The final day of the Knights “Vuelta Girona” saw the return for second attempt at the classic climb up to Els Angels. It was a short 30km out and back but with 470m of climbing it was a tough and satisfying end to a wonderful tour.
On this occasion the Knights set off on 70km clockwise route to Santa Coloma. The initial segment once again followed the valley of the river Onyar before heading south towards Quart. The undulating terrain continued as the Knights passed through Llambilles and into Cassà de la Selva, a town known for its production of cork.
Continuing south along the C-65, the Knights came to Llagostera where they turned to the west covering the same road as day 2 to Caldes de Malavella where in years gone by, it was famed for its Roman bath. After picking up the A2 road they eventually reached Les Mallorquines before turning north west to Santa Coloma.
After lunch in the Placa del Firal, the return journey continued following the C-63 towards Vilobi d’Onyar. After reaching Sant Dalmai the Knights faced the toughest section of the day as they faced a steady climb over the next 3km leading them around the Volcà de Crosa to Aiguaviva and back to Girona. Another wonderful day of cycling in pleasant temperatures. None of us at home are in the least jealous 😉🍺.
Today’s choice of destination was the historic town of Peratallada which features a castle that dominates the town centre. The first leg of the ride generally followed the Riu Onyar until reaching the base of the 344m cat. 2 climb up to Els Angels. It is a twisting road over 10km with an average gradient of 3.4% but with frequent ramps up to 7% and is a popular challenge for cyclists. The fastest time posted on Strava is currently held by George Bennett with Simon Yates coming in 10th place. While our group of gallant Knights may not compete with such illustrious company, making it to the top is a marvellous achievement.
After a well earned rest, it was time to continue. At least this time it was downhill over the next 10km to Monells. Gentler gradients then continued to Corcà and Bisbal d’Emporda as they travelled around the Bosc d’en Nadal eventually passing Vulpellac and Canapost before reaching the ultimate destination of Peratallada.
For the return journey the Knights opted for a less taxing route. Initially heading north from Canapost to Serra de Daró before turning west towards Parlava. The easy going was shortlived as they passed the village of Rupià where the gradient went skywards once more averaging 4.8% for the next mile with a sneaky ramp up to 10%. After winding around Flacà and Sant Joan de Mollet there was a long straight stretch leading into Celrà. The final leg followed valley of the Riu Ter back to Girona for a total distance for the day of 75km with 823m of climbing.
Day three saw the Knights heading north this time to the lakeside town of Banyoles. A slightly shorter outing at around 40 miles. After a short warm up the first challenge of the day came with the climb to the peak of Sant Julià de Ramis. After crossing the Autopista de la Mediterrània near Medinyà the route headed slightly upwards over undulating terrain to Cornelia del Terri. Arriving into Banyoles, the Knights followed a circular route around the lake eventually stopping for lunch at La Pesquera restaurant.
For the return journey the Knights took a different route heading south through Camós. It was none the less lumpy as they faced gradients touching 7-8% while heading towards Palol. Later at Ravós del Terri it was time to retrace the outward route back to Medinyà and Girona. After a hot day in the saddle an ice cold refreshment must have been well appreciated.
Day two saw the Knights heading for the coast on a lumpy sixtyish mile round trip to Tossa de Mar. The climbing started almost immediately as they turned towards Quart over an undulating route eventually leading to Cassà de la Selva and Llagostera.
The first big climb of the day began soon after as the road headed upwards over 8.6km averaging 4% with occasional ramps up to 7-8% to reach the summit of Montagut peaking at 501m. A well earned downhill followed on winding roads with many switchbacks ending at the coastal town of Tossa.
After lunch, it was time to head back to Girona, this time taking the GI-681. The first 7.5km presented a steady incline averaging 1.4% with a few ramps at 3%. More tough climbing followed with sections reaching 8-10% as they passed Alt de Terra Negra on the way back to Llagostera.
