On a glorious sunny but cold morning, nine Airedale members met up in Rawdon with a plan to head to Paceline Cycles in Cross Hills.

Hamish, Dan and Nathan formed a SRAN group and set off at a rapid pace. The remaining six riders set off on a slightly less hilly route at a more sensible pace. The route headed out to Silsden and we were treated to some amazing views as we headed out to the cafe.

Despite not tackling any of Hamish’s Hors Categorie climbs it was still a hilly route but as the cafe was only 17 miles from the start we arrived in no time.

We had all anticipated that Ian would be excited when he arrived at Paceline Cycles, but seeing him enthusiastically examining the bikes on display, grinning like a Cheshire Cat was a sight to behold.

When we finally got him seated, we ate our food and had a quick chat with the SRAN group who had arrived just as we finished.

The ride back went via Skipton and Ian, Dom and Steve formed a splinter group and climbed over Barden moor (mad as hatters all of them…). The remaining three kindly waited for them sat in the sun on a bench at Bolton Abbey. With the group back together and assisted by a tailwind, we made it back at a decent pace.

The ride was 56 miles and 5000 feet of climbing for me. Thanks to everyone for making it another enjoyable ride out.

Steve
(with apologies to Lewis Carroll)