Here we are in “lockdown 3” and coupled with a prolonged icy spell 🥶 it has severely curtailed our outdoor activities. However it has not dented our enthusiasm to “boldly go where many have gone before, to seek out new ways” to feed our “fix” to get on two wheels. Many of our “crew” have opted to create an indoor pain cave and head off into the virtual world.

The biggest virtual world to which many members subscribe is Zwift. Here you can immerse yourself in the original imaginary world of Watopia or simulation of real world roads. With training programs, races and group rides there’s something for everyone. But wait, who’s that hanging around trying to Bkool?

Come on in he says, join our community for free he says….. but!…. only after handing over your credit card details 💳. What’s this? Hotel California? One plus for this app is the ability to upload your own Strava rides and ride them virtually.

“Hey man, that’s Rouvy” Here we find real roads you can ride as an avatar, no not that blue thing alla James Cameron but 3d computer generated images to represent yourself and other riders. If you think you’re good enough you can even compete for the annual $10,000 💵 prizes.

“🎤And in the blue corner, please welcome on stage…. Fulgaz!” A knockout🥊 real world experience. Featuring video shot in 4k resolution makes for a stunning visualisation and with the “bike computer” at the bottom of the screen it is easy to imagine you are actually riding outside. You know you’re hooked when you start waving your arms and shouting at people to get out of the way. 😂

There are many other apps which could be explored, RGT, Sufferfest, Trainer road, Veloton and Tacx (an exclusive club only available for Tacx trainers). All of these apps offer structured training programs. Most offer some form of group riding and racing. Whichever world you decide to inhabit, it is going to result in a bucket of sweat🥵 as you strive to improve your performance. Hope to see you all on the road again soon! Mi

LADEEEEZ and GENULMEN welcome to the inaugural (and hopefully only) socially distanced Annual Awards. Your hosts for this evening are Less Galey and Cloudier Winteringham. “Good evening everyone” gushed Less “Let’s dive straight in…. Cloudier”

“Yes thank you Less, the first category for this evening is the ‘King of the Mountain’ challenge. This took place on a Strava segment called ‘Chris’ s Hill’. A 2km climb averaging around 3.3% with maximum 7%……. Less”

“Thank you Cloudier, in 3rd place we have Chad Bradley with a time of 4:59, in 2nd place James Miller with a good time of 4:46 but with a runaway time of 4:26 and an average speed of 28.2kph the winner of the Polkadot Pants is” …… Boom boom…. Boom boom……. Boom boom….. “Olivier Whettem!” “Thank you” he uttered embarrassingly as he was presented the award going on to add “I was fortunate to have a strong following wind”

Grabbing the mic from his hands, Cloudier continued “Now we come to the Sprint Challenge. This year it was held once again on the Ionians Pass. A short flat section of 0.85km. Unfortunately some roadworks appeared near the end curtailing the number of attempts……over to you Less”

“Thank you Cloudier. In 3rd place we have Neil Ziemski with a time of 1:14, in 2nd place Michael Kerrigan with a time of 1:04 but topping them all with a time of 1:02 and an average speed of 49.9kph, the winner of the Green Pants Award is” …………. Boom boom………. Boom boom………. Boom boom……. wait for it…… “Chris Shepherd!” “Thank you everyone. I’m sure I could have gone quicker as I eased off before the end” he claimed.

Cloudier retrieved the mic giving him a sceptical look in the process. “The final challenge this year was the Individual Time Trial following a course called ‘The Shark’s Tooth’. It is a lumpy circular section covering 10.8km starting and finishing at the Walkington traffic lights…… Less”

“Thanks again Cloudier, in 3rd place with a time of 19:04 is Michael Kerrigan, in 2nd place with a time of 19:02 we have Chris Shepherd but topping them all with a time of 18:38 and an average speed of 34.8kph is…… Boom boom……. Boom boom……. Boom boom……. Olivier Whettem!”.”What, no trophy” he exclaimed as he gazed forlornly at the empty hands of Less Galey.

“Well ladies and gentlemen that leaves only one award to be presented and that is the Yellow Pants award” continued Cloudier. Just about then there was a kerfuffle in the audience as Sarah fought her way onto the stage with ruffled feathers claiming “Point of Order Mr Chairman!” “Where are the Ladies Awards?” she cried as her eyes hooked on on Neil who was currently shrinking into his chair. “I bust a gut round that Shark’s Tooth” she said accusingly. “Maybe next year Sarah” he replied meekly.

