Perfect weather drew us deep onto Dartmoor: from Bonehill Rocks, fresh from Spielberg’s War Horse, to Widecombe, then the braver choice of climbing to Dr Blackall’s Drive for sweeping views and the lively descent to New Bridge. A disintegrating pump at Bel Tor Corner supplied the day’s comedy.

Answering Callum’s wish for a night of ten-pin bowling, we booked two games in Plymouth; Michael won both, with Ash and Callum taking turns for second. A short spell on the arcade machines and a stop at Tesco Lee Mill for snacks and a look at new games ended the evening.

A ride to Chalk Ford became a farewell to the Holne shop and café before it closes, coffee cake and hot chocolates taken amid a sudden influx of enormous dogs that unsettled one of the group. Earlier we searched in vain for the summer’s piglets.

We welcomed would‑be member Josh, only to hit a snag when he realised our rides are on Sundays and clash with his other club. Even so, it was a lively night with team Call of Duty battles and his first try at the Lord of the Rings PC game.

A planned turn-back at the first drops went awry when the leaders descended to South Brent, missing the warning. We dashed home through steady rain; with no coats and jeans, some were soaked, but the clubroom’s warm fire and games soon revived spirits.

Bonfire Night became a lookout at Mountbatten, with a clear view of Plymouth’s fireworks bursting from the Citadel on the Hoe. Ash’s long‑exposure photos and chocolate‑and‑fudge ice‑cream boats gave the evening its character.

Autumn colours defined the ride along Colston Road and the riverside path to Totnes. A cosy stop at the Barrel House, all open fire and hot chocolate, set the tone, and the return via Barracks Hill stirred fond memories for a rider who once lived nearby.

With sport ruled out by a plastered foot and no kit, the evening became a lively games night at Crofters, led by riotous Charades—highlighted by a visiting friend’s doomed attempt to mime Madagascar. A brief music quiz followed before a Call of Duty thrashing ended proceedings.

Rain ruled out the morning ride, so we switched to an indoor mix of computer games and badminton. No pedalling, yet a cheerful, competitive streak made the best of a soggy day.

A quick social trip to Plymouth, with a stop at the Vue cinema for ticket refunds, became Ash’s night: he surprised everyone by winning the bowling with 108 and then beating Michael and Callum at pool. A low‑key outing turned into an unexpected clean sweep.

A chilly morning ride to Ashburton found us on the leaf‑lined woodland track by Belford Mill, the autumn colours fading; Michael then led an ‘educational’ detour through the town before we headed home.

With not a single badminton court free anywhere in South Devon, our plans fell through, so we organised team computer games instead and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.