AS WELL AS staging three races over the weekend for the competitors within the club, 50 plus members of Mid Devon Cycling Club were up before dawn on Sunday to take the coach to Weston Super Mare, ready to ride the 65 miles back to Cranbrook Station or the 80 miles to their Kingsteignton HQ.

Supported by volunteer drivers and three vans, they enjoyed a glorious route first along the Somerset Coast then the Levels before the more challenging Blackdown Hills.

A canal-side cafe stop at the wonderfully organised Maunsel Lock Cafe after 26 miles then onto a second stop at the Steamer Coffee House, Collumpton added to the enjoyment.

There were hitches with traffic jams around Taunton caused by an emergency closure of the M5 as well as a few bike mechanicals where the backup vans were essential.

All in all, a fantastic day out organised by the club for free as part of their membership. The feedback was full of appreciation as well, with people saying the following:

· “Huge thanks to the support team. It was a lovely route and a great day (even if the 80 miles was a bit more challenging than I expected).”

· “The café stops were great and the route was superb- nice bit of variety including plenty of good fast road sections. Really good.”

· “Brilliantly organised- a great day out.”

· “Many grateful thanks to the committee for organising a cracking ride back event today with special mention for all the drivers who so generously gave up their Sunday to give everyone a superb day out. Looking forward to the next one.”

· “Lovely to meet & chat to new club members - as well as catching up with long-established club ones. This was a fabulous ride back. Thank you all.”

· “Thank you to the people that made it possible today, awesome route and very well organised.”