“Well” said Cloudier “by the magic of modern technology we can at least acknowledge your effort of 21:43 giving you an average speed of 29.9kph and bagging the Queen of Mountain title at the same time”. Clutching her imaginary “Shark’s Tooth” Sarah proceeded with her prepared speech “I’d like to thank my Mum, my dad, my kids, my dog… ” just as the tears were forming in her eyes a voice from the audience called out “Hey get off, those tears will dilute my beer!” Searching around in the direction of the heckle, her stare fixated on Chris, “Just you wait till I get you home” she muttered as she headed back to her seat.

“Getting back to the matter in hand” said Less Galey “The Yellow Pants Award. This is awarded to the person considered to have made the most of their membership throughout the year, either by regular contribution or attendance. This year the award goes to….. Boom boom……. Boom boom…… Boom boom……. Paul Walker. “Brilliant thanks a lot” he said as he took hold of the award “I’ll hang this up in pride of place”

“Well folks that’s about all we have time for except to confirm the ‘leading lady’ for both Chris’s Hill and Ionian sprint was Heather. A big thank you to all who made attempts. Get your thinking caps on for next year’s challenges. So it’s goodnight from Cloudier” “And it’s goodnight from Less” “Goodnight”.

… and the Knights are drawing in….. to Market Cross. “And lo, a star 🌟appeared in the east to indicate our direction of travel” said Santa Claus🎅. “Give over” cried the elves and reindeer🦌 “You’ve been playing with that magic dust again haven’t you?” they cried. “No really, we need to make a beeline to Cranswick Farm Shop…. Brandesburton, Bewholme, Beeford Back By Bracken”

Five reindeer set off first, leaving Santa and four elves to follow behind. “Prancer” (Matt) led the way through town to Weel Bridge whereupon “Dasher” (Mike) began to lift the pace as we made our way to Tickton. After a brief stop at the Grange we were joined by “Donner” (Andy). Once again “Dasher” set off like a man on a mission, and aided by a favourable wind we soon arrived at Brandesburton.

The road to Bewholme was reportedly “closed” to traffic 🚧 but undeterred by such trivialities, the reindeer pressed ahead and were able to pass safely through. Meanwhile, Santa and his elves took the slightly shorter route directly to North Frodingham. Soon it was time for “Comet” (Mark) to “take the reins” as we flew onwards to Bewholme.

Our first taste of adverse winds🌬️ came as we turned towards Beeford with only a brief respite when we headed north through Foston-on-the-Wolds then Wansford. The three leading reindeer continued to set a strong pace from Skerne, while “Cupid” (Colin), “Blitzen” (Pugwash) and “Donner” tried their best to cling onto their tails.

On reaching the Farm Shop, it was clear that “there was no room at the Inn”. “You’ll have to shed a tier or two before we can accommodate you within” the innkeeper informed us. “But we have come bearing presence” wailed the reindeer “Cold, Frankly-no-sense and Brrr”. Dasher took this as his cue to continue home alone and was shortly followed by “Cupid” while the other four reindeer shivered their way through coffee ☕ and cake🍰 hiding in the “stable” behind the building like schoolkids lurking by the Bike shed. Just as we were finishing up, Santa and his elves arrived, no doubt looking for some mince pies and wee dram🥃 to warm themselves.

The return journey was hampered by the increasing wind strength with only the thought of getting home before the forecast rain, driving us onwards and so here endeth the last Friday ride for 2020. Well done “Santa” Raymond for organising the routes throughout this exceptional year. Look forward to seeing you all next year.

Ding Ding, Ding Ding went the bell signifying the midnight hour and the end of “Lockdown 2”. It was not quite fireworks but the moon was very bright. The “headmaster” had originally suggested our return to group riding for Thursday but with a poor forecast we opted for a Wednesday ride.

Like kids freed from school the motley crew “ran” to be first out. “I’ll be there” “Me Too” “And me!” Heather proposed the route taking us to North Cave Wetlands centre. After meeting at Manor House, we set off to Walkington then Little Weighton.

