The forecast was for rain, but thankfully there was no sign of it as three of us met outside St Aidans School, for our first mid-week night ride in a few weeks.  We decided on a route out past Beckwithshaw on down in to Nidderdale.  As we set off three soon became four as Alex did a quick u-turn to join us after suffering a few puncture problems in his basement.

A steady pace was set up the Otley Road and on through Beckwithshaw to the top of the climb at Little Almscliff.  We then headed down past the Sun Inn and onto Penny Pot before turning to go over the A59 at Kettlesing Head and dropping down Tang Lane to  Birstwith Hall.  After a steep climb to Clapham Green, we descended into a very festive Hampsthwaite (great effort with all the house lights) before making our return to Harrogate via Hollins Lane, Jennyfields and the Duchy.

A nice ride in the dark, with a few hills thrown in the make the legs work.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59759342