A relaxed Crofters social where multiplayer computer games and Babylon 5 set the tone, with a newly stocked refreshment shop keeping everyone cheerful throughout.

Crisp sunshine and a confident newcomer set the tone as we opted for the big loop via Dartmeet: stepping stones were a first for many, and Charlie, fearing the hill, climbed strongly. Dr Blackall’s track and a fast run to New Bridge rounded off a memorable day.

On a cold November night, the familiar mix of entertainments at Crofters kept everyone smiling—a straightforward social that did exactly what was needed: a warm, easy evening in good company.

Setting out for the year’s longest ride, the group battled relentless mechanical trouble—chiefly Chris’s misbehaving derailleur—yet still reached Mamhead Obelisk for lunch with sweeping views over the Exe. A late puncture and the derailleur’s final collapse turned the return into a race with dusk.

A relaxed Crofters social built around the usual mix of console and PC network games, with drinks and snacks from the club shop.

A relaxed outing built around welcoming a new rider: we kept the pace gentle along Colston Road to Staverton, paused for frisbee in the park, then returned via Abham.

A relaxed social at Crofters, with the usual mix of console and networked PC games, kept going by drinks and snacks from the club shop.

Defined by school friends Louis and Sol finally riding together, the trip to Bickham Bridge became a playground of pooh sticks and film-making. Logs so big they needed two to carry them, a chase shot on Michael’s camera, and an afternoon spent editing gave the day its character.

A relaxed Crofters social where members gravitated to console and PC network games, topped up by drinks and snacks from the club shop—an easy evening off the bikes and a chance to unwind together.

A shorter outing introducing Sol to Holne ended with a lively descent of the Slalom track in Hembury Woods. Earlier, Burchetts Wood proved muddier than expected but the leaf-strewn path was rideable, and the finale left Sol eager to repeat it on a future ride.

We used our pre-Christmas social to finalise the festive activities programme, then unwound with the usual mix of PC and console games — a straightforward, cheerful evening that set the tone for the festive season.

A crisp, shortened festive spin to Staverton—most without gloves—still found its charm: we watched the Santa Special return and rounded off with free hot chocolates at Crofters and an afternoon of computer games.