THE theme of Minehead Cycling Club's activities on Sunday was preparing for upcoming events.

The MCC April 7 Audax event (details on the club website) was the incentive for a road ride to help train the legs.

Road conditions are still far from ideal but a large group rode the lanes on a 35-mile route including Blue Anchor, Elworthy, Crowcombe and most importantly a tea stop at Stogumber.

Longstanding member Nathan Bale said: "It's my first club ride for ages; we are all a bit rusty after the long-wet spell, it was great to see everyone again!”

Club member Tim Rook is preparing for a 125-mile gravel ride in the Kielder Forest in June.He was joined for part of his 70-mile Sunday training ride by some of the MCC off road group.

Stephen Crossman said: "Tim is going very well; we did about half of his ride today and that was hard enough!

“It was still very wet but the sunny bits were welcome."Separately, David Bray had another excellent ride in the South West Mountain Bike series. He said: "Fourth again! But I'm within a few seconds of the podium so I'll take encouragement from that."