We sped past our favourite Primrose Café and, after a vote, pressed on to Fernworthy, arriving near 3pm; the return to Widecombe was cold, dark and late. Relief came at the eccentric The Green, where hot meals thawed us out despite earlier misgivings.

The Taylor household in Paignton hosted a map-reading quiz where the youngsters sharpened their Ordnance Survey skills. A mischievous rumour that vegetarian Michael had eaten a sausage roll became the evening’s talking point.

A long, damp climb to the Ten Commandments Stone on Buckland Beacon brought wide views and a nod to its 1928 inscriptions. Joseph’s bent derailleur was patched up, and the drizzle and poor lights made for a slow, cautious ride home.

After an icy, delayed start, the ride turned into a bright, scenic wander through the lanes past Kingston, finishing with the tidal road to Aveton Gifford and impromptu photo runs. Michael’s three punctures tested patience, while new rider Robert, roused from bed, vowed to return.

At Crofters we warmed up with computer games and handing out newsletters and tour packs before tackling a Highway Code quiz. The road sign round ran late and sent some home; scores were respectable but the evening showed there is still plenty to improve.

A gentle afternoon ride to West Ogwell became a comic rendezvous: the Buckfastleigh group, delayed by the steep climb to Chuley Cross, saw some ride straight past the pick-up despite Dave Humphreys’ yellow waterproofs, with a small farm dog in tow; the new Widecombe riders performed admirably.

Cold at the Mamhead obelisk, the day became a test of improvisation when the tracks were closed and a chain snapped on Haldon, before warmth at Bovey Tracey. The youngsters gave Trusham’s playpark a thorough try-out and even enlisted the café in searching for Luke’s ‘lost’ 50p.

Low numbers, blamed on the flu and the Paignton venue, did not spoil Bicycle Workshop 2 at the Jago home, where a full demonstration of bearing removal and maintenance took centre stage; it was also Christopher Giles’s birthday, which he chose to spend with the club.

Braving icy showers and a headwind, the club turned out in record numbers for Christmas lunch at Leusdon Lodge. The day’s tone was set by punctures—Luke’s at Newton Abbot as the Paignton contingent arrived by car, Michael’s blowout, and more on the way home—yet the youngsters handled it admirably.

Christmas Eve’s ride became a festive parade of brilliantly decorated bikes until the downpour arrived. After a puncture at Totnes we sprinted home through torrents, costumes streaming; Father Christmas even went missing in Buckfastleigh, found later and far from jolly.

The club planned a festive follow-up to our July and October cinema trips, aiming for an early-evening screening of Oliver & Company, likely at the Torquay Odeon. Disney's retelling of Oliver Twist follows a stray kitten and streetwise dogs, befriended by Jenny, with a ruthless loan shark in pursuit.

Our final social of 1989 centred on shared entertainment, with members filmed giving their views on bikes and club rides, the video then shown later to general amusement. Hot vegetarian mince pies with ice cream fuelled an evening of computer games, bowls and a spirited “Give us a Clue” drawing towns.