This week’s club ride saw four riders meet at Rawdon Library. Initial discussions were held to try to resolve Ian’s ablution issues but we quickly realised that it was too complex so Ian said ‘Let’s Hang On’ and see what happens, so we set off, destination Shed24 in Hellifield.

Hamish quickly realised that none of the other three were prepared to chase him up the hills so he decided to press on ahead and find some more challenging terrain, with a vague plan to meet us at the cafe.

Without the calming influence of the club president, the conversation quickly deteriorated as Dom initially complained that his old spice story made last week’s blog. He then followed up with some even worse stories that unfortunately cannot be published on a PG rated blog. After several of these stories Ian and Steve were wincing and ‘Beggin’ Dom to stop.

Just as we thought we were going to get to the cafe in the dry, the heavens opened and we were soaked in a heavy rain shower. The accompanying headwind made the remaining four miles quite unpleasant and I was relieved when we arrived in Hellifield.

We rushed into the warmth of the cafe to find Hamish already there, eating a tea cake and trying to dry out.

After eating lunch and making positive comments about the low prices we made our way outside, still wet and cold. Gradually though, we began to warm up. After a few miles the sun came out and we remembered it was August. By the time we reached Bolton Abbey people had removed waterproofs and were actually feeling warm.

Unfortunately there were no takers for a post ride drink (‘Sherry’?) so we parted ways at the JCT roundabout. A tough first 34 miles followed by a much more pleasurable 35 miles for me with 5500 feet of climbing.

Cheers

Steve

P.s. I am sure you will be glad to know that Ian has successfully been to the toilet and can now ‘Walk like a man’