Two of our senior members, Perisher and Ketchup, visited the beautiful Correze region of France for some local expeditions, enjoying the sunshine, the coffee and croissants and the occasional French equivalent of the British "ugly bun".
On one ride, a detour had to be made to avoid a snake leisurely crossing the road, but all in all a great experience in such traffic free surroundings.
Two more of our members are off on their annual jaunt to Majorca, considered now to be a cycling "mecca" where many of the professional cycling teams spend the winter months training and testing themselves on the many legendary climbs, such as the Cap de Formentor, which is over 3000 feet of climbing over a 25 mile route leading to the lighthouse known to locals as the "Meeting place of the Winds".
Richard Gorst, who did extremely well last year in both local and national cross country cycle racing, has already kicked off the season well with several podium positions, and is now under sponsorship from local Ciclopro specialist, a high-end bike builder and bike fitter. We wish Richard all the very best for the remainder of the season.
Many rides are now taking place, with Quiff off on one of his usual ventures together with Gaz on a tough 60-mile coast to coast ride from Beer to Watchet, with a 50/50 split between on road and off road. He said they thoroughly enjoyed it!
Just recently, our Friday Flyers enjoyed a circular ride to the first day of seasonal opening to Ratty's Tea Rooms overlooking the lakes near Musbury, such a peaceful spot, while Quiff found a brilliant local track to negotiate with a mass of bluebells on display. They are also a wonderful sight at Blackberry Camp this year and well worth a visit.
Other local rides have taken place with the usual coffee stops at Oakmead, Honiton Garden Centre, Thornecombe Village shop, Broadwindsor, with this Sunday's monthly club ride via Marshwood, Netherbury and on to Symondsbury for coffee, with the best possible weather in this wonderful part of the country!
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