AFTER the poor weather of recent weeks, it was a welcome return to their Monday night club run for the Fullarton Wheelers, the first of 2016.

Eight hardy cyclists met at Gailes on a calm evening, wrapped up and ready for group ride through Ayrshire.

The route took the group along Long Drive, Stanecastle and up Middleton Road heading for Stewarton.

A right turn at Cunninghamhead heading for Kilmaurs was chosen, before another right turn led the group onto the quiet back road to Knockentiber, a favourite of the wheelers. Through Crosshouse, Gatehead and into Symington, with bright lights illuminating the road, the bunch descended down the Kerrix where the pace increased, much to the enjoyment of all. Finally heading back via Loans to Gailes Hotel for a well-earned coffee and slice of carrot cake, after some 28 miles.

Saturday saw around 10 wheelers making the regular trip up and down the coast to Largs. Although the temperature was barely above freezing, the rosy cheeks on the participants at the end gave a satisfying look of achievement, before heading back to the Barn for a hot drink or two.

Most thought that the heavy snowfall on Saturday afternoon would put paid to the Wheelers Sunday run, however many were proved wrong when four hardy souls appeared ready to ride.

Perhaps some were looking for a cycling snowball fight and that appealed to them.

A route through, Kilwinning, Auchentiber, Lugton, Dunlop, Stewarton, Kilmaurs led them to the regular stop at the Rendevous Café to refuel and reheat before heading back home. Around 35 snowy miles were covered in picturesque surroundings.