It was on the Thursday meeting that Phil broached the idea of an Ad-hoc ride on Sunday as the regular ride had been postponed for a week. So, I did a few routes to choose from depending on the weather. Sunday dawned dry so I got up ready to go - and then looked at the thermometer. Zero degrees it said - and felt it. But, it wasn't wet and the roads looked OK, so I got the new bike out ready to go.

Keith turned up early to have a new screen fitted. Duly done, we toddled off to the start point to see a gaggle of bikes there and everyone huddled around coffee cups. But we did have 7 bikes and 1 pillion, so that was good. We also had Gary out with us for the first time in ages - and then Tommy turned up as well. So two out of the seven were ones who hadn't been out for a while. Southport was chosen as the venue. Gary reckoned he knew a better way than mine around Bolton so we set off on my route past Ramsbottom and then Gary took over to lead us over to the A675. Yes, straight through the middle of Bolton. Oh well, can't have it perfect every time. I took over again once we'd been through Belmont and led the group cross country eventually arriving at our favourite chipshop in Southport. We all piled in to get warm and plates of hot food were soon consumed.

Once outside, it was decided to go back a slightly quicker way as it wasn't getting any warmer. So, on with the heated jacket and grips and we set off. The ride back was via the Rainsford bypass and the A580. Nicola (Phils pillion) was getting cold hands and found somewhere nice to warm them up (I'll let you all guess where). We didn't hang about (I was still running my bike in, but I wasn't going to be left behind !!) and the journey passed quickly. Not even a diesel laden roundabout slowed us up and we soon split up for the final sprint for the warmth. By 3:30, I'd washed the salt off the bike and was ensconced in the warm. Outside it was a heady 1c. Inside, it was lovely!

Thanks to all who turned up (Geoff, Colin, Keith, Tommy, Gary, Phil, Nicola and me). I did enjoy the ride and I hope the rest did too.

Only a few pictures today.