The final section on the return brought the Knights to Caldes de Malavella before heading north through Fornells de la Selva. A tough day in the saddle with some wonderful scenery.
The day started by heading north across the Rio Ter before turning west towards Sant Gregori. From there it was a steady climb over the next 11km up to Sant Pere De Llorà. The second climb came soon after when heading south towards Les Serres followed by a lovely winding descent to Bonmati. A short segment called Via Verda Olot soon saw the Knights arriving in Anglès where they stopped for lunch.
Suitably fortified the ride continued south beginning with a 2.5km drag at 3.3% heading towards Sant Martí Sapresa. The speed picked up over the next segment with a 4.5km descent toward the hermitage of Sant Romà.
Thereafter, the group encountered an off-road section as they made their way back to Girona. All in all, a gentle introduction to a week of cycling in the sun.
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
TIME TRIAL
SPRINT CHALLENGE
Sunday’s ride saw the Knights return to Allerthorpe for the second time this week. With many roads closed off for the Beverley 10k & fun run, it was decided to meet at the Molescroft Inn with a second group joining up at Cherry Burton.
By the time we set off towards Etton we’d accumulated a “baker’s dozen”. Not sure if it was the sunny weather or the prospect of challenging the mountain King⛰️👑 that brought so many out of the “woodwork” but it was an impressive sight to see so many out in club kit.
The first part of the journey was a rather genteel affair as everyone tried to conserve energy for the challenge to come. On reaching South Dalton we turned to pass through Dalton Park dodging potholes and the odd errant sheep 🐑 on our way to Kiplingcotes.
As we approached “base camp” the group pulled over, some taking the opportunity to “lighten” their load by watering the local vegetation. We then set off one by one to pay homage at the “Court of the Mountain King”. The “Polkadot Pants” are currently on the head of King Kong Kerrigan who back in April set an impressive time of 1:26 giving an average speed of 29.2kph (18.25mph). Would he match it today or indeed improve on his time? Would anyone get anywhere near challenging the “beast”. No was the short answer though he still managed to post the best time of the day (tired legs notwithstanding). In second place came Heather posting a time of 1:49 followed by Colin at 1:54 and Pugwash at 1:58. Regrouping at the top there were a few “King Crimson” faces while we all recovered from the effort. 🥵
Once we’d all regrouped we set off down the “mountain” into Market Weighton where we were joined by Zog who’d cycled up from the “deep south”. It wasn’t all downhill though as we had to negotiate our way up Intake Hill to Londesborough. There, we were met by groups of people on the roadside waiting for a “Tractor Parade”. “You might get through if you’re quick” they suggested. However by the time we reached the junction down towards Burnby we could see the convoy already on the way up to Nunburnholme top.
The tractor drivers were clearly in good fettle as they each greeted us with a blast of the horn and a cheery wave as they passed by. One even managed to sound a bit like the “Dukes of Hazard”. There must have been around eighty as we waited patiently for the road ahead to clear. Soon enough, we were on the move again passing through Burnby and Hayton towards Bielby before turning along Marketbridge Lane and over the Pocklington canal to the stop at Lakeside Cafe.
The return journey was said to be “Matt’s” route so he was “volunteered” to lead the way. He obviously takes his “duty” seriously as he led from the front as we retraced our steps back to Bielby and Everingham at a fairly brisk pace. Eventually others took turns on the front as we made our way through Harswell and onwards to North Cliffe. After a quick “hop” up the main road we turned towards Sancton.
On reaching Sancton, we were once again delayed as the road was blocked by police escorting an abnormal load on the road from Newbald to Market Weighton.
When the Transporter finally passed, it was followed by a long queue of cars stretching almost all the way back to North Newbald, fortunately we had already crossed the road to wait at the base of Sancton hill so were able to set off towards Newbald without further delay.
