Axe Valley cyclists have been here, there and everywhere over the last couple of weeks, starting on 10th October with seven riders taking on the challenge of the annual Gridiron 100 held in the New Forest.

This is an annual challenge event with nearly 1,000 riders taking part, and this year we were blessed with good weather and dry roads.

The event is ridden as a challenge but many riders do it to raise money for their chosen charity, and the AVP team were supporting Clive Lewis in his bid to raise money for Parkinsons's UK.

The event gets its name from the many iron cattle grids you have to cross, and although the route (112 kilometres, about 70 miles) is fairly flat to start, there are a few lumpy hills before the finish. Despite the early home leaving time of 5.30, all the Axe Valley Pedallers agreed it was a great day out.

The following Sunday about 13 club members did the annual club ride from Ottery to Exmouth via Otterton and Budleigh Salterton, about 30 miles, and again we had a great, mostly sunny day to finish up for a picnic on Exmouth seafront.

On the racing side of the club, Nick Gaffney, David Gray and Clive Heard all took part in one of a series of Cyclo Cross events in the South West, this time at Escot.

CX events are normally held in the winter over grass, mud and more mud, which can be practically guaranteed, and the events are normally assured the occasional need to get off the bike and carrying it through some of the most difficult terrain.

There is also the ongoing possibility of losing the occasional shoe is all part of the fun. Thankfully, all participants survived the challenge but we are still awaiting the final results.

Lastly, another club ride went on a short ride to Lyme Regis and managed to find a coffee shop where they could sit on the beach and reminisce about Chris Rea's well-known anthem. Great to see riders embracing the changing autumn conditions with continued enthusiasm.

Midweek Herald: AVP on the roadAVP on the road (Image: AVP)

Midweek Herald: Well-earned break for the ridersWell-earned break for the riders (Image: AVP)

Midweek Herald: Riding through all terrainsRiding through all terrains (Image: AVP)