IT’S ALWAYS a challenge on a bike in bad weather but Minehead CC riders weren’t put off by the wind and rain on Sunday.

First up were the road crew, taking on the club’s Audax on a route that didn’t hide from the elements. Leaving from the comfort of the Sainsbury Hall, the double hell of a wet headwind was not the only worry, wet leaves made picking your line vital for staying upright.

Chris Parsons said: “Many thanks to Richard and Michelle for organising it and Pods, Janet and Liz for sitting around in the cold and wet to stamp our cards at the checkpoints”

Her riding companion, Fred Hagan, said: “A very enjoyable ride today. Sometimes I think adverse weather adds to the experience!”

The off-road team did not escape the conditions at the 4th round of the South West Cyclocross series at Plymouth either; horizontal rain makes seeing where you are going interesting. A wet, lumpy course that included a fast grassy off-camber, tight corners and a long climb was always going to favour those with MTB experience and so it proved.

David Bray (V60) took a step up on the podium, second this time, powering off the start and holding off all but one of the opposition.

David said: “I managed to ride up the steep bank which gave me a bit of a gap every lap but had to settle for second, I’m looking forward to the next round.”

Louise Crossman (V60 second) was confident over the tricky banks and on the off-camber section, making a good job in the rain.

Stephen Crossman (V60 sixth) battled all race with the other midfielders.

Stephen said: “I love racing in the bad weather! The fastest line up the big climb was in the stream of water running down the hill.”