With rain due by late morning, we squeezed in a short climb to Holne before the drizzle set in. Sheltering in the café, we chatted with former chef Simon over rather interesting Tuscan bean soup, then rode back through steady rain to Crofters for an afternoon of computer games.

To mark the final evening ride of the season we tried a ride-and-badminton double: a short loop for Michael’s first ride back, hot drinks and cake at the Salmon Leap café, then straight to Ashmoor for an hour on court—somehow still finishing back at Crofters by 10:15.

Drizzle turned to rain, so the ride was dropped for a late-morning badminton session at Ashmoor, where everyone’s improvement over the past month showed. The day finished with computer games at Crofters, hoping for better weather next week.

Our first social of the season settled into its familiar pattern: computer games at Crofters, then badminton at Ashmoor. The whole club’s enthusiasm made it clear we’ll likely be back on court most Fridays.

Michael’s mid-ride suggestion and a late start reshaped the plan into a relaxed run to Ermington, with photos on the bridge before a brisk return via Ivybridge. Jude’s carrot cake and the courtyard gates being locked over coffee gave the day its quiet, quirky charm.

Tom joined at George’s invitation to cover for Jude; with the court unavailable until 8.30 we filled the wait with PS4 Disc Jam, then headed to Ashmoor for a lively run of challenging badminton games.

With George absent and his off‑road‑averse father along, the off‑road plan was dropped and the day became an improvised Dartmoor ride to Widecombe. Midway, Jude quietly rode home, and a near‑empty Wayside Café lunch set a subdued tone before a steady return.

At Ashmoor Leisure Centre, Ashburton, first-timers Will and Harry raised the standard with some superb badminton, standing out across a flurry of games. Everyone took at least one win, hinting at closer, more competitive contests to come.

A short morning ride to Dartington was defined by a first visit to Baynard's Kitchen, the new replacement for Cranks: prices steep, a narrower menu and meat now on offer. After a delayed, lukewarm soup was put right, we headed back via Staverton, catching a steam train pulling out.

A gentle club evening that came alive: a family bonfire and fireworks set a warm start, then we headed to Ashmoor to meet the others for more demanding badminton. The shift from flames to fast rallies gave the night its character.

A crisp autumn spin to Holne, arriving at the café with a passing shower, was warmed by seasonal pumpkin soup before a chilly run back through Holne Woods to the Dart; beautiful, if muted, with most leaves already down.

Our Bonfire Night social began with Pizza Hut at the Barbican, then turned into an unintended extra mile when the swing bridge was closed, forcing a detour round Sutton Harbour. The fireworks on The Hoe—belatedly at 8.05—made the long walk worthwhile.