A FIELD of 400 cyclists pushed their abilities to the limit in the tough Exmoor Explorer mountain bike marathon on Sunday. The event, although not a race, challenges riders to complete 25-mile or 35-mile routes over some of the hardest tracks on the moor. And it has now become such a prestigious event that it attracts a nationwide entry. The first three riders home in the shorter distance of the 2005 challenge were from a group of young local mountain bikers who are all part of a new development scheme based at the West Somerset Community College, backed by the organisers of the Exmoor Explorer, Team Zoyland. The group, who have all achieved bronze awards in the scheme, also provided the second rider home on the 35-mile route, which Steve Crossman of Team Zoyland described as a very impressive achievement. "It is a tribute to their mentor at the college, Chris Reeson, that they are so accomplished," said Mr Crossman. Local riders mixed with visitors for the ride, which set off from Dunster Castle Old Park for a full day of mountain biking over some of the hardest tracks that organisers could find to the tea stop at Luccombe. Admiring the flower festival in the picturesque village was an unexpected diversion for some of the more sensitive entrants. The return leg passed Selworthy Church and led to Grabbist before the finish back at Dunster. Peter Robinson, one of the college development scheme riders, described the event as a mixture of "challenging climbs and thrilling descents" and looks certain to be an early entrant next year. Anyone interested in joining the development scheme should contact Mr Mr Reeson at the college or through the Exmoor Explorer website www. djmiles.co.uk/exmoorexplorer.