Well nobody could ever say our tours are not varied as we went from one of our largest groups to one of our smallest and from lovely sunshine to a Pennine drizzle!

Yes quite a contrast, but one I enjoyed never the less. Friday saw us leave Harrogate to follow the Tour de France route as it left Leeds up Airdale and into the Dales proper at Wharfedale. After that the Dales came thick and fast as the route took us along Wensleydale and over the Buttertubs into Swaledale. We had a few diversions to take in Aysgarth Falls and lunch at 'Tan Hill' the highest Inn in the British Isles. Despite a poor forecast we kept in front of the rain and returned back to Harrogate via Masham (of Black Sheep Brewery fame) and the cathedral town of Ripon.

The next day was forecast better, but they lied..... and we were accompanied all day by a gentle Pennine drizzle. Our first stop was at Haworth of Bronte fame, I really do not envy the riders having to cycle up the cobbled main street , it definitely looked a little greasy. Skirting Huddersfield and the M62 we entered 'Last of the Summer Wine' country stopping to see the locations of Nora Batty's house and of course 'Sids Cafe'.

We entered Derbyshire via the 'Strines' . Some time since I have ridden this road, however for those that do, you will be pleased to know that it has been altered and resurfaced along half its route and thankfully the nasty double hairpin is no more. As if to welcome us into Derbyshire things brightened up and after negotiating the traffic jam that could only be Castleton arrived in plenty of time at Buxton to have a beer or two before Dinner. So despite the weather an enjoyable tour, we were all impressed by the sheer enthusiasm that the communities long the way are welcoming the tour with everyone painting whatever they can yellow, bunting by the mile, and of course a bicycle or two.