A GROUP of local cyclists were determined that Covid would not spoil their traditional Sunday Christmas fancy dress ride out, writes John Ware.

The Teign Valley Pedal Bashers, who have members from all over Teignbridge, south and east Devon and even Exeter and Plymouth, had to cancel the festive party at the Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club when it was realised the disease was spreading rapidly.

John Potts, of Dawlish, the club ‘CO’ said the riders were very disappointed at the first Christmas cancellation since their formation 28 years ago, but it was not worth taking the risk.

‘It has been the tradition to have a pre-dinner ride around the streets in festive fancy dress.

‘The club generously allowed us to start as usual from their car park, and two of our members laid on a festive spread with drinks from their camper van.

‘We cycled to Dawlish Warren and Dawlish in fancy dress much to the amusement of motorists and walkers.

‘At the Warren there more eats laid on at the Velo Shack cycle repair shop run by one of our members Jon Sell, and then on to Dawlish town centre.

‘It was huge fun and my thanks go to all the people who made it happen at such short notice.

‘We are very much a fun social club for riders of all abilities and ages - our oldest is 88 - and members ensured it was a happy fun Christmas, despite the terrible disease.’