Well what a bunch of mummys boys.  5 thorpers Alex, Martin, Ben, Alastair and Doug made the start on a chilly, windy and dry Mothers day but only 3 completed the full run to deepest darkest Lancashire. Martin made the start and we all had a good chat and catch up but he decided Ramsbottom was a bit too far for him at the moment and headed for CasVegas.So 4 us set off into a stiff head wind which showed off my lack of training and poor fitness much too vividly  and I relied on the other three for shelter until just short of Todmorden where Dougs rear wheel developed a fault resulting in him having to head for home. I should’ve taken the opportunity and gone back with him but stubbonly I pressed on and soon the first major climb of the day arrived where my shelter left me as they dispersed up the long climb over to Bacup. This climb is not steep but 2 miles long and into a head wind I was going through hell and to make matters worse my computer that had not worked all day sparked into life to tell me I was doing 4.5 mph!! thanks..Ben and Alastair patiently waited at the top (they must have thought I had turned back) and we regrouped for the descent down to Bacup and then on to Rawtenstall. Now on the flat and with a wheel to hang onto we made good progress through the lovely streets of Lancashire (grim) and soon arrrived at Ramsbottom (much nicer) but having never been on a club run here before the cafe stop was unknown. The town was heaving and the one cafe we did find was full so we headed out of town and found a garden centre that had a cafe which we just squeezed into between all the mothers that were being treated to a sunday dinner.Now fed I should have felt ready for the two tough climbs  between me and home and I had a good stab at the first over to Rochdale but the legs fell apart as soon as we reached the climb of Blackstone Edge and the lads were soon out of sight and again they waited for me frozen at the top, down hill now at last with the stiff wind behind us we made fast progress home and I still had time to go and see my mum..Distance and speed unknown but around 75miles and avg 15mphHope to see you all next week..  Alex