With rain due by nine—ten, according to Gavin—we kept it short to Staverton Bridge. When the first drops fell, John insisted on the shortest way home via Abham and Caddaford; in the end the rain only set in properly around 9.30.

An intended push to Princetown was curtailed by rain we hadn’t packed for, so we took shelter and excellent refreshments at Badgers Holt, Dartmeet. Sunshine then saw us up Dartmeet Hill via Leusdon, with Michael’s beloved ducks hiding behind a tree, before a lively Spitchwick and New Bridge home.

A short, dark spin through River Dart Country Park and Holne Woods turned memorable when Michael’s pannier was left the wrong side of a barred gate and went unnoticed until home. Earlier, Ash joined late and departed early, managing only twenty minutes with the group.

An easy, sociable evening spin was lit up by George turning out in a flashy new Animal suit. We rolled over Caddaford Hill to Staverton and Rattery Sawmills on a cool, pleasant night, chatting all the way and back home by nine.

A leisurely morning centred on a café stop at Hill House Nursery: after fixing Dillan’s puncture we arrived to be served by his school acquaintance, Ziggy, and shared an excellent apricot and plum frangipane. We returned via Baddaford and a mercifully passable Ware Lane.

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.