Well you didnt have to be mad to ride tonight but it certainly helped.5 of us met at the Everley(still closed ) Big Keith,Alistair the whippet,Anton,Hackness Mike and myself.

The worst of the weather seemed to have blown over and as we got ready to ride the moon was shining and the stars were out although the clouds were still moving fast.we took the bridleway just near the Everley which takes you across the fields along the back of moorthorpe farm and up through the wood to suffield tops.As we got to the first gate and exposed to the elements the horizontal rain started and the wind freshened to probably about 60 mph it felt like someone was hosing you down with a jetwash ,we headed as fast as we could to the wood to try and shelter.we made it, and as we battled our way up the muddy hill the storm passed over,when we popped out onto the top the moon was out and was lightingup the back of an impressive cloud.the wind still around 50 mph was blowing at us from aside our bikes were angled at 30 degrees as we went forwards.

We made our way along the headland  towards turkey carpet and then onto the challenge route,dropped into the bowl to try and get out of the wind for a bit but the cold was getting to us so we pressed on,up passed the jumps and made our way to the top of high dales with a little bit inbetween.

tracks were muddy but all rideable and as we made it back to the everley Alistair was so happy to see Keiths van,see if santa brings you some waterproof boots and socks.Mike went to defrost his hands and Anton carried on riding back to town(hardcore)

13.5 mile and a good pace,sadistically enjoyable

Here is the Garmin route (cheers Dan for the tutorial)