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This ride was planned (sort of) to take a route away from the usual moorland hills and valleys around Holmfirth. In that spirit, a band of eight, hardened Roughstuffers left Sands car park and straight onto a rather gnarly track up the steeply wooded bank leading away from the town.

It was an ideal autumn morning, dry, crisp and sunny as we made our way towards the fearsome climb that wound its way up Thurstonland bank and some amazing views over the Holme Valley towards Holme Moss. Then onwards through the village and into the woods skirting the escarpment towards Farnley Tyas.

We rode onto lunch through woods of splendid autumn colours, the tracks concealed by a carpet of leaves always threatening to lose our way. On route, Roger continued his hobby of collecting any bicycle detritus he might come across to add to his massive collection of miscellaneous bike components. 

Being a fairly lean team, we enjoyed a light but exquisite lunch sat outside the Woodman Inn in the picturesque hamlet of Thunderbridge.

Taking the cobbly bridlepath up to the village of Shepley and threading our way through tiny Snowgate Head we arrived at a more familiar track high above New Mill and more spectacular views.

Eventually we found ourselves faced by the brilliant but challenging descent down The Great Mombasa! No one can remember why it’s called this but it leads down Meal Hill to Jackson Bridge. Threading our way through the real Summer Wine landscape above Holmfirth (coach tours are available) we finally descend back to the start. Just over 20 miles!

(…..and, for those with a loyalty card, justification for a reward of coffee and a bun at Bloc café.)

Mike Bly

(Thanks to Mike for leading and producing the ride report and for Roger's indefatigable photography. Rob and John)