The annual Christmas meal for the Taunton Group was held at the Walnut Tree Hotel in North Petherton and 17 couples attended. It’s a great venue with delicious food, conveniently situated near the M5 junction for those driving from Torbay in the south and Weston Super Mare and Bristol in the north. 
Unfortunately the weather was against us and the original route was abandoned due to flooding on the Somerset Levels. 
Richard and Michelle kindly agreed to lead the ride using plan B. 
Coffee was served in the Hotel, fancy dress was judged, seven tandems and 2 solos set off but the rain came down. Fortunately the weather improved and after a shortish 20 mile ride through Enmore, Durleigh, Chilton Trinity and Bridgwater, everyone assembled at the Walnut Tree for lunch. 
Firstly there was a round of applause for Grace who had recently been in hospital and everyone was pleased to see her. The quiz sheets were handed out and the food arrived. Later on, presentations were made: The prize for the best Fancy Dress costumes was awarded to Andy and Anita. The trophy is usually awarded to the couple who attend the most rides during the year. This year both Vicky & Jeff and Hannah & Rex had attended 10 out of the 12 rides so they will be sharing the trophy - 6 months each! The quiz was won by Vicky and Jeff. 
Ian rang a bicycle bell and handed out song-sheets for his alternative version of Jingle Bells (aka Ring your bells) and another version of In the Bleak Midwinter. As always, our singing was accompanied by Nick on the mandolin plus Grace and Michelle playing percussion (reindeer hooves and bells). 
Another year of The Taunton Group was over. Rides are already planned for every month in 2024, many of us have booked to go to the International Tandem Club Rally and many will be attending the National Rally too – a lot to look forward to in 2024! 

Lisa & Ian Warren

On the day of Storm Isha the Taunton Tandem Club got back in the saddle after the Christmas break.  23 hardy cyclists set out from Tiverton to cycle a 20 mile circular route mostly through quiet Devon lanes.
Our first stop at about 10 miles was on the edge of Cullompton where we all sat down together for a welcome coffee break.  
Luckily for us the BBC weather forecast was very accurate and although on the second half of the ride the wind had picked up the rain held off. 
After Coffee we continued on our route back to Tiverton, taking in some lovely views on route. Back in Tiverton we were joined by a few more club members for a carvery lunch.   
Jeff & Vicky Conibear

Seven tandems and two solos joined the Taunton Tandem Group February ride which started at Cleeve Abbey, Washford and headed south for a short distance before coffee at Torre Cider Farm. From there our route headed up to Elworthy passing Combe Sydenham, an historic manor house which now needs a little TLC.  Back in 1585 Sir Francis Drake was engaged to be married to Elizabeth Sydenham of Combe Sydenham. However, before the marriage Drake left on a long voyage and her father arranged for her to be married to a rival suitor. Legend has it that on their wedding day, as the couple approached the Church in Stogumber, a loud clap of thunder was heard and a large meteorite crashed through the roof. This was seen as a bad omen and the wedding was hastily cancelled. Drake had arrived back in Plymouth on that same day and he and Elizabeth were later married at the Church in Monksilver. The large meteorite, known as "Drake's cannon ball", has apparently remained in the house ever since.
On route up to Elworthy we passed at least three Road Closed signs. Cars seemed to be ignoring them and so inevitably did we, without any problems! The climb was rewarded with a delightful run down to Halse with lovely views of the Quantock Hills.  Lunch was taken at the excellent New Inn, the community run pub and cafe in Halse.  The return route started on smaller roads which were a bit wet and muddy because of the recent rain. The climb back up to Elworthy was easier, but the leaders unfortunately suffered a puncture (even Schwalbe Marathons don’t last forever!). Much help and advice was on hand, and Rex's strong carpenter hands soon had the offending tyre back on the rim.

Everyone remained dry on the ride although the organisers did get wet as they cycled back to Minehead.

