Numbers were down to four for today's Wednesday Ride. The weather looked a little bleak when I left home but soon improved and the roads were dry once we got to the other side of Keighley, the temperature was a little less harsh than of previous days and the winds were light. JK had information that a steam train was due on the Settle Carlisle line around midday so it seemed like a good reason to go to Hellifield Station for lunch.
Alas we got there too late for the puffer train but joined many excited trainspotters in the station tearooms where we found a hostess who's welcome reminded me of Ivy from Sids Cafe in Summer Wine. However after being completely underwhelmed by our reception the chef delivered a bacon and sausage sandwich worthy of three Michelin stars. We loitered there sipping a good brew of builders tea and eating slices of an excellent fruit cake till nearly 2 o'clock before we made our return to a still damp Calderdale via Bank Newton and Connonley Bank delighted to have over 70 miles in the bank on a day the had initially looked less than promising.
