So as you feel a bit more jealous, Deano, I have one thing to say about last night...
WOW!
We have had some brilliant evenings on these rides, some of it planned, some not so planned. Some have been long slogs, some short jaunts. Some have been huge gatherings and others just one or two people.
This was one where there was a small crowd, just myself, LG, Crusty, CL and Mrs T. It was also one of the shortest rides we do, just 6 miles or so each way (to The Buck at Maunby). The weather was good to us, being a little blustery at times but not so much that it became a chore to ride. The sunset on the clouds was amazing, the chat nice and light, the group constantly mixing on the road. At the pub the beer was great, as usual (Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, what else?) and the food gorgeous.
It made me realise, once again, what a fantastic part of the country I live in, and what great friends I have.
Mrs T made it all the way there, and all the way back with no major problems (apart from a slipping helmet, which needs replacing anyway and a bit of pain in her right hand, which we are working by altering her bar position). She is even very keen to come out on another ride with us! At times last night I was riding along, behind her, watching how she was on the bike and, instead of the unsure and uncomfortable person I saw riding this time last year, I saw someone who was happy with their bike and happy with riding. She even managed about 20M of COR!!! Admittedly it was just across a grassy area, no mud or potholes (certainly NOT Shark Lane). she also road down the Green Lane, after the pub, but she admitted that scared her a bit as her front light wasn't up to it (it will be after today when her new one arrives!) We worked around that though by having me ride alongside her, my Cyo lighting the way enough for both of us!
Can we do that again please? Maybe to Scorton next time?