A sunlit spin along the canal and estuary was defined by a long, disorganised stop at Pizza Hut that left us late. Deer racing across Powderham and a later mingling with a Millfield school group gave the day its own character.

The first social of the new season kept everyone busy with the latest console and PC games. Members were reminded that social events are open only to those who have attended at least one scheduled ride within the previous three weeks.

With two courts booked late at the Ashmoor centre, the youngsters passed the first hour at Crofter before a lively session in which Zac impressed on only his second outing and Charles, playing down his form, surprised Michael with a strong game.

Letterboxing took us over the moor to Buckland Beacon’s Ten Commandments Stone and on to Bonehill Rocks, a relaxed day of letterboxing rather than big climbs. Sam 'won' the race to spot the stone by asking a passer-by, and later Freddie eyed his water bottle with deep suspicion, untouched yet untrusted.

Film night centred on The Ant Bully, an animated tale of a boy shrunk to ant size who learns teamwork and kindness after tormenting a colony, and it went down well. We rounded off with a few games and an episode of Robin Hood.

Only two turned out, but in perfect weather we set a lively pace to Fermoy’s Garden Centre and paused for pet‑store browsing. A photo with the sign proved impossible with the sun in the wrong place, then we sped home, back in Buckfastleigh by early afternoon.

A successful cinema trip to the Apollo in Paignton saw us in the Director’s Screen, small but very comfortable, for The Dark is Rising, a fantasy about a boy discovering ancient powers in the fight between Light and Dark. Everyone enjoyed it, though Sam found the ending predictable.

Plans for a day ride were drenched by torrential rain until late afternoon, so we hid at Crofters with computer games before grabbing a dry spell for a spin to Ashburton. The River Dart Adventures track became an obstacle course of fallen trees and a steep scramble, ending with autumn colours through Hembury.

An evening trip to the Totnes Bonfire Night at King Edward VI School delivered a superb display, briefly halted while a missing youngster was found amid the crowds. Huge queues saw the veggie burgers run out, and we rounded things off back at Crofters with computer games.

Modest numbers for our first afternoon invitation ride, but a cheerful spin through autumn lanes made it worthwhile. At Broadhempston we shared refreshments and an impromptu rugby game with a local youngster, and Ashley relished the steep, rough descent to Dart Bridge with views of Buckfast.

With only late courts available in Paignton, the evening began with computer games at Crofters before a lively badminton session on two courts, highlighted by Freddie showing why he merits a Devon team place; Charles missed the chance to test him.

A low‑key car‑assisted ride at Haldon Forest brought relaxed fun on the Play and Family trails, then a lane hop to the magnificent Mamhead Obelisk for lunch with Exe estuary views. When rain set in, hot pancakes and a brief hello to Freddie replaced any further riding.