Mike set off full of vim and vigour leading the way. However, he’d not been paying attention to the pre-ride briefing and with “autopilot” engaged headed up Bluestone Bottoms instead of continuing onwards to Little Weighton. Having made our way to the top there was a mixed reception to Mike’s excuse that “he loves that hill”.

To get us back on track we headed downhill and round Rowley Road to the “Medieval Village of Riplingham”. It was here that Raymond decided he was not feeling at his best and headed for home while the rest of continued south towards Welton. After climbing the High Road we are normally greeted with a fantastic view southwards over the River, however on this occasion we were presented with a panoramic blanket of grey “driech”.

Matthew assumed “point duty” as he led us through Elloughton along the main road to Ellerker before being “usurped” by Mike as we made our way through South Cave to North Cave Wetlands. On arrival, as everyone parked their bikes, Mark grabbed his chance to place his order first. “That’s a good idea” thought Pugwash and promptly joined him.

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We spent a pleasant interlude catching up and watching the local wildlife as we munched our way through our lunch. However, despite the warmth of the banter, the cool damp air started to seep through to the bones and it was time to head home. “Mega-ride” Mark tried his best to persuade everyone to continue on to Market Weighton then home but the consensus saw us taking the shorter option through Hotham.

At Newbald we were just getting ready to wave goodbye to Matthew who looked like he was heading for Trundlegate before making a last minute adjustment. “It’s all downhill from the top” he said. Whichever way we decide to go, there’s still a bit of climbing to contend with on our way home.

It was a joy to be out group riding again even though we are still limited to groups of six and unable to meet indoors. With the weather forecast set to take a downturn over the next week, it may be a while before our next opportunity.

The past week has not provided us with the most clement conditions for cycling. Friday 23rd took four Knights on a journey out towards Huggate then Warter to Nunburnholme top before heading to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham. After some muttering about the long slog to Huggate (yes you Raymond) we were confronted by a “road closed” sign. Undaunted by such trivialities, Raymond picked his way through the obstacles to continue upwards. He loves it really. 🤔 ⛰️🐐

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Sunday’s ride proved a rather windy affair. Two groups set off following Neil’s suggestion to head for South Cave then Market Weighton before returning via the Fiddle Drill. “Mechanicals” proved to be the theme for group 2 as first Pugwash suffered that sinking feeling as the air escaped from the front tyre caused by a tiny piece of flint. Further complications arose when the gas canister blew the seal on the connection when trying to re-inflate. Fortunately Andy had another spare. Meanwhile, Neil Z who’d just joined us at South Cave found that he’d snapped a gear cable and had to abandon and limp home. On the way home, Pugwash found the going tough eventually realising the same tyre had deflated once more. That’ll teach you to repair inner tubes 😂

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Heavy rain forecast put paid to our regular Tuesday ride, however five Knights were able to turn out on Wednesday for Heather’s round route to Skerne, Wansford, North Frodingham and Brandesburton. Although another windy day, the sun shone and it was pleasant enough to sit outside at Bert’s.

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This Friday’s ride turned out to be a rather wet affair. Five Knights braved the conditions and set out from Manor House to the Bike Cave at Driffield. Although it was dry to begin with, ominous dark clouds lurked over the northern skyline. Sure enough by the time we’d reached South Dalton the first few drops started falling prompting a stop to don rain jackets. None of this “pro” stuff for us, trying to zip up while still cycling.

After a pleasant stay at the Bike Cave we decided to follow the same route home. Just as we were about to set off the heavens opened forcing us to retreat back into the shop for a few moments until it eased. At our second attempt, a bedraggled looking Michael arrived having suffered punctures on the way to meet us.

The short heavy downpour coupled with mud on the road created quite a quagmire on the road home. 🎶Mud glorious mud, nothing quite like it for spraying about🎶 Despite the use of mudguards, it proved impossible to remain clean, unless like Matthew you stay on the front the whole time. By the time we returned home you’d be forgiven for thinking we’d been off-roading. Still it was great to be out.

Heather was first to “grab the bull by the horns” and propose a route for today’s ride to the Ginger Cow at Everingham. Two groups set off from Manor House with James G, Mark and Pugwash in group one and Heather, Sarah, Matthew and Mike in group two.

