Axe Valley Pedallers top man Richard Gorst barnstormed his way to a marvellous win in the SW Regional Championships 2021 MTB Cross Country in the veterans category.
The course at Grammarcombe Woods near Dawlish was treacherous as it had rained heavily the day before, and riders had to cope with very muddy single tracks, slippery root covered descents, steep climbs and manmade obstacles where, as the photo shows, Richard was literally flying.
Over five laps of a 3.5 km course coupled with heavy rain again during the race meant extreme conditions but resulted in a very well-earned winner's medal.
Thanks from Richard to the Filling Station Cafe and Colyford Cycles and RBS Scaffolding for their continuing support.
In the regular Wednesday 10-mile time trial event, the following times were recorded for AVP riders.
Richard Gorst 23'46" Jimmy Richards 24'48" Jake Hodgetts 24'55" Jonathan Reade-Bone 28'00" John Hodgetts 28'08" Neil Miller 28'59" and Rex Stidwell 29'34".
Well done all and sympathy for Clive Heard who didn't finish due to puncturing.
It was not the only activity for Axe Valley Pedallers over the past week, as other riders made an expedition to the Mendips and the challenge of riding up the Cheddar Gorge, and later in the week a local ride to Diamonds Tearoom for another challenge of strawberries and cream.
Like many sports, it is great to see cycling returning to some semblance of normality and the Axe Valley Pedallers are hoping to resume larger group rides from July 2021, dependent on the lifting of restrictions.
Once things do fully return to normal, the club schedule is likely to include a Tuesday evening ride, the Wednesday Wibblers meeting at the Fisherman’s Gap at 10am and club rides from the Kings Arms in Seaton on a Thursday night.
Weekend cycling starts with the Friday Flyers from 10am at Seaton Tram Station, the Saturday morning Coffee Club meet at Colyford Filling Station and the Sunday 8amers from Seaton Coach Park.
Non-members are welcome to join from July and full information can be found on the AVP website.
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