With most members away, Dillan called the shots: a low-key evening of computer games followed by a snack run to Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills. A simple, good-humoured start to the year, more about company than miles.

With only Michael turning out, it became a brisk solo spin to Cross Furzes and on to Holne. The quiet ride found its note of cheer at the café, where he was welcomed as their first customer of the day.

An easy morning spin became a sociable outing when George and Will were coaxed from bed, the group pausing to admire pigs at Littlecombe before bacon-laden fare at Holne. As the weather turned, the younger riders vetoed a River Dart Country Park return and we slipped back via Hembury Woods.

An unexpected mid-week cinema outing proved a hit, with the group enjoying the latest Liam Neeson thriller. New member Tom hopes to join our rides but, to his frustration, weekends are out—perhaps a prompt for more mid-week socials.

On a very icy evening, John treated everyone to a free meal at his Buckfastleigh restaurant between sessions at Crofters. We ended with Supreme Commander and a music quiz.

The ride changed course when Lawrence missed the Newton Abbot bus, sending us by lanes to Ashburton. Politics filled the talk; after pasties at the Ashmoor Centre, Will opted for badminton while the rest went via the play-park to the ruined hilltop church above Buckfastleigh.

After a snack run to Tesco at Lee Mill, we settled at the PCs with a new HD widescreen setup for a long Lord of the Rings session, finally beating the computer at 10.45. A low-key evening turned into a late, satisfying win.

A late-starting run along the Totnes cycle path became a lesson in speed: using fast routes at the start and finish, the youngsters realised they could reach further and vowed to try longer rides. Sunlit photos at the weir and a stop for blue gloop gave the day its flavour.