After an hour of games, there was still agreement on a late visit to Pizza Hut despite most having already eaten; George and Dillan tackled full pizzas while John and Michael settled for desserts.

With roads too icy to ride, we switched to a snow hunt by car and found deep cover at Venford Reservoir, where the morning became a fort‑building snowball battle. Lawrence’s plan set it in motion; he and Michael won all three rounds, but the shared effort and laughter made the day.

Michael offered a cinema trip to see Big Hero 6, but the youngsters opted instead for a snack run to Tesco Lee Mill and a Music Quiz. Friendly rivalry carried the night, with George taking a narrow win.

Answering the youngsters’ call for longer, more adventurous rides, we rode in bright winter sun to Bovey Tracey and up to Haytor, where the climb tested us. Dillan battled a detached brake spring yet rallied, and patches of lingering snow sparked impromptu snowball fights before a spectacular summit view.

A short note records a games evening centred on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare; no further details are given.

With no takers for the planned car-assisted adventure to Mamhead Obelisk and Haldon Forest Park, the day quietly turned into a solo local morning for Michael.

An off-bike social saw us introduce Dillan to squash at Torbay Leisure Centre; from never having heard of it he quickly mastered the racket and developed a solid serve. Meanwhile John and George fought a string of tight games on Court 3, rounding off a lively first taste of the sport.

With heavy rain forecast all day, we swapped the planned ride for a sports social, spending the morning playing squash and badminton at Ivybridge Leisure Centre. A relaxed change of pace that still delivered a workout, with everyone sharpening their game.

With Lawrence newly back in Buckfastleigh and too tired for the planned badminton at Plymouth’s Life Centre, the group switched to a low-key night: provisions from Tesco Lee Mill and relaxed games back at Crofters.

Determined to beat the rain, we pressed on to Ashburton via Holne Woods and judged the return to Buckfastleigh perfectly. Michael's excitement at a BT sub-cabinet and Dillan's rapid lead home gave the morning its character.

Some members didn’t know Pizza Hut was the venue and had eaten at home, so only Dillan and Michael went, with George joining later. We used the quieter night to plan the next three socials and outline the summer programme, including events needing booking.

A damp start turned into a sunny afternoon, the ride switching to an impromptu games morning before a short spin to Spitchwick, where Frisbee on a near-empty common was the highlight; Lawrence’s split shorts prompted an early exit, and the group agreed afternoon rides could work.