After meeting no-one (!) at the football club at 8.15, I eased up Trow hill and raced across the top aided with a 25mph tailwind to meet the rest of the gang at the layby just past the River Axe. There I met up with Richard Brain, his son, Doug (fresh-faced and enjoying his last day in his twenties) and Seaton's stalwart cyclist, John Hill.

After the greetings we climbed to the top of the hill in front of us, turned left at Rousdon through to Raymonds Hill. We then turned right to take in Broadwindsor marvelling at the magnificent view to our right towards Charmouth.

Once through Beaminster we took on the climb near Hooke, turned right and then took the day's first break after 2.5 hours of cycling (for me) and about 35 miles under the belt. We enjoyed my mum's easter biscuits (even at 45 years old she still makes me a tin full every easter!), fresh orange juice and a slash in the nearby hedgerow. We then proceeded towards our goal which we could now see in the distance- Hardy's Monument.

The next stretch was most enjoyable as we were re-fuelled, had no hills in front of us, the sun was out and we had helluva tailwind! What a winner. However payback ensued once we had turned right to head towards the monument. We had to go uphill and, into the bloody wind! Doug won the sprint to the top of the hill adjacent to the monument. We shared a brief Kodak moment, took in the views, and then pressed on towards West Bay.

We had to honk our horns in Littlebredy as we interrupted their Easter duck race in the nearby stream. Obviously we flirted with the local onlookers (the glamorous ones) much to their disgust!

We enjoyed a much needed trof stop at West Bay in the sunshine. I opted for the sausage, egg & chips option whilst the others 'chickened out' and gobbled up bacon sandwiches instead! 62 miles now on the clock, 30 odd to go. We then proceeded to Bridport, left at the lights then first right at the mini roundabout (never done that before). We turned left after a mile or so and headed towards Marshwood. Once we were on the steep part of the hill,(not far from the church) the sausages kicked in and I saw off the not-so-fresh-faced Doug on the climb to the top!

We then raced across the top to Raymonds Hill with Richard Brain enjoying his second wind- it was a big effort from all of us to hang in there! We then split off with Richard & son taking the Musbury route and John & I taking the Trinty Hill way. We finished our ride via the beautiful decent into Axmouth opposite the Dower House and then Seaton sea front. John limped off home and I went via Beer to Sidmouth, avoiding Branscombe.

For me this was 95 miles at an average of 14.2mph- very socail. Neil informs me we climbed over 2000m. I got back at 3.30pm.