A LOCAL cycling group is looking for fresh recruits to saddle up and experience the thrill of racing.

1st Chard Wheelers is a community cycling club, dating back to around 1957, when a handful of local riders got together to ride.

The original club existed for around 10 years and disbanded in the late 1960s, but re-emerged in 1975 when local lads Paul Barrett and Rex Facey reignited interest, and this became the nucleus of today’s Wheelers.

They focus on all aspects of cycling, from social riding for those just looking to keep fit, to cyclocross (off-road racing), youth racing and coaching, time trials, track cycling and road racing for all abilities.

And they’re looking out for new racing talent.

Wheelers’ Mark Hughes said: “Cycle racing is viewed by many as too hard and it was what I thought too, but I tried anyway.

“As a senior rider you start as a 4th Category cyclist [beginners] and race against other 4th Category cyclists.

“You only progress when you’re truly ready and the feeling of achievement is amazing.”

Cycle racing is very popular in the South West, with off-road circuits in Torbay, Exeter and Bath, and 1st Chard Wheelers hold their own closed road circuit race in Seaton on July 1.

For more details, visit the club website here.