Splendiferous!

...It must have been to post a selfie!

Cousin Mark joined us again last night for a day's cycling.  Despite the fellas having the start of a cold each (which I think both of them were relieved about) we headed out for the bigger of the two possible routes we'd come up with, keen to stay in the Dales as long as possible.

The weather was wonderful; snatched before Sunday's weather warning which made it even more of a treat.

Having most of the roads to ourselves (unlike last time I headed this way), we cycled up to Pateley Bridge and then from Lofthouse over to the Jervaulx Tearooms with the most glorious of views.  The heather was just starting to take on a subtle purple hue, and the hillsides' glowing greens were set off magnificently against the blue skies. 

It was then more quiet roads along the valley and up through Coverdale to descend down Park Rash.  I stopped to take a photo on the steep corner with Mark mouthing, "It's a bit scary!" as he disappeared round the corner.  

The whole day has been superb, Mark is good company and we all seem content with the balance of quiet and chatting along the way.

80 miles now seems like a fairly normal ride not an epic outing which is rather pleasing.  Although don't think for one minute my legs aren't tired!

Dinner for six between us and the start of the Olympics finished the evening off perfectly.