A NUMBER of Somerset Freemasons, with a shared interest in cycling, formed

the Somerset Masonic Cycle Association in July 2020, as the country emerged

from the first Covid lockdown.

Encouraging the promotion of health and wellbeing through cycling for its

members, friends and families was one of the group’s many goals.

Their first dedicated fundraising event was held earlier this month, and involved

a group of twelve of the members cycling a continuous route, visiting each of the

26 Masonic Halls spread throughout the county.

A total of 264 miles were ridden, with 13,412 feet of hills climbed. No mean feat!

Starting at Minehead, and visiting Wellington,

Taunton, Watchet and Wiveliscombe before successfully concluding

at Bath, the “Tour de Temples” as it was dubbed, was met with enthusiasm and

support wherever they went.

So much so, that the sum raised to be shared between three local charities

climbed to over £10,000.

Steve Collings, SMCA Chairman said, ‘’We always knew this was going to be

quite a challenge for the riders, and it really was, but the sum raised from the

support received in the communities we visited was truly magnificent.’’