A very brief note: the club’s social at Crofters revolved around Worms Clan Wars, which provided the evening’s main entertainment.

After three Sundays off, a straightforward run to Totnes became an unhurried outing that overran: slow service at Morrisons—John’s forgotten Ploughman’s earned a free dessert—and a puncture that fixed itself, keeping spirits up despite the delays.

A seasonally themed charades evening proved far more enjoyable than expected, particularly for the younger members. Dillan and Will shared first place, and with high scores all round there were calls for another session soon.

Persistent rain turned our annual visit to Ilsington House Hotel into a car-assisted outing, and a new pool policy barring under-16s meant it was a meal-only year. Star Wars at Crofters set the tone beforehand, with Worms battles rounding off a relaxed, sociable day.

A festive outing centred on welcoming Gavin back for his first club ride since 2011. A warm greeting from Simon at the Holne café and Dillan’s satisfaction with his new bike—its mudguards keeping him spotless through Hembury’s puddles—gave the ride its character.

A relaxed Christmas social brought past and present members together over cheese and biscuits. Julian missed the day but called in the previous morning, and Jeremy Ford dropped by earlier in the week while in Buckfastleigh.

As rain gave way to sun, three rode waterlogged lanes to Landscove and met a broad lake by the village. Gavin proved it was deep enough for wet shoes; Michael went through barefoot and Dillan, thinking he could ride it, misjudged it and soaked his feet, after a chat at Penn Farm.

Hunger set the tone: the youngsters pressed for Pizza Hut and, having eaten nothing since lunch, we duly obliged. As desserts arrived, Lawrence called, so we wrapped up and headed home for a multiplayer session of Supreme Commander.

A sociable ride to Holne became all about the café: George admitted he’d skipped breakfast, prompting hot drinks and a long chat. A brief heavy shower met us as we left, then, with Tao and Michael persuading the youngsters, we continued down Holne Chase to Ashburton and home.

A night of friendly competition began with Charades—Dillan edging Will by a point—then rolled into a massive game of Supreme Commander that, despite a ban, ended the only way it ever seems to: with nukes.

Despite a damp forecast the youngsters pressed on for a longer ride to Fermoys, rewarded with hot lunches and a wander round the pet store. The day had its own character: Lawrence’s duvet text raised smiles at the start, and later George’s rear wheel bearing failed in the heaviest rain.

We ignored Michael’s advice and chose an oversized map for Supreme Commander, only to watch the game grind to a crawl after an hour. With John and Will leaving at nine, the rest of us restarted on a smaller map and finished with a straightforward win before the club closed.