After Bonfire Night at Maypool, the overnighters joined us at Marldon, and we headed via Compton, East Ogwell and Highweek to the fascinating paths of Stover Country Park, pausing for lunch by the lake before speeding on towards Buckfastleigh for the afternoon ride.

After Bonfire Night at Maypool Youth Hostel and a morning start from Marldon, several riders raced to Buckfastleigh for an afternoon crossing of Skerraton Down. Grey, cold air muted the views, yet the moorland traverse and drop to Cross Furzes rounded off a demanding, memorable day.

Meeting at Gappah Cross, we shelved the Exeter Ship Canal plan and took a shorter run through new lanes to Haldon for a chilly woodland lunch. Seb, newly elected Publicity Officer, pinned up a club poster in Doddiscombsleigh before drinks at the nursery and a brisk ride home.

A cold, wintry morning ride found its heart in a steep pull to a gateway viewpoint above North Huish, where the village looked, as Tom said, positively cosy. We looped back via Avonwick, threading the prettiest lanes we could find.

Plans for Ringmore turned into a farce over the car keys: having chosen to drive to the Avonwick pick-up, Michael found his house locked, rode there after a wrong turn, then discovered the keys later in his coat pocket. With Tao unimpressed, they cut the ride short.

Today’s ride centred on the new Rising Sun tearooms at Woodland, where former Primrose Cafe owner Roger Olver has revived his famed home-made cream cakes, high-quality service and a 20% discount. Ken, Charlie and Andy arrived early and had already started their refreshments.

A warm pre-Christmas evening at Charlie and Lorraine Walker’s home in Paignton, anchored by Lorraine’s superb range of home-baked food. Charlie’s piranha stole the show, followed by video snippets from his US trip.

Rain deterred many from cycling, so the Christmas Lunch at the Ilsington Country Hotel became a relaxed day of pool, Jacuzzi and sauna before an acceptable meal. A power cut delayed dessert, but the staff coped and awards were presented to close the day.

A frosty, bright Boxing Day ride kept things simple: along the riverside path at Staverton and home through Broadhempston. The Totnes starters met us at Huxham's Cross, and the winter light made familiar lanes feel fresh.

Risk, computer games and a few video presentations, all fuelled by hot vegetarian mince pies, made for a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas social and a warm conclusion to the festive season.

Bright and dry for our first ride of the year to Spitchwick, lifted by the return of Ian Luke. We drifted on to Buckland-in-the-Moor and the Round House café, where John Stuart ate outside rather than leave his expensive bike unattended.