Richard and Michelle
 

There were twenty days of rain in March in the Wiveliscombe area so I think we were extremely fortunate that we had good weather on our ride. There was no rain and we even had some sunshine for the eight tandems and three solos. It was a testing start to the day for some, as locating the car park in Wellington proved to be the first challenge. When planning a route there is always the pressing question of ‘when and where will there be toilets?’ It is not a trivial matter when considering both the more mature age of many of the cyclists plus the fact that there has been a 50% decline in the number of public toilets available in the UK over the past decade. 

We cycled from the car park along paths and quiet roads, past the ponds at the back of the sports centre and out into the lanes. It was a gentle start through Westford with lots of daffodils and lambs to convince us it truly was spring. After a short descent to lull everyone into a false sense of security, we climbed very steeply up to the common at Langford Budville. From here until we reached Wiveliscombe it was down and up on repeat. The hard work of the ‘ups’ was rewarded with beautiful views across to Exmoor in one direction and the Quantocks in the other.

Wiveliscombe provided a chance to regroup for those who had opted to take a short cut. We left Wiveliscombe via Langley Marsh and around the back for the last steep climb on the route, to the top of Pitsford Hill. The back lanes to Ash Priors Common were muddy and in some places still partially flooded. We had lunch at The Allerford Inn at Hillfarrance and by the time we arrived via Halse and Oake, everyone was very hungry. After lunch it was only a shortish ride back to Wellington. Everyone felt they had worked hard on the ride although James said it was good preparation for the route he has got up his sleeve for next month. You have been warned!
Rob & Sally

After months of rain, the Taunton Group had a sunny ride in Devon on the Granite Way from Okehampton Station.  As the organiser I can take no credit for the brilliant route which was stolen from Jack Thurstons lovely book, Lost Lanes West - P.181, Violets and Viaducts.   All I did was reverse the route so the pub come up at the right time. 

After coffee at the Pump and Pedal we divided into two groups of four tandems.  The sensible group cycled there and back to the pub at Lydford.  (If you reverse the route does that make it back and there?); the hard core cycled 32 gruelling miles of tiny lanes and beautiful woods bursting forth with new leaves.  We all met in Lydford for a Beef Wellington, looked like beef, had the texture of a wellington, and then cycled back to Okehampton as a group.  What fun!

James and Liz

The May ride of the Taunton group was blessed with a glorious sunny day after a real downpour the previous day. Arriving at Fordmore Farm Shop and Cafe in Cullompton, it was evident that everyone was keen to fuel up on coffee.
Once assembled in the car park and the obligatory photo call, we set off at a good pace with 9 tandems and 5 solos on a circular route along some beautiful East Devon lanes. The ride was led by Ed and Gary with Mike being the sweeper up. Soon Mike called in to Ed to say that someone’s battery had been left behind but they were able to catch up shortly afterwards. The route took us through the hamlet of Mutterton then Clyst Hydon and Talaton villages. 

 A coffee stop at Escot House was most welcome. This is the family home of the Kennaway family and the Wildwood Enterprise visitor attractions. 
The route headed east and then north passing through the villages of Feniton, Payhembury and Luton. Gradually climbing there were views of Dartmoor followed by a descent back to our start point. The route also had some challenging road conditions due to the farmyard debris and evident water run-off from the fields. The narrow lanes were not too busy but good weather does bring out the motorists and tractors with trailers too. 

We arrived back for a well-earned lunch. There was an additional 10 mile loop organised by Jeff and Vicky afterwards but most were satisfied with the 28 miles of mixed terrain, some having made journeys from Torbay and Bristol to join us. 

Ed and Gary

Six tandems and two half bikes met to start the ride at the Fives Senses Cafe, a little bit of Portugal in Chard.  The weather was fair, with light wind and some sunshine. After navigating NCR33 through the town the group headed  up hill through the forestry to pass Avishays house, (a house dating back to the 1790’s) just visible through the hedge from the lane, through Chaffcombe Village, to skirt the reservoir and nature reserve to rejoin NCN 33. The group left the NCN route at Peasmarsh, uphill to Kingstone then down the lanes, narrowed by grass heavy with seed, picking up part of the Fosse Way to Dinnington. A climb to Hinton St. George, downhill to Merriot and a very welcome break at the Feed Station, a cycle themed cafe.

