryan that the Primrose cafe team had taken over a place near Ogwell sent us hunting, and we found the old pub reborn as the Rising Sun Tearooms. It was packed, Roger Olver was serving, and although prices hadn’t dropped our discount had survived.

A quiet AGM centred on rebuilding attendance: Seb Lessware took on publicity, a village-wide poster push was agreed, and ride timings were adjusted. The group will also test a return to Leusdon Lodge for the Christmas lunch under new owners.

The group followed the usual Ten Tors circuit: modest riding at 25 miles but taxing walking over Dartmoor, from Hay Tor to Mel Tor. Ten members completed every tor and will receive their certificates at the Christmas lunch.

On a perfect autumn morning, Martin Luke made a tentative return as we rode Hembury Woods to Spitchwick before Michael urged us up to Buckland and an inaugural stop at the Round House café; Paul had no money, while newcomer Jeremy declared the bakewell tart excellent.

An evening of Risk at our board games social, with Budgie claiming victory.

Bound for Hansel Mill, we took the wrong fork on the descent and fetched up in an overgrown riverside glade thick with midges; too hungry to slog back up before eating, we made it our lunch spot, then corrected course and returned via Diptford.

An autumnal loop framed by anticyclonic gloom: we converged at Bovey Tracey from four starts, followed the old railway to Lustleigh and climbed through Lustleigh Cleave among rich leaf colour, before lunch by the ford at North Bovey and a likely Widecombe tea.

Bonfire Night drew many to firework displays, leaving a quiet evening. Chris Giles made full use of the computer games.