Cyclists from across the south west set off on the Turf ’n’ Surf audax rides from Newton Abbot at the weekend.

On Saturday, two groups set out on the 300k and 400k rides to Polzeath in Cornwall.

Then, on Sunday, riders set out on the 100k event to Exeter and across Dartmoor.

The events are run in memory of Chris Bennett, a popular CTC rider who died suddenly while cycling on April 1, 2012.

Now each year all of Mr Bennett’s family gets together to organise the events which visit the places where he used to ride, most noteably Polzeath.

Overnight, local CTC helpers arrived at the Scout hut in Newton Abbot to check-in riders returning from the 300k, and to feed the ones continuing on the 400k ride.

The weekend weather was fine, with a chill northerly wind and beautiful moonlit evening for those riding overnight.

By late Sunday afternoon all the riders were home, including 15-year-old Connor Dow from Brixham, the youngest rider to have completed the events.

The organising club – CTC Devon – is holding their 85th anniversary lunch at Starcross next month, and preparations are now under way for the Devon Delight audax on July 17, which also starts from Newton Abbot.