Refreshed, the group set off to Over Stratton, South Petherton, the via Stembridge to Burrow, a bit of a climb past the cidery and distillery, sadly it was closed!

Some of the group were ahead and had an extra hill to Shepton Beauchamp as the group leader, who was behind the first three, took a command decision to take the rest of the group off the planned route on a more gentle climb.  After a phone call between the two groups they met up again on a the bridge above the A303 then via Seavington St Mary, up a steep little hill back to Kingstone and onto Dowlish Wake for a very pleasant pub lunch.

After lunch the group decided they wanted a flatter and quicker route back to Chard. After leaving Dowlish we reached the hill below Cricket Malherbie, then DOWNHILL to Sea (not the sea, the hamlet of Sea) to pick up NCR33 back to Chard . We departed from Chard shortly after ten thirty and were back about four fifteen. Thirty-five miles, or thirty-five point five for the breakaway group with 2150 ft of climbing.. A pleasant rural route through country lanes and hamstone built houses, very Somerset!

David & Fiona

A glorious ride through sunny North Somerset lanes was the setting for the Taunton Group’s July Ride. 9 tandems and 3 solos set off from the wonderful Strawberry Line community cafe (where there are paid jobs for adults with learning disabilities) at Yatton Railway Station for a 28 mile amble along the lanes of North Somerset just west of Bristol.

We started along Cycle Route 26 along Kenn Moor with views towards Tickenham Hill.

Passing the outskirts of Clevedon, we joined part of the Avon Valley cycleway along the peaceful shady Norton’s Wood Lane, we then turned towards Walton-in-Gordano and made our way up the coast road climb to reach Portishead with beautiful views towards Wales.

After a speedy downhill we enjoyed a coffee break at the Portishead Open Air Pool cafe (community organisation) and enjoyed views of the sailing racing in the Bristol Channel.

We then made our way through Portishead via Sheepway and Portbury to climb Portbury Hill via the quiet Failand Lane. 

We had a spectacular descent down Belmont Hill (Wraxhall) then joined the Festival Way cycle path. We then approached Nailsea via quiet lanes and cycle ways to arrive at our lunch spot, The Moorend Spout.

Suitably refreshed we sped along the lanes back to Yatton. 28 miles well cycled.

As you can see from the photo, one tandem on the ground was a bit of a theme for the day (two tandems down at snail pace on sharp bends). Despite this, no injuries were sustained and we all happily made our way home in anticipation of the England football Euros 2024 game.

Duncan & Nicki with Karl & Lisa
 

Jeff and Vicky organised the August Bank Holiday trip for the Taunton Group.

Saturday morning started with a visit to the Royal Marines Base at Instow.  After Coffee and cakes, 7 Tandems and 1 solo bike set off towards Meeth.  Luckily the rain had cleared by the time we reached Bideford and the weather improved and at Peters Marland we were able to sit outside in the garden for coffee at Yarde Orchard Cafe.  After another couple of miles the trail diverts from the old disused railway line and meanders through a pretty wooded area eventually passing Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve. We then joined the A386, after a short but steep climb up into the village we arrived at the Bull and Dragon in Meeth for our well-deserved lunch. We then retraced our route back to Instow with lots of nice gentle descents.  Everyone was staying at Tarka Trail Camping for the night and in the evening we met up for a meal and were able to watch a glorious sunset over Instow Seafront.

