BURY CTC FOR the first time this autumn there was a chill in the air on Sunday morning which prompted our members to wear an extra top at the start of the club run to Scorton.

At least the overnight rain had stopped by the time we gathered in Bury to ride due north through Accrington to Whalley.

A brief stop here was long enough to remove some clothing as the day began to warm up.

The climb from Bashall Eaves to Cow Ark was followed by a swift descent to Whitewell before tackling the steep gully which forms the Trough of Bowland.

Re-grouping at the summit, we made a fast ride to our destination and the Priory cafe which is a Mecca for cyclists from all over the area.

In the afternoon we picked our way through the lanes, avoiding Garstang on the way to Longridge.

From here we chose a little used route for us which took us towards Jeffrey Hill with magnificent views of the Ribble Valley below.

After the New Drop Inn we descended to Stonyhurst College and at Mitton we endured a heavy shower all the way to Whalley.

After more tea here we chose an easy route through Langho bringing us to the Roundhills which we crossed with a tailwind in another shower.

From Haslingden we re-traced our outward route with another 90-odd miles covered.

Sunday runs: meet Wilkinson's, The Rock - A group: Horton-in-Ribblesdale 8.30am, Edenfield 9am; B group: Barnoldswick 9am.

BURY TANDEM CLUB FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED DEREK Pritchard had to resort to the club's triplet for last Sunday's ride to Todmorden as his pilot was unable to turn out.

The triplet was constructed by Derek and Peter Jackson (deceased) more than eight years ago.

While the triplet has proved its worth on many occasions, it has to be steered by a very capable pilot.

It was fortunate then that David Harrison was able to be out on the day and the two male stalwarts were delighted to share the ride with Janice Lowe.

The Burnley route was chosen and by way of a change, a lane that is unlikely ever to have been used by Bury cyclists on their way north was taken. This joined the usual descent into Burnley but as soon as the built up area is arrived at, it is eastward for Clavier Gorge and the descent into Todmorden where refreshment was taken.

From this Yorkshire border town it was down the Calder Valley to Littleborough and with only ten miles to ride, they arrived back in Bury in the early afternoon.

This Sunday's ride is to Haigh Hall, meet Tottington HQ at 9.15am.

BURY CLARION LAST Sunday afternoon's run consisted of a tour of local roads, starting out to Horwich and returning by way of Mossbank Way then out to Farnworth, Ringley, Whitefield, then home to Bury.

This may not appear much to regular cyclists but there are so many local roads with interesting views and hills to challenge it was a pleasant alternative to getting too far afield, considering the uncertain weather conditions which did in fact turn showery in the afternoon.

Now that the racing season is over, new members are invited to come and join us for shorter winter runs. Contact Peter Roscoe on 0161 761 6856 for more details.