A chilly, dry final evening ride was transformed by Michael's new Cateye Volt 1200, blazing the way up Cross Furzes and the steep route through Holne. George’s cold hands prompted three swaps of Michael's gloves, a small comedy amid a satisfying close to the season.

A relaxed spin towards Totnes defined by small curiosities and smooth progress. Michael road-tested a new Asda mobile with solid coverage; we noted an unusual wooden 'caravan' at the Cider Press, and the steep Littlehempston shortcut finally passed without a single puncture.

A straightforward social: we drove to Pizza Hut at the Barbican because everyone wanted to go, and stayed all evening on the strength of the good deals; pizza and desserts kept us occupied.

We rode to Totnes for the Food Fair, the main street closed and heaving; one officious onlooker said we couldn't cycle, but we pressed on and found plenty to enjoy. Returning via Dartington, we were shocked to find the new primary school being demolished after irreparable roof leaks.

An evening of indoor games saw Will open with a chess win over Dillan before the group revived the club’s 1990s tradition of Risk. A new generation took to it with enthusiasm; the battle was left unresolved, the board photographed for next time.

A routine spin turned into a café-to-café outing: fast along Bickington to Costa in Newton Abbot for cake and coffee, then on to Fermoys at Ipplepen for lunch. It felt like the ‘Café To Café club’ before a steady loop home via Ambrook and Staverton.

A massive game of Risk consumed the evening; time beat us before a winner emerged, but the contest kept spirits high throughout.

A steady ride to Loddiswell peaked with a nostalgic run along the old railway path to Topsham Bridge - clear at last bar a fallen tree and judged 'all right' by off-road sceptic John. On the lanes home we were held by three huge tractor trailers, likely fresh from a ploughing match.

After a quick catch-up with Gavin’s family following their mini Bonfire Night, we settled back to finish our game of Risk. It proved absorbing and occasionally baffling—thanks to some unusual moves from Will—and by 10.25 we were photographing the board to resume another day.

A relaxed ride to Bovey Tracey turned into a curtailed out-and-back: after brisk miles to coffee and cakes at the Brookside Tearooms, we learned the Primrose Cafe in Lustleigh had closed, then an urgent text sent John home and we retraced by the shortest route.

A relaxed games night of friendly rivalry: PC games to start, then lively music quizzes that moved from raised hands to written answers. Everyone enjoyed it; they each won a game, then George took a second before leaving a little early at 10.10.

A chilly canal spin to Powderham was marked by the brand-new path and bridge at Turf Lock—smart, but it shut out estuary views—and a muddled search for the café. With Alfie along we ate outside in the cold before a quicker, easier return via the proper route.