Withycombe RFC's Vision 24 campaign got underway in style last weekend with a rather epic challenge.

Withies on Wheels saw a group of adventurous cyclists take to their bikes and cycle around Devon… in less than 24 hours!

The ambitious challenge was the idea of ex-Withy fullback and keen cyclist Martin Gill, who recruited a team of six fellow (and brave!) riders for the 426km (264mi) journey across the arduous, undulating roads of the county.

The team was made up of Martin Gill, Bill Burton, Rob Clarke, Andrew Cotton, Rob Dustan, Brian Glover & Paul McCarthy. However, they didn't have to go it alone as they were accompanied by additional members of the club for the opening and finishing sections, with James Bamsey, Justyn Coates, Ian Crook, Paddy Fairbanks, Amy Gillard, Mike Richards, & Gerry Trump completing the line-up.

The journey got underway just before 4pm on Friday (23rd July) under the starting orders of East Devon MP, Simon Jupp, who gave the adventurous few some words of encouragement before setting off to the supporting sounds of applause from friends, family and club members.

The early stages of the route saw them travel along the Exe Estuary Trail to Exeter, and then Dawlish where they said goodbye to their support riders before heading down to South Devon where they paid a visit to Paignton RFC and then made their way to Dartmouth where a short ferry crossing gave quick relief from the saddle.

With just over three hours complete, the group continued north-west as they travelled across to Plymouth and then up to Kingsbridge.

With the night setting in, the demanding nature of the route began to show as Dartmoor's unforgiving terrain began to test the team.

If this wasn't enough, the forecasted poor weather began to roll in with a thunderstorm thrown in to add to the experience. The torrential rain continued for four hours as the courageous seven battled through the night across the hills of North Devon.

By 6am, the rain had finally stopped as they arrived in Combe Martin before starting the journey home.

The next stop on the route was Tiverton; where, waiting for the team were bacon rolls, coffee and more supporting cyclists to help them home.

The last leg of the journey saw the peloton of fourteen make their way back down to East Devon with the scenic route through sunny Otterton and East Budleigh waiting for them before taking the cycle path back to Exmouth and arriving back into Raleigh Park to a huge crowd and a tunnel of cheers and applause a little after 3:30pm.

Just in time for a pint and a rest before the Lions match!

Journey summary

Total Elevation: 6,500m

Elapsed time: 23hrs 30min

Ferry journeys: 1

Hazards: Deer, rabbits & frogs avoided on the night section!

Speaking after the challenge, Withies Director of Rugby, Rick Libbey said: "Make no mistake this was an awesome challenge for the fittest of riders.

"Now consider that most of the cyclists who completed the whole route were in their 60s. We stand in genuine awe and admiration".

This was a feeling carried through by all the supporters and everyone at the club.

A huge thank you to each of the fourteen riders that took on the gruelling challenge, but especially to the seven 'core' riders for taking on the challenge to help support the club in our aim to improve facilities at Raleigh Park ahead of our centenary in 2024.

Another huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored the riders and donated to the challenge as, to date, we've raised an incredible £3,135!

You can still sponsor the team and donate through our JustGiving page at: https://bit.ly/withiesonwheels-donate

You can also find out more about our Vision 24 campaign and see other events and challenges as they happen at: https://bit.ly/WRFC-VISION24