MINEHEAD Cycling Club hosted the Exmoor Spring Audax last Sunday. 

Setting out early from the Sainsbury Hall, the entrants from all over the region had some shelter heading towards Porlock  but then had to face the very wet and windy road conditions climbing the Toll Road.

The headwind on the road from Exford to Kinsford Gate and the Ridge road to Dulverton made it a hard slog; staying upright was a challenge, while a brief respite in Dulverton at the checkpoint was welcome. At last, getting a tailwind, riders flew up the valley back to Dunster.The promise of a cream tea at the finish made the 62 miles with 6000 feet of climbing seem well won. Organiser Richard Miles said: "Can I say a massive thanks to my wonderful team of helpers today: Bernie and Liz for doing the checkpoints, Nigel and Janet for helping in the morning, Gill for stepping in at short notice to take charge of the teas and everyone else who helped, we couldn't do it without you all.

"It is so important to have such people with you in support of such an event.”