Nine couples made it to the Market Cross ballroom for the later 10am start. In the absence of chief choreographer Neil, it was left to the “dancers” to decide how to proceed. Initial thoughts of heading to the coast were quickly dismissed when Chad appraised us of the conditions on his way in to Beverley.

Bell Mills cafe was chosen as the destination. First on the “dance floor” was James and his partner Boardman Comp with a waltz along Molescroft road. On reaching the Malton roundabout, the dancers split as some took to the cycle path while the rest continued on the main road. Leading the way on the main road was Mark with his partner Bianci as we quick stepped to Cherry Burton. Leaving the cycle path, James and his partner got their steps wrong resulting in them hitting the “dance floor”. “It was a disaaaster dahling”. Fortunately no real damage done as the only marks shown were on his jersey.

Doing the foxtrot from Cherry Burton, Etton and South Dalton was Chris with partner Felt alongside Matt and partner Focus Cayo. Mark then took charge of choreography showing how to cha-cha-cha our way over to the Bracken road and on towards Lockington. The group dance continued along the Kilnwick Percy Road leading the dancers to Driffield Road then towards Watton. Turning onto Church Road, Paul and his partner Cube said they were feeling deflated following a “wardrobe malfunction” forcing a short rest while he made necessary repairs.

After Watton, Pugwash and his partner Cannondale crept onto the floor with the American Smooth. Unfortunately Richard and his partner mistook the program for “Dancing on Ice” and performed their version of “The Bolero” ending in a heap on the floor, unfortunately bringing down Chris and Stephen in the process.

After checking the condition of the dance floor, it was decided to return to the main road. Mark then lead with a Jive into Driffield before taking the Skerne road to Bell Mills garden centre. Chris would have made Neil extremely proud when he bagged the bargain of the day after ordering a “Belly Buster” and cup of tea for just £4. It looked like a full breakfast in a bun.

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The return journey saw Pugwash and partner take the initial lead with a Samba to Skerne before Matt took over until Hutton Cranswick. Thereafter it was time for the “group dance” as we followed familiar routines over Bracken then back to South Dalton and Etton. At Cherry Burton, Paul had to call another break to check on his troublesome “attyre”. Shortly after, it was Mark’s turn to feel “deflated” as his “rear” went pssst. 🌬️😉

His temporary repair of filling the tube with gloop💩 did little to alleviate his situation as he had to stop again soon after to change the tube. Never an easy task on the side of the dance floor but made even worse with the temperature feeling like you’re inside a fridge.

Ladies and gentlemen the judges scores are in. Fab-u-lous, Amay-zing, SEVEN from them! (Would be Ten without the ice)

Ahoy there me hearties! It’s Captain Pugwash on deck once more. Recently returned from “foreign climes”…. well Derbyshire actually, to set sail on the “Black Pig” renamed “Black Friday” for ONE DAY ONLY! . Seven Knights took advantage of the bargain weather on offer, meeting at Manor House.

Passage planning for today’s voyage was courtesy of navigator Steve. The first leg of our journey saw the fleet heading to North Newbald with Lieutenant Commander Matt setting the early pace. On the approach into Newbald we encountered evidence of the recent outpouring from the heavens as we tried to negotiate our way through numerous puddles. It was just like being at sea with with spray crashing over the bow only with the added extra of mud, turning my pristine livery into a light brown polka dot!

Next port of call was Hotham where we continued to dodge various “lagoons” until along the way our path was obstructed by a massive farm vehicle trundling slowly along the road like an overloaded Spanish galleon. Luckily we were spotted as he pulled over to allow us to pass.

Turning onto a “close reach” on the Cliffe Road it was time to try out our formation sailing as each Knight took turns at the front. Our way was once again “blocked” by temporary traffic lights. Such was the confusion caused by the delay, the “lead” vessels missed the turn off to Sancton prompting a quick u-turn. Back on course we made our way to Sancton with the wind on the port quarter.

Then it was time to dig deep as we made our way up Sancton hill. After regrouping at the top we headed “downstream” to Kiplingcotes before turning back into the wind towards Goodmanham. On the short final climb Ken suffered a puncture hull forcing him to stop and effect repairs. The call of the “galley” proved too much for some as they continued to the Fiddle Drill.

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The return journey took us through Dalton Park before returning on familiar roads through South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton. A very enjoyable ride including some lesser travelled roads.

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Thirteen Knights, including one guest, gathered at Market Cross for a proposed ride to the Ginger Cow cafe near Everingham. “Bring your credit cards” said Neil. Well what could he mean? Is he going to have a collection, or is it a vague reference to the tarrif at the cafe?

