Bright sunshine and warmth greeted us at the start of this year’s Solstice Ride, a commodity which we have not had much of so far summer. Fifteen Knights made it for the photo opportunity just before we set off. Colin maintaining his reputation as “Last Second” arrived just as the ride was departing bringing the total to sixteen.

The impressive “train” set off following our usual route via Weel Bridge to Tickton where we were joined by Chad and Andy. On reaching Routh, we split into smaller groups as we headed south to Meaux. After turning onto Kidhill Lane the “blue train” continued to Arnold before taking the underpass to Long Riston. From there we headed to Mappleton via Great Hatfield.

At this point we regrouped while Neil called the restaurant to confirm our arrival time. Not sure what happened during that brief stop but the pace picked up significantly. Perhaps it was the fear of being late, but still we had to have another brief stop on the sea front at Hornsea for our traditional Solstice photo.

Once clear of Hornsea the “train” lit up the afterburners and headed to Bewholme. With various people taking turns on the front the pace remained high resulting in many PB’s and a QOM for Heather. Nothing like the thought of a cold beer and hot food to inspire us onwards.

By the time we’d finished our meal, the sun had all but disappeared and the cool evening breeze was settling in. Time for lights, jackets and arm warmers for the final return leg to Beverley. An extremely enjoyable ride, pleasant company, really nice food and drink.

Mr Toad, back from his recent trip to Spain, started to wonder what he can do for his next adventure. “I know” he thought, “I’ll call on the ‘weasels’ to see if any want to join me on a journey to Millington”. After posting two options of route, ‘Top Gun’ weasel suggested route A. Little did we know that he had an ulterior motive for this choice.

A gang of seven ‘weasels’ joined Mr Toad at Manor House. “Where’s Michael?” they enquired. “Oh he’s running late and will meet us en-route”. We hadn’t gone far when we faced our first obstacle, the fast flowing A1079 river of cars swirling past in both directions. Taking advantage of a brief respite, we managed to cross en-masse. We were soon joined by Michael as we approached Cherry Burton.

It wasn’t until we reached Etton that we had our first taste of the head winds we’d be facing along the way. A little later, there was some confusion as the leading trio turned left towards Kiplingcotes, however a cheery shout from Mr Toad soon had us all back together again. “Don’t think you’re getting away with it that easily” he said “Kiplingcotes climb is what I said”. And so off we set, clambering our way to the top of Kiplingcotes race course.

On reaching the top at Cross Gates, the sun put in an brief appearance bringing a welcoming warmth to the air. As we “flew” down to Goodmanham, the choice of route soon became clear as “Maverick” and his wingman “Phoenix” returned to base via Red Lane and Spring Road to attend a prior engagement while the rest of the gang continued to Londesborough and Burnby. Turning towards Nunburnholme, someone must have lost his bearings as he enquired tentatively “We’re not going up Nunburnholme Hill are we?”. Must have been all that climbing over the previous weekend addled his brain.

It was not quite Nunburnholme Hill, but the little ramp up from the B1246 towards Kilnwick Percy golf club can catch people out you don’t get your gear selection correct as you transition from 7% downhill to 7% uphill. After that we continue to climb for another mile before the tricky descent to the final climb up the “Balk” to Millington.

Lunch today was held at the Ramblers Rest in Millington, one of our favourite cafe stops. Setting off for the return journey, it was pleasant to finally have the wind slightly behind as we “weaseled” our way along Millington Dale. The climb at the end starts off gently but ramps up and up averaging 4.5% with maximum hitting 10%, enough to stop the energy of any tired legs.

Once we’d regrouped at the top, “It’s all downhill from here” someone suggested cheerfully. At least we’d have the wind firmly behind now. Cruising down from Huggate to North Dalton with Pugwash at the front, there was a buzzing noise coming from behind. Turned out it was “queen bee” Sharrin firing the “afterburners” to race ahead. Well should I set chase or just continue? In no time at all she’d buzzed off into the distance eventually missing the QOM by one second. Impressive effort.

On the next section from North Dalton to Middleton-on-the-Wolds we encountered a rollercoaster ride over two hills. This time it was Michael who set off on a charge followed by Chad with everyone else happy to maintain their own pace. At Middleton we were faced with the prospect of crossing the busy A614. With a constant stream of traffic both ways, we had to dash as soon as any gap appeared.

More fun and games ensued as Pugwash took the lead for the sprint along towards Holme-on-the-Wolds. Now that most of the weasels had had their bit of fun, things settled down somewhat for the final leg home to “Toad Hall” through Etton and Cherry Burton.

18th May Return to El Angels

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.

17th May – Girona to Santa Coloma

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 😉🍺.

16th May Girona to Peratallada

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.

15th May Girona to Banyoles

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.

14th May Girona to Tossa de Mar

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.

13th May Girona to Anglès

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.