A sunny, sociable spin to Holne where the youngsters really took to the off-road. Along the way ex-member Brodie gave Ash a stiff chase up the hill, and a quick front-brake cable swap in the park kept the ride on track.

With no courts free at Ashmoor until 9.30, the evening split in two: computer games first, then a short, late burst of badminton on two courts to finish the night.

A sodden morning ride defined by floodwater and delays: a late start, a puncture and the River Hems across the road. The low point was a brusque send-off at the Broadhempston community café—instant drinks, no seats, out by noon—before we sheltered in the park as Will played football in the rain.

A quiet social evening centred on Minecraft, with Ash and Jack playing together on the PC network throughout and clearly enjoying themselves.

Chain troubles scuppered the ride: it began with a mis-threaded derailleur that needed a chain break, then halfway up Dean Hill another chain failed beyond roadside repair. Back at Crofters a replacement cassette lacked its small ring, so plans gave way to games and ordering parts.

With a cinema trip to see The Hobbit planned for next week, the group settled in for a relaxed games night, swapping between Minecraft, Modern Warfare 3 and Supreme Commander.

A brisk run to South Brent was defined by a light-hearted park stop and an unwelcome repeat: Ash’s chain snapped for the second week running. Cakes and flips off the picnic table lifted spirits before drizzle sent us home.

Such was the eagerness that we reached Vue early and secured excellent seats for the 7.30 showing of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a grand opening chapter of Bilbo’s quest. Michael’s dinner was curtailed; Callum, new to Middle‑earth, was the only one unsure.

Showers kept this to a short spin: we barely reached Pridhamsleigh before huddling under the park shelter, after a playful splash through a puddle like a small lake. We rolled home early, George proud of being nearly as fast as a car downhill.

A laid-back evening social: we drove to Plymouth for several friendly games of pool at Tenpin, then rounded things off back home with half an hour of computer games.

A rare dry interlude let us ride to Christmas lunch at Ilsington, with an unhurried hour in the hotel’s pool and spa setting the tone for an excellent meal. A late start after Jack’s puncture—and relief that George rode strongly—framed a relaxed day in genuine Christmas spirit.

A relaxed Christmas social centred on a grand music quiz, with Julian taking on and beating the rest in every music round. The youngsters had their moment too, edging the movie themes after warming up on PC games earlier in the evening.