Uncertain conditions greeted Nick, Martin G, Paul & Matthew at St Aidans tonight. Wind, rain clouds and sunshine – the ride started with a rainbow in the distance! After 10 minutes of Nick fettling his seat position, it was decided a gentle, flat ride was in order so we set off in the direction of Burn Bridge via Leadhall Lane. It was then on to Brackenthwaite Lane and over the top to Leathley Lane and the long, fast descent to the cross road at the A658 at Poole. We rode straight over towards Castley and up to Weeton before turning back towards Huby and over the A658 towards Almscliffe Crag. We then made the steady climb (remember this was a *flat ride*) through North Rigton up High Moor Rd and back on to the Otley Rd (where we stopped whilst Nick had another quick tweak) for the descent in to Beckwithshaw then back up the Otley Rd to Harrogate where we split for home as we reached the Stray.

The weather stayed fine and the wind was kind to us. Not so flat or gentle in the end but a good ride for all. Approx 25 miles and a good average speed.

Good luck to all the CCC members tackling the Etape on Sunday and to Martin for his Charity ride to Scarborough (and back) on Saturday.