Debate over the route gave way to fading light: the climb to Cross Furzes ended with a steep, entertaining descent to Coombe in near-darkness instead of the track to Chalk Ford. As the cold bit at the bottom, Michael lent Keir his fleece for the run home.

After a riverside loop at Staverton we climbed to Huxham's Cross and tried the new cycle path to the Steiner school. The ride's finale came in near darkness when several front lights failed and Joe steered us home with a hand-held torch.

On a bright morning we rode to Ipplepen for an early lunch at Fermoys, a welcome return for Ben after a year away and a ride he finished strongly. A newly erected fence blocked our usual shortcut into the car park, and we swept back via Broadhempston.

The final evening ride found extra spirit in cool drizzle, with Kevin and George along. Joe insisted on a muddy, pitch-dark run down the Hembury Woods slalom—great fun until Michael’s light battery bounced into the undergrowth and briefly halted proceedings.

Newcomer Donald excelled on an ambitious first ride to the Avon Dam, undeterred by a farm dog incident near Nurston. The dam was near overflowing after recent rain, and, after the final haul up the Abbots Way, the reward was wide coastal views and a flowing descent to Cross Furzes.

The AGM set a clear course: Michael remains Section Secretary, Joe Delegate, and Keir leads publicity and, with Joe, welcomes newcomers. A refreshed social programme at Crofters and plans for tours and hostel weekends culminate in a Christmas Lunch ride open to all past and present members.

With time tight, we took a shorter loop via the lower Hembury track to Holne Play Park, pausing for Frisbee in the long wet grass. The drop towards River Dart Adventures made the return memorable, with young Donald tackling it confidently and showing real strength.

A relaxed club social off the bikes, with several multi‑player network games providing the evening’s entertainment.

We set out under cloud and, when the rain arrived near Dartington, everyone chose to complete the loop. The lanes back from Staverton brought heavy rain and a hard, wet ride, but new rider Osian coped well and the social at Crofters lifted spirits.

An evening of frantic PC network gaming kept us very well entertained, the fast pace and good-humoured rivalry giving this social meet its spark.

A lively loop via the old road and the Ashburn’s woodland track turned messy when Joe’s field detour mired us in mud and clogged our brakes. We finished drier via River Dart Adventures and the slalom at Hembury, where Donald flew and Nick struggled to keep up.

A38 roadworks delayed Keir, forcing a switch from badminton to a spontaneous games night at Crofters, which proved more sociable than expected.