Riders in the nice warm bar at the hotel, Brian looking annoyed about something? - not like him!

The pub was warm, dry and evidently well used to old blokes on old bikes.  The beer was real as was the log fire.  Excellent company soon grew to a crowd as other, more sensible members arrived in their cars.  Despite the cold, the ice and salt caked bike it was a great ride and one we're not likely to forget.  Even my daughter enjoyed the ride despite getting frozen while her new, warm leather trousers from Ebay languished somewhere "in the mail." Besides, it can only get easier than this - can't it?

We took the more direct and well salted route back, enjoying the fine views and just taking it easy.  In fact it wasn't until we were back in town that I felt the back end edge out on a left turn.  It was of no consequence other than for reinforcing the blindingly obvious: it really wasn't a day for tearing about.

Unfortunately this is what you get riding in this weather

Clean again

A great ride out, good company and no small sense of achievement.  Now we had the tiresome but vital job of cleaning the salt and dirt caked bike and riding gear.  Perhaps I should get something less shiny for next year?  [And some better gloves.]

Who could go to High Force without seeing the famous falls?

This article was first published at http://www.realclassic.co.uk. Reproduced with permission from the author.