After outlining the route to our destination, we set off along the Molescroft road towards Cherry Burton. The group were soon scattered to “the four corners” as we tried a variety of ways to transfer from the cycle path over the busy road leading to Cherry. Once reassembled, we then ran the gauntlet of parked cars and people gathering for the morning service.

Pleased to be out of the melee, the troops continued at a leisurely pace towards Etton, spreading out across the road. Approaching the blind crest over the railway bridge, some of the flankers were still over the centre of the road when a car suddenly appeared over the brow, forcing a quick reaction from the driver to avoid a catastrophe. If looks could speak, I’m sure the driver’s face was x-rated.

Just shortly after, on the way downhill into Etton, the troops slowed as we encountered a screening of War Horse heading in the opposite direction. Unfortunately the horse proved to be somewhat skittish when faced with our large group, turning its rear end towards us. With visions of flying hooves giving a side swipe, we all stopped until the horse was under control again, some taking the “rest” stop to the extreme. 😉

Leaving Etton, we turned into the northerly wind and generally uphill to Holme-on-the-Wolds before turning to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Stephen left on a solo mission as the rest turned along the Warter road. Another long slog uphill only spoiled by the road surface pitted with potholes and strewn with mud and leaves. Eventually we all reached Nunburnholme top where we stopped to regroup.

Our guest rider (Miles) was said to be feeling the worst for wear, but seemed to receive little commiserations for what was termed a “self inflicted” condition (Aka Too much wine the previous night). It’s all downhill from here said Neil reassuringly after he was given the option of returning directly to Beverley with Michael, who left the group at this point.

The lure of a bacon sandwich however, proved the decisive factor as he continued to the cafe. On reaching the Ginger Cow and all the bikes “parked” it was time to hold our own two minute silence in remembrance of those who laid down their lives. As we stood with bowed heads, the waitress must have taken the opportunity to check numbers as we were greeted with “I counted eleven of you, is that right? Here’s your table”.

For our return journey, Neil suggested a “variation” to our normal route home taking us instead to Thorpe-le-Street and Pocklington before reaching Market Weighton. It was a combination of “wide gutter” and cycle path. Fortunately it was a quiet Sunday and not too much traffic. The final part of our ride saw us taking familiar roads to Kiplingcotes, Etton, Cherry Burton and back home to Beverley.

🎶Raindrops are falling on my head🎤🎶 sang Raymond this morning “Are we still going out?” 🎶Good Day Sunshine🎤🎶 was Michael’s quick response, although I suspect he was looking through a travel brochure when he suggested it was sunny and 19°c.

The “soothsayers” were predicting “🎶A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall🎶” but were we discouraged? Not a bit of it. Seven Knights turned out to “🎶Set Fire to the Rain🎶”. Like a bunch of inveterate gamblers, we gathered at Manor House to take our chances🎰. Our destination today was the Bike Cave in Driffield.

Setting off along Finchcroft Lane, strains of “🎶Sunshine on My Shoulders🎶” could be imagined as the sun tried hard to find a way through the clouded sky. At least it put us all in a hopeful mood. There was an immediate delay as we tried to cross the A1079 with an almost continuous stream of cars in both directions, except for Matt, who “rolled the dice🎲” and made it across without stopping.

By the time we caught up with him again, he must have started to wonder if we’d taken a different route. Another short delay occurred at Cherry Burton while Michael attended to some niggling issues with his newly fitted mudguards. Our luck seemed to be holding out as we headed to Etton and Holme-on-the-Wolds. Despite the wet roads beneath us, the continuing dryness from above made for a pleasant ride.

Approaching the top at Bracken however, some rather dark looking clouds were looming over our destination. This prompted a change of cafe stop to the Farm Shop at Hutton Cranswick. A decision which soon proved to be the right one as a sprinkling of wet stuff started to dampen our parade 🎶💦Its Raining Again💦🎶. Cue for a mad dash to the cafe.

Looking out the window after all the coffees and teas were consumed, there was a sigh of 🎶Who’ll Stop the Rain🎶. “Well” , said Raymond, “what’s it to be? 🎶It’s Raining Men🎶 (and ladies)” “Another cup of coffee?” suggested Pugwash, however no one seemed keen to linger any longer. “Oh well, nothing for it 🎶Can You Stand the Rain🎶”

With nobody keen to follow Raymond’s suggestion of “Flanders Field” we retraced our route back the way we came. The rain continued all the way home. Thoughts of a warm bath or shower were not far everyone’s mind as the dampness tried it’s best to seep through the layers of clothing. Even though the ride was a little damp it was still quite enjoyable.

Now then, where did I put that gin and tonic? 🥛🍋Chin Chin!

We’re into November, another season of snot, but that’s no reason, why whatever the season, we shouldn’t give it a shot.

The early morning mist cleared quickly revealing an impressive turnout for a November ride. Fourteen Knights gathered to take advantage of the light winds and pleasant weather. In search of different routes, Neil came up with a “variation on a theme” for our ride to Hornsea Mere Cafe.

