Due to Karl’s lack of imagination we once again suggested the Tour de Birstwith route in order to get some hills in.  This was agreed by our group of 8 which included Malcolm – good to see you again.  We set off for Hampthswaite via Harlow Moor Rd at a brisk pace which was maintained for the whole ride.  Up Clint Bank at a charge, we stopped just before Birstwith to let a truck past and to admire the large box & array of lights attached to Mark’s bike.

From Birstwith we rode the 16% hill past the church and then on past the RAF base and turned right at the crossroads very fast down to Darley.  Turning right we then a formed a speedy bunch back to Birstwith where we took the main road up to Hampthswaite. We climbed back up the way we came in and rode back to H’gate via the climb of Penny Pot/Harlow Moor Road. Overall a fast & furious assault on the local lumpy stuff.

Approx 24 miles with an av speed of 13.8 mph.