Damp drizzle and low enthusiasm sent the ride off course to The Grange café, where the real test was the bill: two tiny gluten-free flapjacks at £2.95 each. Michael's "I love gluten" retort and a shared two-mouthful protest made the day, before a short roll home.

Six returned for a focused, good‑spirited evening as standards continued to rise, with three players each taking four wins from five. With no time for a tie‑break, Dillan and Mark finished level on 102 points and were named joint winners, Harry just one point behind.

A late start after the weather eased led to a short ride to Ashburton and an hour’s badminton, with George running beside the bikes back into town. Our first visit to Taylors brought excellent drinks but cakes that arrived long after them.

Full turnout for badminton saw eight players rotating through seven planned games, but time beat us after five—some squeezed in a sixth. The clear highlight was Jude Norris, unbeaten in every match and taking the win.

Rain on the climb from Michelcombe put paid to Venford and Dartmeet, sending us to the quiet Holne café for snacks, drinks and intelligent conversation as the downpour set in. After nearly two hours we braved it—and were rewarded with a dry spell through Hembury Woods on the way home.

With Jude stuck in Ilsington, only three made it to Ashmoor for badminton; Michael played left-handed as his elbow healed, and Dillan won two of his three games to finish top.

With rain blowing in at Paignton, the ride became a drive to the Edgemoor Hotel, where a private room and an excellent Christmas lunch turned the day into a relaxed social. Coffee-fuelled chat of a summer tour to Switzerland and a marathon game of Risk rounded it off.

Curiosity finally drew us into the South Devon Chilli Farm, where chilli crept from cakes to mocha and a tasting bar ranged from mild to explosive. A joyful detour down the Avon river path revived old Section spirit; later, Dillan’s spill near Diptford brought prompt kindness from passing drivers.

The weekly badminton at Ashmoor Leisure Centre, Ashburton produced a clear result: Dillan topped the night with three wins, with Jude runner-up on two.

A strong turnout made for five excellent rounds; Dillan topped the night with five wins, with Jude on four and Will on three.

A chilly but cheerful spin from Starcross to Exeter Quayside offered fine estuary views, though the towpath was too crowded so we stayed on the cycle route, joining the canal later. Highlights were apricot flapjack at the Welcome Café and a superb veggie pizza with a 41% discount.

A light-hearted badminton session saw Dillan Edwards dominate, taking three wins from four against Will Bastow, while Michael, using only his left arm, still managed to claim one game.