On Sunday morning our meeting place was the Tarka Trail campsite at Yelland and 9 Tandems and 1 Solo bike started out towards Barnstaple, passing the Heritage Centre at Fremington Quay. By-passing the centre of Barnstaple, by using the new bridge to cross the River Taw, we then cycled onto the Quay Cafe at Braunton for coffee. Leaving here we left the Tarka trail heading down the toll road (no toll for the bikes) which goes to Crow Point car park, at the end of which we utilised a small cut through to reach Braunton Burrows where we then joined the old American road. This was built during WW2 by American Forces who used Braunton Burrows extensively for training before the D Day Landings.  We then took the main road to Saunton Sands Beach where in typical British style we enjoyed a blustery and damp picnic. Our route back took us around Braunton Great Field, this is an exceptionally rare medieval landscape with a strip field system still in operation. With none of the usual Devon high hedges we were able to enjoy unrestricted views across Braunton Marsh. We then re-joined the Tarka Trail for a windy ride back to Yelland.
On Monday, Malcolm and Grace arranged a short ride for 7 tandems along the Tarka Trail to Bideford. A steep and rough track then took us up to Northam before dropping down to Appledore for coffee. We then cycled across Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! passing lovely multi coloured cottages. A very steep ascent then took us up and over to Bideford where we stopped for a picnic in the park in the sunshine. We returned along the Trail to Yelland to complete our August Bank Holiday Weekend. 
Very many thanks to everyone who attended, with special thanks to Jeff for organising the visit to the Royal Marine Base where many of us fulfilled our boyhood dreams getting up close to the MOD vehicles.

Jeff and Vicky

Taunton Tandem group spent a long weekend at Wadebridge in mid-September. Some of us stayed at Pendavey House and Lodge, while the rest of the group stayed at Little Bodieve Campsite. On Saturday we kicked things off with a social evening for all at Pendavey House, with a bring and share supper. We then enjoyed three days of cycling in wonderful early autumn weather. 
Sunday’s ride took us to Port Isaac, with lunch at Trevathan farm shop. Our return route took us to Rock, where some of the group took the ferry to Padstow and returned along the Camel Trail, while the rest of the group came back via Chapel Amble. 
On Monday we climbed out of Wadebridge to St Breock Down to enjoy some spectacular views, before heading down to the coast at Harlyn Bay for our lunch stop, then on to Padstow and back along the Camel trail. In the evening, we all enjoyed a meal at the Borough Arms in Bodmin. Thanks to the group for paying for our meal as a thank you for organising the weekend - that was very much appreciated by us both.
Tuesday saw us heading up the Camel Trail, through Bodmin and on to Bodmin Moor. We had three stops, first a café stop at Blisland, followed by a picnic in the churchyard at Churchtown, and a final café stop at St Teath. The weather was fantastic, and we all enjoyed the wonderful vistas as we crossed Bodmin Moor. 
Thank you all for joining us on what was, at times, some quite challenging routes. I think special mention must go to Grace, who at 91 years of age joined us for every ride, riding approximately 100 miles over the three days – what a gal!
Andy and Anita

An intrepid Taunton Tandem group set out from Wells for our October ride over the flooded Somerset Levels. Fortunately it was just light rain and not too windy. We had missed the worst of Storm Ashley but still had the challenge of flooded roads. Luckily we missed a heavy shower while we had our coffee stop but got caught in a heavy downpour as we left Glastonbury just before our lunch stop. After a good lunch at Middlewick Farm where we were joined by more tandem friends the sun came out so we finished on a high note, back in Wells reasonably dry apart from soggy feet
Clive and Emma

On Sunday 17th November 9 tandems, four solo bikes and one recumbent solo set off on a ride to celebrate Ian and Lisa Warren’s Golden Wedding Anniversary. 
It was fresh but dry as the group set off from The Walnut Tree Hotel, North Petherton, for a ride around the Somerset levels.
We began along fairly new cycle paths alongside the Bridgwater Road before we crossed to strike off across the Levels. We followed the River Parrett for some of the way then rode down some very muddy drove roads and lanes, which needed care to cycle along. We rode back alongside the Parrett towards Burrowbridge and Stathe.  After Stoke St Gregory and North Curry we eventually arrived at our lunch stop after 21 miles.
The Maypole Inn at Thurloxton catered for us well, and we had a much enjoyed meal, leaving only 3 miles back to our starting point.
To finish their celebratory ride Lisa and Ian had laid on cream teas for us all. This rounded off the day and we would all like to thank Ian and Lisa for their generosity and send our best wishes. The Taunton group are very fortunate to have them as our Regional Officers!
Nina and Paul Swift

