THE Exmoor Explorer Bike Marathon was "wicked" and raised £389 for the repair of paths on the moor plus money for other causes.

Sunday's event was designed purely for pleasure, not as a race, and organiser Steve Crossman kept the two routes under wraps until just before the start.

But it was known all along that the ride would take in a lot of challenging terrain - such as Tarr Steps where the cyclists had to carry their bikes across the water.

Everyone who entered paid a fee from which £1 was donated to the Exmoor Paths Partnership, but they were also allowed to be sponsored for causes of their choice.

Among the sponsored riders was Dave Westcott, who entered as Dave the Mace to raise funds for Knights Templar Pre-School.

Dave completed the 25 mile course in 4.24 hours - ahead of Duncan Wise, of the paths partnership, whose time was 4.45, but behind organiser Steve's wife Louise Crossman at 4.19.

The entry figure at 389 was up on the 360 who took part last year, and it meant £389 was raised for the Exmoor Paths Partnership.

One of the riders, Gail Duguid, e-mailed to Steve afterwards: "It was a wicked day - the coolest thing I've done on a bike.

"I can honestly say it was the fastest, hardest, furthest and scariest riding I have ever done and I loved every minute.

"Everyone we met on the way round was really friendly . . . the organising was really well done . . . and the flapjacks were the best."

Gail, who rode in a team that clocked up a time of 4.49 hours, said: "I didn't actually know I could manage 25 miles but in the end we did 27 as we took a one mile detour down a hill."

The 25-mile course was completed by 182 riders in three to five hours while 142 finished the 40-mile course, taking between four and seven hours.

First individual to complete the short course was Richard Ashford in three hours 15 minutes, followed one minute later by Graham Mackie (3.16) and then Julian Carpenter (3.18).

Quickest individual on the long course was Stephen Pye (3.54), then Dan Money (4.05) and Dave Dibble (4.18).

Full results, including team times, can be seen at the Exmoor Explorer website at http://www.djmiles">www.djmiles. co.uk/exmoorexplorer.

Photos: Steve Guscott.