Swaledale Outdoor Club

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Winter on the Waskerley Way

Here we were again on the 2nd of February - some old faces from the same trip last year and some new adventurers who were attracted by that 'Easy' description despite 46 miles of pedaling. Last year, despite it being summer we didn't see much of the surroundings - but this year it looked like it would be different. A sunny day greeted us and we donned sunglasses for the occasion (no shorts yet though). As is traditional no one falls off on this ride - do they Andy? But there was a bit of a hazard in the form of snow on the ground - so it was down to our leader Steve to show us his triple toe loop! As we progressed the weather deteriorated and Andy and Chris decided to call it a day - not even the promise of bacon and egg butties at the half way point could tempt them. Our group of 12 was down to 10. The wintry scene became more realistic than ever - it started to snow - proper stuff - big fat flakes. And then it snowed harder and then it snowed horizontally and then we got a head wind - oh joy! We even bumped into Darren - we were supposed to meet him at the caravan but he had given up on us - and had had his grub and turned round for home.

This time we could see the caravan on the horizon - a positive mirage you would have thought - it just seemed to take forever to reach - I think I preferred the fog so you didn't know how far you had to go. However, we made it. We thought we were going to be disappointed as we were told 'no bacon'! However, there were sausages. And to keep us going until they arrived - flap jack and lemon cake and as much tea as you could drink for 50p. And finally apple pie and custard to wash it down. All we had to do was get back. But the great thing about this ride is it's all down hill on the way back - 23 miles with a tail wind! What took 3 hours on the outbound leg took 1.5 hours on the return journey. What's more the sun was back out and there wasn't a sign of the snow from earlier in the day. Well done to all who turned up.

Judith

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003