This week we have an exclusive interview with the Secret AIR rider who successfully infiltrated the SRAN to give us an insight into what it is like to ride with the faster Airedale Olympic Group.

Interviewer (INT): What made you think you could take on such Herculean challenge?
Secret AIR Rider (SAR): To be honest, I had just bought a new bike and was feeling a bit invincible / over confident.

INT: What was the route?
SAR: The planned route was a 76 mile ride out to Alne with about 3000 feet of climbing.

INT: The AIR group is renowned for its inane banter during the ride and during the cafe stop. Did the SRAN manage to compete?
SAR: No, the AIR wins hands down for the variety and weirdness of ride chat, there was no motorbike discussions, Whitney Houston confessions, or compliments to unsuspecting waitresses at the cafe.

INT: Wee stops every 6 miles or so?
SAR: No only one wee stop, and to be honest everyone in the SRAN was disappointed that Jay didn’t keep riding while he was doing it.

INT: How did you feel you did on the ride?
SAR: Not too bad, although every time I eased off to stretch or give my backside a break, a 10m gap would appear.

INT: Did you cry during the ride?
SAR: No luckily I ran out of water, I was so dehydrated it wasn’t possible to produce any tears.

INT: Do the SRAN riders all try to hide behind each other to avoid being on the front?
SAR: No, but do not fear I brought this AIR tradition with me into the SRAN.

INT: Any advice for other AIR riders thinking of trying a SRAN ride?
SAR: Let down Hamish’s tyres a little bit at the cafe to slow him down on the way back, and maybe consult Dr Ferrari…..

INT: Thanks for your time Secret AIR rider
SAR: My pleasure, I am off to listen to Fleetwood Mac while having an ice bath.