THE festive season kicked off in style for Fullarton Wheelers with their inaugural cheesecake challenge competition at the Barn.

Some 11 members took to the kitchen to create and bake their creations blindly judged by a select panel of five

The idea came from members always looking for that perfect cake on club runs. In the end it was Eric McIntosh who took top honours with his imaginative toffee and lime entry.

There were many runs over the holiday period with some 200 miles cycled by some members.

A large group took to the roads on a clear, sunny and crisp morning for the Sunday run on December 27.

The route took the group through Loans, Monkton and cross country to Galston, Moscow and Waterside.

At this point the pack split, with six deciding to seek more winter miles and headed north on the A77 to Mearnskirk, before heading west to pick up the fast decent to Stewarton.

The loop was rounded off through Kilmaurs and back to Irvine covering around 50 miles.

There were eight riders out the following day for an easy 25-mile spin around the back roads hiding out of the wind. Then the following day, two of the members headed south to towards Ayr, Maybole and home via Pennyglen over the electric brae, Dunure and back into Ayr, with around 50 miles being covered in strong winds.

The first Sunday run of 2016 saw around 20 riders meet at Irvine Cross, determined to burn off those Christmas calories.

The planned route took the group through Dundonald, Tarbolton, Mauchline, Kilmarnock and back to Irvine whilst battling the crosswinds. Although it was only around 35 miles, it certainly was a great workout for all involved.