Clifton CC

I think those that rode on Saturday got the better conditions this week. For the Sunday, the soupy fog varried from pea to minestone... we consolled ourselves by imagining the view. 7 of us in The Square, resplendant im misc dayglow, lights and, Broomy you'll be pleased to hear, mudguards. Fairly standard route to Pickering then up the Stape road. Not much rain for ages and very slimy at times. Took a right just before Stape and descended the Rough Stuff track down to Levesham Station. Then those tough climbs back through levesham and Lockton. Andy put his bike sideways on one bend and proffered cleat to tarmac to control it.

Cafe in Thornton-le-Dale then simple route back. Fairly taxing route overall and even Heather was wilting at the end (see, she *is* human).

Saturday and the intermediate ride for me. Kev sent five of us off to T le D. We weren't hanging about and I doubt the training ride went much faster, but it felt like tickling the pedals on such a nice day. Good to see Ian getting some form back. Thanks for the company guys I enjoyed that ride.

As Mr Skymoos AKA Darren B has said above 5 of us including Tony G Shaun and Stuart rode the Intermediate (A ride), now in this company I thought this could be a hard day and thats what it turned out like for me, Stuart turned for home just before Langton and the 4 of us pushed on with me being happy to take my turn on everybodys wheel.

5 miles from the cafe I hit a pothole and the rear tyre P******ed but luckily no more damage as I hit it quite hard.

Brisk pace on way home, (thanks for the help guys) you don't improve if you don't stretch yourself and I knew I had by the teeth marks on my bar tape.

Ian H