The annual Christmas Meal for the Taunton Group was held at the Walnut Tree Hotel in North Petherton. Unfortunately Storm Darragh had created difficult conditions for the cyclists and the original route had to be cancelled. An alternative route across the Levels was quickly created and led by Malcolm with a reduced number of tandems and solos taking part negotiating floods, fallen trees and bracken. 
The main entrants in the fancy dress competition were Jeff and Vicky.   Unfortunately the very strong winds made it impossible for them to cycle dressed as Christmas Stockings! 
Thirty one people attended the lunch and were accompanied by music and songs from Nick, Kate and Ian. The quizzes were organised by Santa’s elf and won by Vicky and Nick. As always the trophy for the most rides attended was hotly contested and Jeff and Vicky won. 
Next year promises to be another busy one. We have leaders for rides in every month. Malcolm has 14 couples going to his New Forest get together in April. Ian has a similar number heading to Brittany in June. Jeff and Vicky are planning another trip to the Tarka Trail in August and the Christmas Meal may be at Tiverton for a change! 

This was a fabulous day out. We took an oval path, starting in Taunton with the zenith in Wellington. There was however an eerie stillness about Taunton before the tandems began to arrive for the start; 33 cyclists on 19 cycles.
The café we booked for the start denied all knowledge of us. The manager of the lunch stop fled the country after we booked it.
Some shops seemed recently boarded up. Like a scene from a western the first tandems appeared from the mist, riding into town along the high street.
If there had been chickens, they would have scattered. If cacti, they would have wilted. But this transient air of foreboding evaporated in the dazzle of hi viz Lycra. 
We headed off through the park and took several turns around the bandstand to warm up.
Then along country lanes in near zero temperatures, spreading warmth and a wild, carefree spirit. We took a break for coffee at the Iron Duke in Wellington, then back to Taunton for an Italian lunch. Thanks to everyone for coming. It was fun.
Nick and Rachel Warner

Michelle’s Birthday Ride for the Taunton Tandem Group saw 8 tandems and 4 solos (including Ed on his recumbent) meet at Torre Cider Farm, Washford on a cold and rather dreary February morning – but at least it stayed dry for us!  The Cider Farm opened especially for us, so we were fuelled with coffee before tackling our first steep hill.  Our ride took us through the quiet village of Monksilver, at the foot of the long and steady climb up to Elworthy Cross.  From Elworthy it is a long run most of the way down to our lunch stop at The New Inn, a community run pub and cafe in the village of Halse.  We were joined at The New Inn by another 8 members of our group.  Any reservations that we may have had as to whether the pub would be able to cope with such a large group were quickly dispelled as plates of roast beef, bowls of soup and other dishes were efficiently served to our long table.
Our return journey took us through the sprawling village of Fitzhead before joining the B road (known to us as the Wivey road) which took us most of the way back to the cider farm, where Michelle had laid on a splendid array of home-baked cakes and scones.
It was a short ride of a little under 25 miles but with more than 2000 feet of climbing – quite enough, it was generally agreed, for the time of year! 
Thanks to Dave Jones for Michelle’s Birthday Card

Always a tricky decision for a ride organiser.  Do we go to Ye Olde Gibbet for lunch, where we have to book three months in advance, pay a deposit, guarantee an arrival time and decide if we want our veg “Al Dente” or “A L’ecole” (mashed with lumps) or do we go to a place where they don’t blink an eyelid if two coaches turn up at the same time?  As the lively, witty and intelligent Somerset group has expanded I personally favour the latter option.  The route is planned round that as a starting point.  The Hog and Hedge at Whiddon Down fed us quickly, kindly and very adequately.  And I gather they have a applied for a drinks licence.  What could possibly go wrong?

