Andrew had a brisk introduction to our traditions—racing to Jay’s Grave and riding the Natsworthy stream. Richard’s bottom bracket saga peaked with a hammer borrowed from the ice‑cream van before he retired; the rest enjoyed Hamel Down and Widecombe.

On the last official evening ride of the season we braved the lamp‑lit, icy darkness of Hembury Woods, then thawed out in Scoriton with hot refreshments kindly provided by Julian's parents.

After tea at the Primrose we threaded steep lanes to the Fingle track, took a hair‑raising descent and climbed to the Hunters’ Path for lunch among heather and wide views. The day’s talking point, though, was a farcical stop at the Chagford tea‑room: misheard orders, six scones for two, and an unitemised £5.95 bill.

At a well-attended AGM at Crofters, the club marked a year of growth and strong junior presence, elected officers and set an active winter programme. Emblematic decisions: a volunteer transport rota with small mileage contributions, and a firm reminder about lights on evening rides.

Raft Race day turned our Totnes pick-up into a muddle, but the ride found its heart at Dartington Hall with a surprise birthday cake for Dawn Brewster. Later we tiptoed past a ‘Road Closed’ trench as amused gas-board crews halted a JCB to let the bikes across.

An easygoing social at Crofters centred on Michael’s new computer graphics, a lively BBC computer Grand Prix game and table tennis, which kept everyone amused. The full‑size table had to be erected in the lounge—a tight squeeze that gave the night its character.

Only Michael and Gary reached the pick-up before the ride was sensibly abandoned, a decision vindicated when severe weather later hit the area.

A relaxed social at Crofters mixed Trivial Pursuit with computer drawing and games, plus synthesiser and video. The new lads from Paignton struggled to find the house in the dark, arriving at 8pm but still managing to join in.

An autumn ride along the lower Dart mixed fine scenery with mounting mishaps, ending in fog and darkness after a string of punctures. Noel’s attempt to wash mud from his new bike left him stuck in Old Mill Creek, and a baffled Dartmouth commentator cheered on 'the green thing' and 'the galleon' to the line.

An afternoon marked by a refusal to tackle the Torbryan track: two younger members demurred—despite one having a mountain bike—though the path proved firmer than feared. We regrouped by Denbury’s vast Bonfire Night rubbish heap, briefly topped by two Guys, before a puncture‑strewn ride home.

Paignton once again turned out well for our wheel workshop at Crofters, a practical evening of hub bearing work and truing buckled rims on the jig. With sheets spread across the lounge and John Stuart lending steady guidance, it was homely and instructive.