A BUSY time for the Minehead Merlins has seen them gain a range of awards and success.

There was special recognition for Paul Butcher, one of the founding adult members, who was named the South West Area Volunteer of the Year at the British Cycling Go Ride conference held in Taunton – recognition of the help and support he has given to both riders and coaches.

Many of the Merlins’ young riders have been racing on circuits from Castle Combe to Webbers Post with strong rides and placings for several members.

Joe and Loui Wright came second in their categories at Barnstaple, with Luke Reeder and Dan Godfrey coming third in theirs, and William Dibble rode strongly in tough fields for a fourth place at both Barnstaple and Castle Combe.

The club also ran a successful mountain bike race, organised by Alicia Hockin, Wayne Reeder and Clive Atkins, in which several riders from the newly-formed Quantock Quick took part.

Several riders have been riding abroad with experienced cyclist Josh Green, including showing many older riders the way as they scaled the Col de sa Batella, and Fin and Reuben Walters were able to meet professional racers and ride with them.

In the annual Exmoor Beauty, William Dibble successfully completed the 70 miles in a respectable six hours, coming home with some of the Minehead Cycle Club riders.

New coaching sessions have started at the West Somerset Leisure Centre and new members are always welcome – more information on the Minehead Merlins can be found on Facebook and the British Cycling website.