Well…….the ride had a bad start as we lost two in the first 100yds due to creaky knee syndrome.  Get better soon, Malcolm.  But we settled down with four tandems and three halves.  The sun shone for the morning; the views were nearly as good as advertised; the potholes were magnificent and no-one fell off.  I could tell you the route, but I’d have to kill you afterwards.

James Goodwin

26 Members of the Taunton Group came together in April at a full facility campsite in Alderholt near Fordingbridge. 11 members staying for the full week Tues to Tues and the others coming for a long bank holiday weekend.
 
Tuesday A lovely evening meal at the Boutique Railway Hotel Pullman Carriage attended by 9 members.
 
Wednesday Chase the Ace game in Ian & Lisa’s awning. 

Thursday 9 members went on an extra ride to Burley and to see the Giant Sequoias in the New Forest - 32 miles
Thursday Evening welcome meal where 26 members and 2 guests attended the meal at the campsite Thai restaurant where Bingo tickets were on sale and quiz sheets handed out as well as the itinerary for the weekend. 

Friday Heavy rain forecast from late morning so an early 9.00am start agreed. An alternative shorter 17 mile ride option with coffee stop was suggested. Some did the full 31 mile ride without any refreshment stop. As it turned out, we all got back before the heavens opened around midday. 

Saturday Two members made line claims on the Easter Bingo but whose number came out first! 
It was DRY!! A ride up onto Cranborne Chase with glorious views and coffee at the community shop in Broad Chalke. Then back across the hills with a steep climb rewarded with a lovely downhill ride to Cranborne Garden centre for lunch - 31 miles.
 
Judging of the Easter Windows competition took place after the ride with everyone choosing their own favourites.

Saturday Evening The village reading rooms were hired for the evening where 26 members enjoyed playing a game of Beetle Drive followed by live music and dancing courtesy of our very own musician members, James, Nick and Kate
.
Sunday Morning Full house claimed on the Bingo and all quiz sheets returned. 
Pre ride judging of Easter Bonnet/Helmet competition with an amazing array of designs many of which had clearly taken much time and effort to prepare. The winners were chosen by the site receptionist Elizabeth (I’m glad I didn’t have to choose)
Sunday Another dry day for our ride to Salisbury stopping off for morning coffee at the Woodgreen community café. Then after negotiating the cycle paths into the city stopping in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral for a packed lunch or enjoying one of the local cafes. Returning back to Alderholt via the Wiltshire Cycleway. 37 miles.
Monday The sun was shining for our ride to Ringwood where we stopped for coffee and then a lovely ride along the Castleman Trailway across Holt Heath passing Horton Tower and lunch at the Crane Valley Golf Club where we had lovely views and were able to critique the golfers on the 18th tee. A ride back through Cranborne and lovely country lanes to the campsite.
Monday Evening Farewell Evening Meal with awards and presentations to all prize winners at the Churchill Arms in Alderholt.

Malcolm & Grace Gammon

Having a ride in the middle of a settled spell of weather in May was a fantastic opportunity to show East Devon at its best with pretty villages and beautiful hedgerows of wild flowers. There was a great turnout of 13 tandems and 3 single bikes, 29 cyclists. Boston Tea Party garden in Honiton High Street was a good jumping off place and we split into two groups, loosely e-tandems and non-e. The non-e group probably maintained the faster pace! With 36 miles to cover from Honiton to Budleigh Salterton and back, we left promptly at 10am.

Our timetable was maintained through the ride with first stop at Otterton Mill at 1130 for a half hour coffee stop, then onward to Budleigh beach for a brief look at the sea. We returned on the new causeway across the River Otter to the cycle path on the east side of the river. Return towards Honiton was on a broadly similar route though with a few variations. In total we crossed the River Otter back and forth 5 times, i.e. across 10 bridges.

