New riders Jason and Kane helped to swell numbers to the largest since June - and it was really good to see Keir, James and Ben return to club riding after a long break. Once Jason learned that high gears are good for going fast, he made good progress along Colston Road, but after climbing the hill to Dartington Kane needed a rest to recover from a stomach pain. This seemed like a cue for a cafe stop, so we dropped down to the Cider Press Centre and, in a repeat of the 5 October ride, transferred from the long queue in Cranks restaurant to the much shorter queue for the outdoor Muffins cafe around the corner.

Suitably refreshed from numerous cakes, hot chocolates and toasted cheese sandwiches we set off once more for Staverton Bridge, where the steam train arrived moments afterwards packed with late-season tourists. There was just time for a short detour along the riverside path, but then we really needed to head straight for home via Abham. Jason discovered the sharpness of the corner bear Caddaford farm but the hedge lightened his landing so he came out smiling.

Everyone had enjoyed the ride very much, but there was more fun during the afternoon games social as four youngsters passed their puncture repair test and received JTP certificates.