A beautiful cold, rare dry & sunny morning at Curley's fisheries ten of us met ready to enjoy Geoff's birthday (& Cary & Rob's birthday too) ride. Only Geoff wouldn't be riding today. Doctor's orders, but hopefully not for long.

Geoff handed over his map of the route, although a few of us had ridden the route previously, so between us all we managed to officially never get lost.

Medium sized Geoff (Judith has now christened him this forever) was in charge for much of the ride and he cracked the whip and we set off up onto the moors and over the Links golf course down through Barrow Bridge and then towards Smithills Estate. We were all warming up by the time we got here. Not surprising with all the ups and downs as the route traverses a number of valleys. Views towards Peel Tower & Scout Moor opened up as we descended the grassy slopes towards Eagley. We did a loop around Dunscar before heading off to the tea & cake stop at The Last Drop Village. Here we were joined by Big Geoff in his civvies, as well as Brian & Mick who had ridden over from Darwen. Jack also turned up minus his bicycle.

After the beak Cary lead the way back through the houses and along the only carpeted bit of track I can think of behind the converted mills that are now nice looking apartments. Here we retraced out route through Horrock's Fold & Smithills and then up again towards Smithills Moor before veering westwards. We snaked around the bridleway climbing towards Winter Hill's mast. Then veering off again to enjoy the far reaching views before a fast descent back to Curley's where Jack was walking his dogs.

Only around 14 miles, but really good ones with great company throughout the day. And hopefully Geoff will have the go-ahead to cycle again very soon

Rob's photos from the ride can be seen here https://www.flickr.com/photos