Driven off course by wet weather, the ride diverted to Crowdy Mill, where hot soup and fresh bread revived spirits. When staff let a batch burn while attending to us, we made a discreet exit and headed back via Dartington and Rattery, vowing to return.

Advertised as a basic maintenance workshop at Crofters, it became a slide show when Michael arrived a fortnight early; no one minded, enjoying 1992 highlights from the Somerset & North Devon coast, the Yorkshire Dales and Teesdale, and the Salcombe–Torcross weekend.

A favourite moorland outing to Venford Reservoir, crowned by rediscovering the steep, elusive track down to Michelcombe. From just past the cattle grid Michael picked a line across the rough moor towards Holne Moor Leat, until a line of trees over a sinking wall revealed the start of the proper descent.

Michael repeated his slide show, having accidentally shown it a fortnight earlier when a workshop was due. The evening revisited his 1992 pictures from the Somerset and North Devon Coast tour, the Yorkshire Dales and Teesdale tour, and the Salcombe–Torcross weekend.

A brisk, damp morning ride took us over Rattery Hill to Diptford, then down to the riverside at Avonwick before climbing past Webland Farm to Marley Head. Defined by that opening haul and an easy run-in via Dean Hill, it was a neat loop back to Buckfastleigh.

A bleak, wet ride became a farewell visit to Lustleigh’s Primrose Café, saying goodbye to the proprietor before striking for Haytor. A steep, muddy new bridleway and a devastating headwind forced a lower, reluctant return home.

Only three came to the Chinese Whist evening at the Southpark Centre, so the Southpark socials are finished for this season. The sole consolation was avoiding the hall hire bill.

Rain stalled the ride to Harford; after a short loop around South Brent morale ebbed, and the Totnes contingent decamped to Crofters for Star Trek, while Michael stayed home with a bad cold.

Torrential rain with no let-up forced the West Ogwell ride to be cancelled. Four still turned up and probably turned it into a quiet games social at Crofters.

A hilly but scenic run along the riverside lanes from Totnes delivered us to Dittisham for lunch on the beach. The day’s talking point was Seb’s embarrassment as he ended up washing his coat in the river after an ill‑judged seat.

With Leusdon Lodge unavailable, Christmas lunch moved to the Moorland Hotel at Haytor, a change that pleased most: pricier, but bigger portions, better meat and a bright dining room with fine garden views. The only blot was two Totnes cousins whose table manners drew comment.