Splits in the peloton occurred almost immediately caused by traffic lights, as we tried to negotiate our way through town. A pause at the Weel Bridge to regroup gave cause for Sarah to comment that “everyone looks the same from behind” and went on to suggest we should perhaps have names or numbers on our back like footballers. As long as we don’t start diving around like footballers…… oh already done that!

On the initial part of our journey, we followed the usual route through to Leven and Brandesburton before turning off on the Bewholme road. The first “variation” came when we turned off to Nunkeeling and Dunnington. The “orchestra” was thrown into confusion just after passing Nunkeeling, when the conductor called for the lead group to keep straight on but soon realised the error of his way and had to call everyone back.

This next passage turned out to be “pianissimo” and given the state of the road surface the tempo was “larghetto” until reaching Skipsea Brough. Turning south and into the wind, we headed back towards Bewholme. The “2nd variation” commenced as we headed to Atwick then down the main coast road to Hornsea.

Having such a large “ensemble” we elected to dine al fresco at the Mere cafe. At least Sarah came prepared for the cold, as she unveiled an emergency foil blanket. She may have looked like an oven ready chicken, but at least she was warmer than anyone else.

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Setting off from Hornsea the next “movement” continued south towards Mappleton where we began the “3rd variation”. During this phase the tempo had been “vivace” until Chris decided to hit the front and raise things to “molto vivace”. This caused the orchestra to string out until reaching Cowden.

The next section to Withernwick provided a wonderfully smooth road surface. I’m sure we’ll be replaying this section again. The “opus” continued as we played through Rise and Long Riston before returning to familiar passages to Benningholme. The “piece” (or should that be peace) was constantly interrupted by an unusual volume of traffic heading in the opposite direction.

Once back on the Meaux Road there was a short respite from the head wind until turning home to Beverley at Routh. Another superb day in the saddle covering around 50 miles. Once again a huge thank you to all who helped me as the pace picked up.

“Weather forecast good for the morning……. atishooooo” said Sneezy. “Route to be depend…. achooo” sniffle sniffle. Doc offered some sage advice regarding his favoured curative in the form of a glass of hot whiskey. Given the typos, he may have been ahead of him on that front.

Sure enough as the morning arose, the sky was grey but no immediate sign of rain. Sneezy cried off suffering from… well a dose of sniffles. Turning up at Market Cross, the dwarves were met by “Wait a minute, is that Snow White?” “No my name is Steph and this is my Prince Gary. Can we join you for today’s ride?”

Turning out for today’s ride was Dopey Dave, Sleepy Steve, Bashful Barry and errrr Michael. Well he’s always Happy to ride whatever the weather. The route was first suggested by Dopey with some amendments from Sleepy. Heigh ho off we go.

Heading out by the enchanted woods the merry band made their way to Newbald then on to Hotham. On reaching the Cliffe Road it was time for single file with each taking turns on the front. In no time at all we arrived at Market Weighton. It was only a short hop from there to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham.

Happy was somewhat disappointed as eggs were not available for some reason, so settled for a plate of beans on toast instead. Dopey had to leave his rocky road tray bake, I’m sure it had seen better days. Never mind, the coffee was good and Snow White and Prince Gary kept us entertained with tales of “far far away land”.

The return journey saw the band heading for Holme-on-the-Wolds. Along the Cross Gate Road a large lorry came from behind. Being a narrow road the shout went out to pull over at the junction to Enthorpe to allow him pass safely, unfortunately Sleepy, true to his name, had fallen asleep at the wheel and carried on. The noise of a great big diesel engine at his rear must have woken him up as he then pulled over onto the grass.

A bit further along the road, Michael was so Happy with his newly installed turbo-charger, that he burst onto the front. In fact he was so Happy he behaved like a little kid, splashing in all the puddles. Unfortunately the rest of us were treated to impromptu shower, as his “mudguard”, while protecting his own backside, offered as much protection as a chocolate fire guard for anyone following behind.

From Holme-on-the-Wolds, we took our usual route home through Etton and Cherry Burton. The forecasters were correct as the rain started just as we arrived home.

In the absence of the Admiral, Captain Pugwash stepped up to suggest today’s route. “Right then me hearties, all hands on deck! A North westerly wind is forecast for the day, so we’ll set course to Huggate.” At two bells of the forenoon watch the nine strong fleet assembled at the home port of Market Cross.

“Anchors Aweigh!” was the cry as we set off along the Newbald Road taking us to Cherry Burton. Facing into the head wind we continued on a “close haul” through Holme-on-the-Wolds and the long slog from Middleton-on-the-Wolds, North Dalton to Huggate. Despite the adverse wind, the clipper ships at the front maintained a strong pace while the some of the fleet scattered like the Spanish armada. On regrouping at the Wetwang junction, it was time to “gybe” and run out full sail.

