Woke up to a cold, but dry day. So, methinks that the heated jacket will be needed. On with the biking clothes and off to the starting point (Haslingden). Clive was already there and Phil turned up soon afterwards. Banter amongst the coffee cups of McDonalds was soon encouraged (OK, it was cold so we went to McDonalds to warm up). Too soon we realised it was time to go and wandered back out to the bikes. No-one else had turned up, so we set off.

Over Sabden, past Clitheroe and up the road to Slaidburn – I was “in the groove” and the roads were just flowing past. It was brilliant – until I hit a cattle grid and slid sideways. That was a bit of a wakeup call to say “actually, it’s the middle of winter – so just be careful”. So, I reined in my enthusiasm and we carried on.

After a wrong turn (the Sat nav got a bit confused and showed me two roads marked as the route) and a re-route because I was not going up the recommended goat track, we arrived at the Heron Café at Arnside. What a find that was. Warm, friendly and good food. What more can a cold biker ask for? We piled in and, after the obligatory loo stop, got stuck into the tea, shepherds pie, steak pie and, in Phils case, a big bowl of chips as well.

While we were eating and talking, it turns out that Clive had never been to Devils Bridge. Well, that was one ambition soon to be realised. We set off again over the back roads to the A65 and seen arrived there. Even in mid winter is was fairly busy but to Phils extreme disappointment, the ice cream van was not there. We had a wander round and then set off back down the A65 and home. A grand total of around 150 miles (more for poor Clive) was quite enough for November – but most enjoyable.