A GREY damp morning did little to damp the spirits of the Clarion riders this Sunday morning, when the main topic of conversation was the Presentation Night and how well it went.

The Guest of Honour was Les Gent, who like many of our members, spent the night 'Looking Back' over the club's 104 years and of course enjoying a very relaxing night.

No relaxing today however, as the Easy Pace group and the Medium Distance group eventually set off for Roughlee, nested in a fold of Pendle Hill on the Colne Valley side.

The two groups took differing ways out of Bolton, the medium distance riders opting for the Burnley route looking to another breakfast at the cafe there.

Approaching Fence under already dark skies rain began to fall, but we had gained the Clarion House tearoom before the heavy stuff came in.

Cyclists had to compete for positions near to the open fire with the collie dogs, who were not too eager to give an inch to cyclists who had made it the easy way on two wheels.

After enjoyable pints of tea, the journey continued along Claife Heights shrouded in heavy mist and rain, though ahead a golden light began to appear.

Dropping down to Whalley and into sunshine was like leaving a black cave and entering another world, such was the difference. The fine weather stayed with us back to Bolton, but only just, the big black clouds were coming in again for the rest of the night, good timing what?

Clarion rides -- Sunday, November 26

TWO rides this week, secretary Amy McLarty again taking the beginners ride, the rest of this week will be spent praying for fine weather.

The Medium Distance ride will be to Chipping in the Ribble Valley district, new riders will be welcome on both rides.

Meet at the Town Hall Square for both rides, departure at 9am.

Information on the above rides from the secretary, tel 01204 491595.