The final leg on the homeward journey saw the Knights taking the “easier” hill out of Newbald. “Aren’t we going up Trundlegate?” queried one lonely voice. A deadly silence followed with heads buried and a determined spin of the wheels to avoid any over enthusiastic voices of assent.
This Sunday’s ride saw the Knights heading to Millington and a chance to take part in the “Freewheel Challenge”. Twelve Knights set off from Market Cross picking up Brian on the way to Molescroft.
Our route today was arranged to make best use of the wind direction. The first leg took us north east up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. A brief sojourn into the wind from Lund to the Bracken road before heading north to Southburn.
The next leg was a wind assisted long steady climb to Tibthorpe then onwards to Huggate. At this point the peloton slowly stretched out eventually regrouping at the top of Millington Dale. This was the start point for the “Freewheel Challenge”. The challenge is simple, set off down Millington Dale and without pedaling see how far you can get.
To ensure there is no cheating Neil had brought along a packet of cable ties to secure the pedals in place. One or two chose to do so but most of us did not feel comfortable so it was left to trust. Neil left first to set the initial bench mark and judge the overall outcome. One by one we all headed down hill. Speed picks up very quickly at the start however you soon reach a sharp right hand bend. To brake or not to brake? Depends how mad or brave you feel. A little further on just when you start to slow down along comes another downhill to speed you up again. On this occasion the wind was also a helpful factor leading us to manage about 2.2 miles.
So who won I hear you ask. Kudos on this occasion go to Stephen P who wins a breakfast of his choice. Some called for a “stewards inquiry” to determine if using a little “off-road” section near the end to gain a final boost should be allowed, not least because he won by around 30m.
After refreshments at the Ramblers Rest, the return journey took us on a lovely sweeping descent down “The Mile” into Pocklington. Thereafter we passed through Burnby, Londesborough and Market Weighton. It was then time to head into the wind while we made our way home via Kiplingcotes, Etton and Cherry Burton.
“Right troops!” cried out the Sergeant Major “I’m looking for volunteers to head out to the mystical Eastern front. Sign here on the dotted line if you’re up for it”. Given the continuing sunny forecast, it was no surprise to see so many joining up.
Twelve Knights formed today’s squad meeting at Market Cross. “ATTENTION!” yelled our RSM, “Now you all know where we’re going, usual route to Weel Bridge and Tickton… Move it, move it, move it! Can’t have you hanging around here enjoying the sunshine and shooting the breeze!” “Shouldn’t we let them know we are coming?” ventured one helpful squaddie. “Oh yes, perhaps we should. Here’s the number”.
The thought of facing a constant cool head wind did not dampen the spirits as we set off in search of some “ducks🦆🦆”. Despite the breeze we still managed to make good progress using whatever hedge protection appeared around us. It wasn’t until we hit ‘Swine Lane’ that we felt the full force of the “barrage” from the east over the open fields.
“Right, Left, Right, Left, Right” rang out as we marched our way through Skirlaugh heading to Old Ellerby. “Right, Right, Left, Right” sounded in our ears as we passed Burton Constable eventually turning onto Moor Lane. Now on a lovely smooth surface and with the wind slightly behind the tempo increased “Quick March”. Unfortunately it was all too brief as we turned once more towards Humbleton and our final destination.
After restocking in the NAAFI it was time to be ‘🎶On the Road Again🎶’ with some heat canning down from the unbroken sunshine. Retracing our route back to Humbleton it was “Quick March” time once more as we now had the wind in our favour. From there, the squad passed through Sproatley around the back of Burton Constable eventually reaching Coniston.
Once we’d dodged the ‘convoy’ of ‘enemy tanks’ 🚙🚗🚚 on the Hull Road the squad ‘marched’ through Swine to return following our outward route.
After the “photo 📸 parade” the squad ‘yomped’ north to Routh where we again encountered a heavy bombardment as we fought our way over the main road and onto the cycle path. All too soon, Friday’s campaign came to an end and the squad headed back to barracks.