On the club run this week were Phil “FEB” Johnson., El Presidenti, Cloggy (aka Jack) and Craig J. That’s Johnson, Johnson, Johnson & Johnson (employee) and Phil Rounding. Or, two Phils, two Johnsons, and a Jack

Anyways, deciding on a Southwood direction thru Halifax the further up the Toddy valley we got the wetter it got. The Dutch contingent turned off up that hill wot goes on for 5 miles (wasn’t that a short cut, Jack?). The three bedraggled remnants of the Thorpers, meanwhile, arrived at Hebden Bridge. Hopes for food and rest were dashed by an enthusiastic President leading from the front. At Todmorden an open cafe opposite the market proved too much of a temptation. At this point we decided to officially “bin it.” Nice weather for ducks.

With the wind behind we went towards Littleborough and taking a sneaky right avoided the traffic (and the rather tedious road) to emerge just before the last sign of civilisation on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border. The Ripponden-Brighouse route was short work, getting home at 1.30pm now dry but still with wet feet. Stats: 3:10:56 hours ride, 49.56m @ 15.6mph, max speed 39.4mph (… if only that truck hadn’t been in the way…), average cadence 72.23, star sign Cancer. Conclusion: Bit wet, but all glad we made the effort.