Heading towards Cherry Burton, we caught up with another group ahead with a car trailing behind them waiting for an opportunity to pass. Tagging onto the back of the car felt a bit like “drafting”, fortunately it was not long before the car overtook the group and we did likewise.

The road closure is still in place at Etton so we headed for Chantry Lane. Mark almost turned into the driveway leading to the church before realising we’d not reached the junction yet. Perhaps he was looking for some divine guidance 🙏 or he may have been seeking forgiveness for not having mudguards on the wet roads. “It was dry in Driffield this morning” he claimed.

At Kiplingcotes, group one took the Spring Road to Goodmanham but with hindsight we should have taken the same route as group two and head up to Cross Gate road. Dodging potholes, gravel and general defects in the road surface was not ideal. At one point we had a car trailing a horsebox make an attempt to pass until the driver thought better of it and waited a few seconds until we turned off on Red Lane.

The toughest climb of the day came at Intake Hill with Mark taking the kudos for best time. While recovering from our efforts we discussed various heart rates. Based on the “rule of thumb” 220 – age then I’m only 52 yeah! 😁

“It’s all downhill from here” sprung to mind as we cruised down to Burnby then Hayton. Soon enough, we found ourselves at the Ginger Cow where we were welcomed in and settled at our table. Feeling “flush” Mark decided to splash out and go for the Eggs Royal with James going for Beans on toast. Pugwash opted to follow Mark’s choice which proved a good decision, more than can be said for the coffee.

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Shortly after settling down to our drinks, group two put in an appearance. Once we had our “fill” group one left to continue the journey home. The terrain was generally flat through Harswell and the Cliffe Road and the pace picked up as we each took turns on the front. A little more “challenge” came in the form of Common Hill where on this occasion Pugwash managed to “pip” Mark to the best time. 😁

However by the time we reached Newbald, Mark continued to “lead” from the front followed by James with Pugwash, slightly of the pace, trailing along behind. Nothing to do with the effects of James’s lunch though. 😉 While our group took the Beverley Road home, group two took a variation and “zipped” up Townend Road and Burgate before returning home along Littlewood Road.

With little wind to speak of and occasional sunshine, it proved to be almost perfect weather for cycling.

Captain’s log Star Date: 161020 Our destination today is Millar’s cafe at Heron Lakes. First to sign on for the voyage was Mr Sulu (aka Mike) then came Mr Chekov (aka Matty). Captain Kirk then outlined a possible route to the “Beta” quadrant. Also on board we have Scotty (aka AndyG), Mr Spock (aka Colin) and finally “Bones” (aka Jim).

Our “trek” started from Market Cross with Mr Sulu at the “helm” leading us through town to Weel Bridge. On passing planet Tickton the “transporter” burst into action as Scotty made an appearance off the starboard bow. “Permission to come aboard” he intimated with a wave of the arm.

Taking a swing around planet Routh, the starship Beverley Knights went to Meaux. At this point Mr Sulu engaged Warp factor then the “chase” was on as we all played catch up. Transiting the Kidhill zone we came across a number of Klingons (cars) fortunately this was the “demilitarised zone” and the Klingons all seemed happy to pull over and let us cruise by.

Next up, we visited the planet Skirlaugh taking the “worm hole” towards Rise. Unfortunately we missed the exit, despite Mr Sulu asking where that road leads to. By the time we realised our mistake, we decided to adjust the route through the Hatfield zone. Eventually we made our way back to road we should have been on but decided to take the road to Catwick instead of Catfoss.

On the way into Catwick, we suffered a lot of turbulence caused by disturbances in the “space-time-continuum” (aka road surface). “Shields up” came the cry as we encountered a “Romulan” mobile road block supposedly “improving” the road by filling in the “wormholes”. Sadly the methodology used is not very cycle friendly.

At planet Brandesburton Mr Sulu and Mr Chekov engaged Warp drive once more as the pace picked up with the wind now behind us. In accordance with the “prime directive” we boldly went in search of a cafe to replenish our dwindling reserves. Millar’s at Heron Lake was replicated on the holodeck as we parked our bikes outside the “mess hall”.

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With clean plates and empty cups it was time to settle our dues before returning to the “bridge deck”. “Mr Chekov, set a course for home”. The enterprising crew set off once more to return to base and the end of another enjoyable voyage.

