The re-styled Road Safety evening delivered a comprehensive, all-ages session that clearly appealed to those who came. The emphasis was simple: sharpen riding standards and carry safer, more confident habits back onto the road.

Late starts and a detour meant we abandoned Cranbrook and met at midday, settling for tea at Lustleigh instead. The Hunts joined our odd convoy of tandem, trailers and child seats, drawing photo calls from Sunday strollers. We wrapped up possibly our shortest dry-weather day ride.

Rain turned the planned Exeter Ship Canal ride into a car-borne social. Michael's Volvo shuttled the Buckfastleigh starters to gather others for cafe stops - Brookside Tearooms in Bovey Tracey, then a welcome second coffee at Jamie's home in Starcross.

Venue rules at the Southpark Centre kept things clean, so the workshop focused on puncture repairs, brake adjustment and cable soldering, with three age groups rotating for about forty minutes apiece. Thanks to Ken, Richard and Michael for the equipment and clear tuition.

When no one else turned out, Richard Hopper turned the day into a solo exploration of unfamiliar lanes, heading for Ivybridge rather than Elender Cove.

A day defined by family cycling: the full Twydell clan and the four Walkers set the tone for a gentle run to West Ogwell and a short hop to the Pick 'n' Park cafe. Ben Hobday, 7, completed it on a single-gear 16in BMX, while Dave Robinson's mudguards made light of a muddy short cut.

With icy roads, the planned run to Hansel Mill was sensibly trimmed to an easy circuit round Rattery, capped by an early lunch at Crofters. Prudence prevailed—prompting a wry, ‘what are these cyclists coming to these days?’—but the shortened outing kept spirits intact.

An easy-going video evening at Plymouth Road saw us crowd into Martin Hills’ TV room, his excellent setup doing full justice to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Kirk and crew confront Sybok’s quest for God at the galaxy’s centre, with faith tested and friendships reaffirmed.

A biting climb from Bickington over Haytor and Cold East Cross made the Christmas lunch at Leusdon Lodge feel well earned, especially for the younger riders. Despite several down with colds, a near-full house enjoyed the meal and awards, then finished with a ramble along Dr Blackall's Drive.

Relentless rain scuppered plans for Warren Point, shrinking the ride and ending in a smoky Totnes café. Emblematic moments: a speeding car drenched Michael in foul water, and the waitress there berated Ken for an imagined slight.

Centred on our annual video, with Richard as interviewer, this Christmas social mixed filming with mince pies and ice cream. A guest appearance from Luke Rake and a long game of Risk gave the evening its character, with computer games in between.