The weather was more suited to web feet than cycle shoes when the Axe Valley Pedallers set out on their annual National Bike Week ride, writes Robert Watson.

Nevertheless, a stalwart band set forth to brave the persistent rain along the estuary and find their way eastwards along the sheltered lanes leading towards Musbury and Combpyne. The route was the reverse of last autumn’s Remembrance Sunday ride - when tea was taken in glorious November sunshine at Rousdon village hall – but on this occasion the riders had to battle their way through a curtain of June rain to reach the Lakeside Café at Lower Bruckland; where they were somewhat surprised to be welcomed not only by the friendly staff and ducks, but also by several Pedallers who had, for presumably totally reasonable excuses, decided to leave their bikes at home.

All cyclists are welcome on AVP rides. A gentle ‘café’ ride leaves Seaton Tramway Station at 10am every Friday and a more strenuous ride sets off from the Kings Head at 6.30 pm on Thursdays.

All details of these and other rides at axevalleypedallers.org.uk