ONLY people of great character take to their bikes on a cold Boxing Day morning. Well that's my excuse anyway.

The run out was designed merely to off-load some of the extra pounds gained so far this festive season. Frequent hail showers had left thick patches of slush on the pavements and roadside but a rapid thaw was making short work of removing it, in town that is.

The route chosen over Belmont moors proved to be far different with snow covering the roads entirely, creating a scene in keeping with the time of year.

With very few cars venturing out the trip proved to be quite interesting, a nice easy pace up the climbs, just enough to keep the cockles warm so to speak. Rain and more hail, as the road dropped off the hills toward Preston, brought out the waterproofs and so it was to be for the remainder of the trip.

A brief stop at Bamber Bridge where the hot chocolate in the flask was quickly disposed of before the nice easy section down the A6 to Chorley, a tail wind making conditions more tolerable as the rain continued.

At Chorley, a detour, into the lanes to Rivington was taken and the open sign at the Lower Barn was a welcome sight, as was the cup of hot tea. The short ridge was taken at an enjoyable pace and even allowing for the conditions it could be said that the ride had more positives than negatives, one being the almost complete absence of cars and a more than usual amount of courtesy from those that were out and about. It really is Christmas.

Sunday Clubride - The Clarion head into the year 2000 with a nice easy ride to Croston in Lancashire. Meet at the Town Hall Square for a 9am start. Information on the above ride or the Clarion can be obtained from the Secretary:- 01204 491595.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.