The northerly wind continues to blow and Michael decided which way to go! Out towards Huggate then to Wetwang we’d leg it, before heading south riding the wave, all the way to Driffield and the Bike Cave. Well no-one said he was a poet, but it appears his skills as route master were also called into question immediately as his proposed route was taking us down a busy main road. It was not long before other Knights jumped to his assistance to make some slight adjustments.

Nine Knights volunteered to brave the elements, five setting off from Market Cross and four leaving from Manor House. The MC group set off heading out along the Malton road to Cherry Burton with Stephen leading the way. The “starters” course took us through Etton up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. Following a brief respite from the head wind we arrived at Middleton-on-the-Wolds where it was time for the “main course” the long drag to North Dalton and Huggate.

“Cometh the hour cometh the man” as we settled in to “enjoy” the challenge. Eventually Sam stepped up to the plate to prove his mettle by taking to the front. Unfortunately the rest of us couldn’t hold his wheel as he inched his way ahead. Is that thunder I hear?… or is it Michael muttering between breaths “I hate this stretch of road”. Sympathy was in short supply though as he’d suggested the route!

Once we’d all regrouped at the Wetwang junction, it was now time for the “dessert” course as we turned away from the wind and headed down to Tibthorpe, Southburn and Hutton Cranswick before facing the wind once more as we made our way to through Skerne to Driffield.

Arriving at the Bike Cave, we were “pipped at the post” by another group of cyclists who were in the process of “parking” their bikes. Well at least we managed to get there before the MH group of Chris, James, Matthew & Neil’Z. It was not long before our coffees arrived followed by bacon sandwiches. It was about this point we began to realise that we’d ordered the same as the other group and that they were still waiting. Oops, sorry guys, it would have been rude not to accept when “your” order is presented in front of you.

While Paul tucked into a stack of pancakes, green eyes of envy peered across the table as Michael polished off his poached eggs desperately hoping the calories would help to warm him up and stop his teeth from chattering.

On leaving the cafe we noted a slight increase in temperature as the sun made an appearance. For the “afters course” we returned through Driffield and headed towards Wansford where Michael, like a late blossoming flower, burst forth to take to the front. He was eventually superceded by Sam who dragged us all the way to North Frodingham creating many new pb’s along the way.

Continuing southwards to Brandesburton, there was no let up in the pace. Assisted by the following wind, everyone took turns on the front until passing through Leven and onto the cycle path taking us back to Tickton then home. Another smorgasbord meal thoroughly enjoyed by all.

This Sundays ride saw our largest turn out so far this year. Two groups of six started off from Market Cross while a third group set off from Manor House. We followed an anticlockwise direction taking us first to North Newbald then Hotham. It was here the first deviation took place when the “Smithy” group decided to take themselves through Hotham Park and round Nordham Road.

It was with some surprise then that the Pugwash group bumped into them as both groups emerged onto the Townend Lane leading to North Cave. After “allowing” 😉 them a head start, a natural split occurred when we were held up by traffic control as the “Smithy” group managed to sail through.

Once on the move again we headed to Newport where we turned off the main road taking us to Sandholme and Eastrington before arriving at Howden. Although the Pugwash group were last to arrive, we felt a little pleased with ourselves as Sharrin having phoned ahead with our food order were served second. 😁 🥓🥪☕ Great service from the Cheese Shop.

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After battling head winds all the way out, it was some relief to have the wind behind for the return journey. The “Smithy” group took the lead and soon disappeared in the distance while the Pugwash group followed the Gregory group keeping them in sight as we made our way through Howdendyke, Yokefleet, Blacktoft and Faxfleet. At this point there was a another divergence of routes as the “Smithy” group went off-roading along the river bank to Broomfleet while the other two groups headed through the “brick works”.

A further route alternative occurred when the “Smithy” group headed for South Cave then up the “clump” while the other two groups passed through Ellerker and Brantingham taking the Dale Road to Riplingham. Yet another route change occurred when the Pugwash group decided to head via Little Weighton to take the Dunflat road through the “Medieval Village of Risby” while the Gregory group headed down “Bluestones”.

Another great day out with super company and it would have been great to ride in a big strong peloton. Perhaps one day 😷🤔 The Gregory group managed to round off their day with a quick pint at the Woolpack, perhaps we should make that a regular feature. Looks good to me 🍻 cheers all!