A beautiful sunny, if cool, morning greeted the Weston Wheelers, as they assembled at Priory School for the regular Sunday morning club ride. The ride this week was presented as a two-parter. The first section of the ride designed to be more suitable for less experienced riders and those with time constraints. The second section of the ride, was an opportunity for members of the club to stretch their legs on a longer combined route, in anticipation of the forthcoming 'Somerset 100' charity sportive event; where a number of the club members are intending to complete the 100 mile course. A party of ten Wheelers set off at 9am and headed towards Chew Valley Lake. Passing through Banwell and Churchill before starting the undulating, and increasingly steeper, roads to Blagdon and onto West Harptree. Enjoying the descent from West Harptree, the riders circled the azure blue of Chew Valley Lake, before heading west towards Blagdon Lake. Passing the similarly picturesque lake, the Wheelers passed through Butcombe and started a series of exhilarating descents towards Congresbury and West Hewish. Returning to their start point after 40 miles. The riders embarked the on bonus training circuit; with no reduction in their number. Passing through Sand Bay and ascending to the coast road, the riders made a transit of Weston-super-mare seafront, before picking up speed again as they left Uphill. The Wheelers are holding a number of club competitions this year; an element of which is a sprint along a section of road near Batch. Although the group enjoyed the relatively flat and straight segment, and several riders produced their best times, the 50 miles in their collective legs meant that only a few personal best's were achieved, but not for the want of trying. Reaching Berrow, the club turned east towards the landmark of Brent Knoll and the last significant climb of the day. The knoll ascent marked the final quarter of ride and following the descent, a good pace was maintained towards Loxton and onto Christon. Skirting Banwell via the caves, the group now headed back into Weston-super-mare and the riders dispersed to their individual end points, a significant contribution to their endurance and tan-lines having been made. The ride, in glorious spring weather, was a total of 72 miles with 2250 feet of climbing. The Weston Wheelers welcome new riders to come along and try group riding, in a friendly and inclusive cycling club.