Somerset County Council has announced a host of events and activities in Exford and Dunster on 9 September to celebrate a spectacular day of excitement and entertainment when the world’s best cyclists, including British Olympic Gold medal winners, race through as part of the Tour of Britain.
In Exford, the entertainment will start in the morning when local people and businesses take part in a fancy dress cycle ride. Lots of activities will take place on the village green, including a falconry display, live music, Exmoor ponies, a barbecue, skittles, bale throwing, an egg and spoon race, a photography competition and a display of international flags that will represent the 16 teams taking part in the race. Exford School will also be getting involved and there will be two craft marquees with many more activites and things to see.
Exford is an ideal place to watch the cyclists mid-race, as they arrive from the direction of Withypool at around 12.45pm and head towards Wheddon Cross.
The narrow medieval streets of Dunster, the Castle and the picturesque Yarn Market provide an idyllic backdrop for the race as it thunders through at around 1:25pm. Visitors should get there early however and enjoy the activities running from 11am to 3pm, including Rollapuluza Cycle Roller Racing which has been organised by local businesses together with Active Exmoor and Somerset County Council.
This fun and easy version of cycle racing will give participants an opportunity to find out if they are “faster than Chris Hoy”, the British triple Olympic Gold Medal winner, with prizes on offer to the fastest riders. Cliff Nicholson of Spears Cross in Dunster and William Wake of Dunster Castle helped organise the Roller Racing. William commented “With so many visitors coming into the village to watch the Tour pass by we felt we had to provide some entertainment and Cycle Roller Racing is ideal. Cyclists will readily want to race, but more importantly visitors, just here to watch the race, will be egged on by friends to have a go. Cycling is an up and coming sport in the UK and this is an ideal opportunity to encourage people to try it; it’s fun.”
Somerset County Council has also organised a Park and Ride coach scheme from Vulcan Road in Minehead to make it easier for people to visit and enjoy the day. The park and ride will operate from 10am until 4pm.
Councillor Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio-Holder for Economic Development, said: “I’m very excited about the day, which is not far away now. I hope that people get there early and enjoy all the fantastic things there are to do. It promises to be one of the best days of the year for Somerset.”
Further details about the events or more information about the race, including road closures, can be found by visiting www.bikesomerset.co.uk.
