Will we? Won't we? For days I had been poring over the weather charts, trying to decide if we should go ahead with the ride. In the end, I decided we would - and we made the Chilli and pancake mixes ready for the descending hordes.

Sunday arrived and the weather was reasonable. so, up at a good time, bike out and I was off for the starting point. Got there around 10:30 to find Derek waiting - so I got a photo of me on my bike (very unusual - thanks Derek). The others turned up in dribs and drabs until we had 10 bikes and 3 pillions - very respectable for this time of year.

A quick brew (or in some cases, a full breakfast) and we were off. I had chosen a route which bypassed Snake Pass to avoid being balked by the snow. Ha Ha Ha. We started over Woodhead and then turned left for the normal route over to Holmfirth. We climbed and climbed. As we got higher the temperature dropped and dropped. What started out as a balmy 6c was, by the time we got to the top, well below zero. And there was evidence - lots and lots of snow. This was OK as long as it stayed off the road. But as we approached the crest, it became obvious where the council snow ploughs had stopped - yes, the road was covered in it. Discretion being much the better part of valour, I made the decision to turn around. Not easy, crossing snow and ice but I had it better than Bob and Phil, who decided to use the nearby layby and got themselves a bit wedged in.

But we were soon all sorted and we headed back down the hill to find another route. I took us left onto Woodhead again (after turning off the Sat Nav which was insisting we go back through the snow) and headed over towards Huddersfield. Then, left towards Marsden hoping to find the road over the M62 and towards Hebden Bridge. But the snow started to come down and a decision was made to abandon the long route and head gracefully to Rochdale.

We did make a quick tea stop at a pub on the A62 where hot drinks were gratefully received. Then, over to Delph and onto Rochdale. No incidents or issues apart from a rogue cyclist who insisted on overtaking everyone apart from me (who was blissfully unaware of the embarrassment  behind) and causing much mirth and merriment when we stopped.

Finally back at Chez Nous (OK, no. 65) the tea was made, the chilli and pancakes were eaten (Many thanks to Judy and Sheila for doing the pancakes and drinks) and we spend a happy couple of hours watching the Philip Island WSB and Cup Final. Sam and son joined us (Keiths tribe) and gave Keith moral support when they left in the comfort of a car.

Yes, of course there are some photos to look at ! But this report is slightly different. I snapped a load using "Sports" mode so you can get a sequence - and the buttons at the left show each riders sequence as well as the normal ones below. [Let me know if this works or not]. Thanks to Derek for additional pics.