Everyone was at Heron Farm Vineyard in good time for our 1430 lunch booking. We had a private room upstairs and pre-ordered varied, delicious meals were served. There was just a short ride back to the car park in Honiton. It was a lovely day out in East Devon with a great crowd and everything went according to plan!

Mark & Liz Nicholson

12 couples joined us for our Summer Meet in Brittany this year based at Camping du Goulet just outside Brest. The campsite gave us a warm welcome and proved to be an excellent choice with caravan, motorhome and tent pitches together with various styles of mobile homes for hire.
A group of us arrived on Friday and we started our evening entertainment with a game of Crazy Golf. Lisa won the game but Nina surprised us all with a hole in one on a very difficult hole!
We officially started on the Saturday with an evening drink and get together followed by Pizza at the bar (open especially for us).
Sunday’s ride took us to Locmaria-Plouzané for coffee then on to Plougonvellin then back to Trégana for lunch. On returning to the site we stopped to look at the Blockhouses and the lighthouse at the Pointe du Petit Minou – a beautiful location. The evening’s entertainment included a music quiz which was won by Rex and Hannah.
Monday’s ride took us through Brest, past the Naval dockyards to the Plage de Moulin Blanc for coffee. We then crossed the river on the Pont Albert Louppe bridge and cycled on to Tinduff for lunch. We stopped at Plougastel to see the Calvary and to give Nick the opportunity to buy us all an ice cream! This evening’s entertainment was Finnish Skittles – pilots v stokers.
Tuesday’s ride took us on a different route to Plougonvellin for coffee then on to the Pointe de St-Mathieu to see the Abbey and lighthouse. We stopped at Le Conquet for lunch then crossed the estuary on the cycle route before retuning to the site. The evening’s entertainment was Tandem Drive (similar to Beetle Drive) and was played at the picnic tables surrounding the pool – well done Andy for winning
Wednesday was the usual rest day and some of us took the excellent tram service into Brest to see the various sites (Museums or the large Decathlon store at Guipavas). The evening’s entertainment was a quiz on Brittany and Emma was the winner.
Thursday we headed north to St Renan then up to Milizac for coffee. We then did an amalgamation of 2 rides based at St Renan before dropping back down to the St Renan lakes for lunch. Entertainment this evening was organised by the campsite who provided a Crèpe evening for us. The evening finished with Nick and Kate providing the music.
Friday we cycled west but had to shelter after 2 miles as we had a torrential downpour! The weather cleared and we cycled on to Ploumoguer for coffee then on to the Pointe de Corsen – the most westerly point of mainland France. We continued to Porspaul for lunch and sat on the quay side watching the fish then returned to the site via Plouzané. The final evening’s entertainment was the awards ceremony for all the winners – we were also given a lovely present for organising the trip – many thanks! We finished the Summer Meet with a final game of Finnish Skittles then said our good-byes.
Many thanks to everyone who attended for making this such an enjoyable week in glorious weather, excellent scenery and great company!
Lisa & Ian Warren

Thirteen riders set off from the Museum of Rural Life in Glastonbury having first enjoyed refreshments in the cafe. Because of the threat of rain the route was shortened which allowed for a more relaxing pace across the Somerset levels to Wells and a welcome stop. 
We took the cycle path out of Wells, arriving in North Wooton in good time for lunch at Crossways where we were joined by more tandem friends for a splendid meal with a view of Glastonbury Tor in the distance. 
After lunch we headed towards Pilton and circled the Glastonbury festival grounds where there was still a lot of activity clearing up after last month’s festival. The second part of the route was hillier and the hardest climb proved particularly long and challenging, though probably fair to say slightly less so for those of us with battery assist, but we all made it. Finally we had a steady ride along the rhynes, passing the mile long caravan “village” on the outskirts of Glastonbury and back to the Museum, feeling relieved and grateful that the weather remained good all day.
Clive & Emma Bowyer