There is a special tradition with a particularly festive element for the members of Axe Valley Pedallers.
Before Christmas, a ride to local churches, this time Axminster and Axmouth, to see the Christmas Tree festivals is always undertaken by the intrepid cyclists.
We can usually rely on Becca to dress for the time of year, this time in her Xmas Pixie outfit, the aim being to make people smile, which she certainly did, and brilliant to see the Pedallers getting into the spirit at this special time of year.
During the last few weeks, we also had our AGM, at which we were able to thank Jonathan Read-Bone for his chairmanship over the last five years and to welcome in our new chairman Graham Jones.
Our Christmas lunch, after a short ride around the delightful lanes of Musbury, Umborne and Colyton, was attended by 30 riders this year, and was very enjoyable, thanks to the staff at the Colyton Garden Centre, who made us very welcome and more than made up for last year’s cancellation because of Covid.
On the racing scene, Axe Valley Pedaller Clive Heard has been very active most weeks in Cyclo Cross and this week was joined by Nick Gaffney on a very muddy course at Torbay Velo Park
Typically, Cyclo-Cross events involve riding through mud, dirt, sand and sometimes even snow with the occasional obstruction or uphill /downhill section so steep it involves carrying the bike
It is always a rigorous test of stamina and strength, and cleaning the bike afterwards is also quite a challenge. Despite the added elements, these rides are also very rewarding and a great deal of fun, no matter what the conditions throw up.
Clive, also on a recent road ride between Churchinford and Uppottery, came across the rather creepy character in the photo.
On Thursday evening, a group also undertook the annual ride to view the brilliant lights in Beer and rounded off the evening with mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of Clive and Joanna, a very appropriate way to end another terrific day on the bikes.
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