1,200 cyclists descend on Huish Leisure Centre (and Eli's)...
Over a thousand lycra enthusiasts are in the area this weekend for the Tour of Wessex cycle race. The start line is at Huish Leisure Centre. Competitiors can ride up to 330 miles in three-day back-to-back cycling across Somerset til Monday or take shorter routes.
Indeed Eli's is one of those 'shorter routes'...it's about 300 yards away and the cricket field is the official campsite for many of the cyclists this weekend.
Pictured: last year the landlord of the Halfway House attempted to take part in the competition, but didn't even get out of the beer garden.
It's also worth mentioning that the event has always been held in Somerton but there are unconfirmed reports that this year organisers couldn't come to an agreement with the owners of the sports club there...that's the sports club which allegedly banned its own rugby club recently for being too rowdy (priceless...you couldn't write this stuff...nobody would believe you)
It's also worth mentioning that the event has always been held in Somerton but there are unconfirmed reports that this year organisers couldn't come to an agreement with the owners of the sports club there...that's the sports club which allegedly banned its own rugby club recently for being too rowdy (priceless...you couldn't write this stuff...nobody would believe you)
Back to the races...the Tour of Wessex official website talks of seeing "quintessentially English countryside through the lanes and byways" of the area.
But that's sparked fears our cycling friends may come a cropper in those lanes and byways when they run into Kingsbury Town Band coming the other way. On Saturday it's the annual march of the Langport and District Friendly Society.
"It could get ugly" said Society President Billy Langford, "a trombone can cause a lot of damage...especially when you're racing towards it round the church corner on a push-bike wearing lycra"
"Sounds marvellous" said the band's conductor, "maybe next year we'll cycle round too and make those drunken Langport buggers run behind us."
"Sounds like a plan" replied Mr Langford, "I'll put it to the committee."
Just as we were going to press, we realised that the Forces March also stomps through the area this weekend. Great stuff, they should come and make the new Carry On film here.
Just as we were going to press, we realised that the Forces March also stomps through the area this weekend. Great stuff, they should come and make the new Carry On film here.
We wish all three events well.
Pictured: Langport and District Friendly Society President Billy Langford attempting to get home after last year's annual dinner at The Langport Arms.
