Lawrence showcased his new Minecraft server before we headed to Ashmoor Leisure Centre in Ashburton for badminton. The small hall’s low ceiling defined the session, with frequent lets and improvised shots.

From a car-assisted start at Starcross, a calm run along the Exe and canal revealed a quayside John had never known, reshaping his view of the city. A two-for-one pizza triumph turned farce when slices hit the floor, and we returned just as the first rain arrived.

A relaxed games evening where computer games kept everyone happy throughout. A low‑key social that did exactly what it set out to do.

With heavy showers scuppering the morning ride, we switched to a spontaneous badminton social at Ashmoor. Ash rang Callum during the change of plan and persuaded him to join, giving the day a simple, good‑humoured focus despite the weather.

A relaxed club night that flowed from games of Supreme Commander to a burst of Nintendo 3DS play, finishing with spirited music quizzes.

A blustery morning ride to Dartington became memorable for Callum’s last-minute brake failure, sending Michael to BigPeaks for pads before the start. With the crisis averted, we relished the winds, followed the usual route and refuelled at the Venus café.

Prompted by our youngsters, we headed to Tesco to buy the new CoD: Ghosts, but after a thorough search staff could find only boxes with no discs. We settled for snacks and went home for a few more games.

Only two arrived for the planned morning ride, so Lawrence suggested a games social instead; Michael, keen to shape events around members’ wishes, agreed at once. The impromptu switch kept us happy all morning.

A late start after an impromptu go at Call of Duty: Ghosts didn’t blunt the pace: we climbed to Cross Furzes in record time, then swept across the moor to Chalk Ford, a joyous descent, before heading back via Scoriton.

Only a brief note survives: an enjoyable evening of computer games and music quizzes at Crofters.

An energetic social evening shifted from squad battles on Call of Duty: Ghosts on the PC network to a sharp-eyed movie quiz, with teams racing to name films from a single action still. A simple format, fierce focus and plenty of laughs made it a memorable mix of games and brains.

Unprepared for the bitter cold, we abandoned plans for Holne and turned back at Hockmoor Head when Callum’s fingerless gloves and Lawrence’s bare hands proved inadequate. We came home via the Hillah Wood track, then thawed out with badminton at Ashmoor, where Ash arrived late again.