Attendees: Mark Ashley (member), Dave Shotton (member).

During the fortnight previous to the meet, I'd been out on the bike quite a lot, exploring and trying to find a really nice loop that would show the valley off to it's best.

However, on the morning of the meet, whilst putting my bike together in Heptonstall car park I started to get a bit worried. The rain had turned biblical - the righteous and non-righteous alike were all getting a proper soaking and I doubted that anyone would be daft enough to turn up. Then a smiling Dave Shotton arrived, followed by an equally enthusiastic Mark Ashley. Willing victims, excellent!

I decided to repeat the route from the previous Calderdale meet earlier in the year, partly as Dave and Mark hadn't ridden it before but mainly as I knew it wouldn't suffer too much damage in the horrible conditions. We splashed off through Heptonstall and up Edge Lane. The rain didn't let up, but it was wasn't too cold and we had plenty of options if the weather turned really bad. The drop down to Gorple Reservoir is always fun, and even though we couldn't enjoy the views the trek over to Walshaw is always worthwhile.

A very fast descent through an almost deserted Hardcastle Craggs saw us sat outside a very pleasant café in Hebden Bridge. We were too wet and filthy to sit inside but after some very welcome coffee and soup we decided to carry on and tackle to other side of the valley. The weather didn't improve, but the stiff climb out of Hebden reminded everyone just what their legs were for (pushing, in my case), and even though the London Road descent was a bit slower than usual due to a very strong headwind, we all arrived at Rochdale canal in one piece. A quick splash along the towpath (think 'Das Boot' but without the depth charges) and a very leisurely climb up Colden Cough saw us back at Heptonstall, sodden, cold, but happy.

I've never, ever been so wet on a bike ride before. When I got home and emptied my rucksack, even my compass (wrapped inside two plastic bags) had succumbed to the elements. It took two showers and a bath to get the dye from my socks off my feet and I swear my bike now hates me.

Again, meet at 10.15 for 10.30 start at the car park in Heptonstall, signed off to the left of the main road from Hebden Bridge (SD98748 27664). Another ride around the more bike-friendly bits of the Calder Valley, suitable for riders of all abilities.

We can increase or decrease the length and modify the route depending on the weather. Don't forget to bring a spare inner tube, and waterproofs just in case. You might need suncream if it turns out like the last one.