With an uncertain forecast the four of us (John, Martin, Shirley and myself) decided on tackling part of The Pennine Bridleway starting from Kelbrook with a view that there were plenty of bailout places if the weather turned.

Soon after the start we were faced with a rather steep incline and at this stage I must of misheard John as I swear he said it soon eased, it did…….eventually and once our legs and lungs had stopped pounding and wobbling we continued along the PBW and headed down into Wycoller and the café, after deciding pie and peas was perhaps not the best idea prior to a long ascent we opted for coffee/tea and cake.

Fully refreshed and with energy abound!! We continued on and steadily upwards following the undulating and at times slightly technical bridleway underneath Boulsworth Hill with a second stop at our highest point of the day before joining the road and a few more ups and down as progression was made towards Colne and on to the canal towpath which we followed to Foulridge and on to Salterforth before another section of bridleway and back to Kelbrook. An excellent ride with very little rain and many thanks to John for the route planning.

24 miles and 2,112ft of ascent.

Mountain biking terms and definitions
“It soon eases”: It will ease eventually but not before your lungs are pounding and your legs are wobbling beyond the point of been able to control a bike.

“technical”: Chances of involuntarily parting company with bike are higher than normal.

“Progression”: When you think you are heading back but seem to be heading further away from the finish.

click here to see “satelite” video of our route