It was a damp and misty Saturday when 6 met at Rawdon for the circuitous route to Knaresborough, going on to meet the remaining 3 at Pool. Nick, another one recovering from illness, deciding on a short route back via Otley, bade his farewells. As Hamish, Tom, Ian & Ryan headed off on a longer and hillier route, Alan, Dominic, Jonathan and Dave L set off on the more relaxed AIR route. The roads were particularly wet and mucky for the most part out to Ripley with mist still hanging about in the valleys. As the air warmed conditions got better and road started to dry slightly. The decision was made to cut out the loop into Scotton in order to beat the 11.30 deadline at the Black Mulberry cafe by the river when the menu change from breakfast to lunch happens. It was beaten by only a couple of minutes thankfully. We arrived to see the SRAN had only just beaten us by a couple of minutes too.

The return via Follyfoot, Kirby Overblow and Wheeton was uneventful and the sun even came out. A stop before Castley turned into a longer one than expected as we witnessed a Duel between 3 sheep having a head-butting competition, weirdly fascinating. We left them while still adding to their headaches to reach Pool where Jonathan peeled off for his car, while the remaining 3 went to struggle on up Creskeld Lane and home.

All in all, 49 miles and 3600ft for me.

Cheers Alan