A free beginners’ course for cyclists is starting at the end of April, for those who would like to build up their confidence to get out on their bikes in East Devon.

The East Devon Cycling Club is running the six-week course from Saturday, April 29, in addition to its regular group rides for cyclists at various levels of fitness and endurance.

The club is keen to attract new recruits and is offering free guest membership to all those who join the beginners’ course.

A spokesman for the group said: “The aim of the course is to build confidence and fitness and by the end of the course we aim for you to be confident and able to cycle a flattish 30km (18-mile route). This is the length of our regular Saturday morning ‘bimble’ and includes a coffee and cake stop.

“The first session will be mostly about introductions with a short flattish cycle, coffee and cake.  Each week we will add a couple of miles to achieve the goal of 30k by week six. There will be a focus on friendliness and going at the pace of the slowest, and we will cycle in small groups to ensure safety.”

The first session will be on Saturday, April 29 at 10.00, meeting at the car park in Tipton St John.

The East Devon Cycling Club held three organised rides during the Easter weekend, on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday ride was a 20-mile loop from Tipton, using the lanes heading in the direction of Exmouth and along some of the cycle path to East Budleigh, with a sociable coffee stop at Otterton Mill. There was a men’s group and a ladies’ group, who joined together for coffee and cakes at Otterton.

The Friday and Sunday rides took in a longer 40-mile ride using the lanes from Tipton to Talaton, heading towards Killerton with a slightly ‘lumpy’ route across to Cullompton and Willand, then back on mostly flat lanes to Tipton.

For further information on the beginners’ group contact Chris Eccles on 07876 684 057 or email Info@theeastdevoncyclingclub.org.uk All participants are asked to read and comply with the ride etiquette and safety conditions on the club’s website www.theeastdevoncyclingclub.org.uk