No, this isn’t the story of the film, and Lee Van Cleef wasn’t on the outing with us, but it has to be said, what a magnificent turn out on such a dreadful day. We endured strong winds, cool temperatures, torrential rain and dreadful coffee; such is life!

We met in the café at the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford for our usual pre-ride refreshments before assembling outside in Barrowford Park for the beginning of the run to Foulridge. Just as we were ready to go Georgie, Stephen and Frank arrived, but with a small problem with Frank’s Chariot; Ian soon found us a pozidriver from his comprehensive tool kit and the repair was expedited.

Off we went against the wind and through the numerous puddles of the park beside Pendle Water, which was in spate today, to climb up to the canal towpath and turn towards Foulridge. The wind was now behind us; a small mercy.Climbing past the canal locks towards the summit pound of the canal there was much evidence of subsidence on the canal path as we neared the lock-keeper’s cottage. All streams and brooks beside the canal were well swollen as we neared the Foulridge Tunnel. We now took the option of riding the track bed of the Colne to Skipton Railway; there were many deep and large puddles to negotiate as we dodged the drooping trees.

On the lane to Lake Burwain, a normally quiet route, we were surprised at the number of cars using it; perhaps a nearby road had been closed, thus causing a diversion. I wonder how many of them managed to get through the large and deep ford just round the corner?Just a short ride on the road now, finishing with descent to the Cargo Café on the wharf at Foulridge our destination for lunch and a respite from the weather. The members of our magnificent group sat down inside to warm up and dry out; namely, Sue and Keith, Georgie and Frank, Ken, Geoff and Ian. Stephen had left earlier to return home, and I don’t count myself as being magnificent!

Of course, sat in the dry café, blown there by the wind, we had to imagine what we would face on our return journey. There was no sign of the rain ceasing, nor of the rain abating, but we had make the start back. Frank’s Chariot had kept him warm and dry throughout the ride, so no worries there for the return trip.

It wasn’t too bad though, there were very strong gusting winds at times, but we pushed steadily onward. Beside Lake Burwain we took the Sustran’s preferred route over the Foulridge Tunnel, noticing a car demurring at crossing the ford up to Colne.Georgie and Frank left us on the outskirts of Barrowford to begin their journey home, whilst the rest of us took the direct route back to the Heritage Centre.

Despite what the weather had thrown at us the ride was conducted in good spirits and camaraderie, and we did all arrive back safely, but rather wetter than we were at the start. Yes, magnificent turn out, but what weather!The photos I took may be viewed on Flickr here.

See you all at Botany Bay next week, Brian.