Eleven riders turned up at the Petre Arms to start the run and many were pretty wet on arrival! Wet gear on and charity collection made, we departed down through Billington and Whalley and right to the A671 and then onto Sabden. The roads were very wet and the views we normally get from up on the hills were none existent due to the mist (clouds?) The equine fraternity had christened many of the roads and so our chromework was steadily losing its shine! On then through Blacko to finish at Café Cargo at Foulridge next to the Leeds Liverpool canal. A pleasant stop here for refreshments and a look at the boats. The rain eased a little so much of the waterproofing was removed before we set off towards Hawarth. Through Wycoller and on towards Hawarth we were stooped at the rail crossing on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to wait for a diesel tug to pass by and then on into Oakworth and down through Hawarth to Oxenhope Railway Station for our lunch break.
The weather was a bit dryer when we arrived and we were able to witness a large Loco pulling an excursion into the station and disgorging its load of passengers to walk along the train to watch the engine being uncoupled to reverse to the other end on the train for the return journey. We visited the railway exhibition in the sheds behind the station where a nice assortment of Locos and Carriages were displayed.
After all this activity it started to rain again so on with the waterproofs and off for the return journey over some mountain roads and down into Hebden Bridge and then out past Heptonstal to Widdop and then Haggate. Somehow at Brierfield a few riders missed a turn and after an unsuccessful chase by Richard we determined to continue to the Petre Arms through Whalley and Billington. 10 minutes later the others turned up so all was well but now the rain was quite heavy so a quick thanks to Bob and we all departed for home. Amazingly by the time I reached the motorway at the Tickled Trout the rain had stopped and by the start of the M55 the sun was out! Well it helped to dry the waterproofs!
A smashing ride out organised by Bob which we must do again with the sun out!
Chairman Richard