Heading to Tibthorpe, with the wind off the port quarter and heading generally “downstream” the pace picked up as we cut through the ocean like a hot knife through butter. There was a little turbulence along the way as we encountered a section of road akin to the moon surface. From Tibthorpe, the fleet continued to Southburn and Cranswick before calling in for refuelling at the farm shop.

Taking a seat in the cafe, the “Captain” noticed the long line of Knights at the counter almost reminiscent of a similar queue in a comedy film. Just needed someone to start dancing. Chris eventually came over to the table with a face as long as a horse’s nose. Having asked for chips he was told “I’ll have to see” so settled for a scone instead. What she probably said was “I see no ships”

Heading back out into the cold was a reminder that winter is not so far away. The first section of the Bracken road, found us battling our way into the wind once more, this time on the starboard bow until turning south. Following familiar routes the fleet returned to port retracing our outward course.

Finally I must thank all those assisting an underpowered captain along the way including a special thanks to Stephen for taking the lion’s share of the wind.

Following extensive debate on the subject of mudguards, it was time to make a decision. Do we leave the house with mudguards or do we leave without mudguards. There are some who are holding out as long as possible, hoping for a “members” vote on the subject to “reaffirm” the decision already made, while others wish to remain “as they are” regardless. Whatever happens, we will be leaving on time “do or die”!

An indicative vote among today’s five riders saw a narrow majority with mudguards. Although the skies were dry, some road surfaces still had some residual wetness and detritus. It was noticeable how quickly those without mudguards “volunteered” to bring up the rear.

Our destination today was the Mere Cafe at Hornsea. Setting off from Market Cross, we wound our way through town to the Weel Bridge and on to Tickton where we picked up the cycle path to Leven. Mindful of earlier incidents everyone maintained a careful vigilance.

Having espoused the merits of his Wahoo bike computer earlier, Stevie G must have felt a little red faced when said unit decided to abandon ship and rattle down the road, scuttling along like rat in the scuppers. After retrieving the errant unit, we headed off once more, passing through Leven and Brandesburton making our way towards Bewholme.

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The next leg leading to Hornsea was somewhat tougher as we turned into the cross wind. With the “mudguarders” taking turns at the front we made good time, arriving at the cafe just as the sun came out to greet us.

On leaving the cafe, we continued south towards Mappleton before turning directly into the wind as we made our way through quiet roads to Great Hatfield and Long Riston. Funny how even a slight incline can feel like a mountain as you battle into the wind. The final leg of our journey saw us passing through Meaux to Routh with a short “break” to enjoy the sunshine as Stevie G stopped to take a phone call. How did we ever manage without mobiles?

There was a whole lot of buzzin’ going on after King Bee issued the route for Friday’s ride. Beeverley, Brandesburton, Bewholme, Bike Cave and back by Bracken. All he wanted to know was “How many Bees were coming?” Instead, the Friday Bee channel was hijacked by chatter about some misguided dog.

Friday morning saw eight Bees swarm around outside the hive at Market Cross before setting off across town to the Weel Bridge to Tickton. The mood was jolly as we kept a moderate pace along the cycle path towards the White Cross roundabout. On reaching the junction at Routh, one “Bee who shall not be named 🌊🏠” having failed to read the despatch order, suddenly veered onto the road to turn towards Benningholme but quickly returned to the echelon following shouts from King Bee.

Such was the confusion caused, that several other Bees tried to follow. “Baaaaah, woah look out for that dog!” Unfortunately a moments lapse in attention led to a tumble resulting in a trip to the hospital for Russ. King Bee escorted him back before trying to rejoin the swarm.

Meanwhile, the rest of the swarm continued but with a lot less “buzz” than earlier. “Is that a spot of rain I feel?…… no it’s just the spray from the wet road thrown up by those without mud guards.” Back on script, we made our way through Brandesburton and while on the way to Bewholme we came across a beautiful display of pumpkins laid out at Wreathall farm.

Next stop for the Bees was Beeford where the road was closed for resurfacing. Fortunately we were able to find our way through to North Frodingham. Shortly after, Barry Bee felt somewhat deflated and had to stop to repair a puncture. It’s amazing how much pressure you feel when your mechanical skills are being closely observed by your fellow Bees!

Job done and we’re on our way once more. Next stop Bike Cave. Buzzing around the bike shop, the Bees were like kids in a sweet shop. “I want, I want, I want” “Don’t look Matty Bee”. Once we’d had our fill of “pollen” it was time to head back.

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With the wind now behind us progress was a little easier as we flew over Bracken to Bishop Burton and finally back to Beeverley.