Nothing like a bit of sunshine and light winds to bring all the knights out to play. “All right you horrible little softies” cried drill sergeant Raymond, “Seeing as you don’t like wind, let’s see how you get on with a few hills”. “We can head for Huggate, Huggate or Huggate” he yelled with a hint of a smirk on his face. “From there, we will head to Warter, Londesborough and Goodmanham”. “Yes sir!” responded all ten knights on parade at Manor House. 

Autumn colours on route to South Dalton

The squad set off in good spirits, catching up with those who’d not been seen for a while. The route march, saw us passing through Etton where the group had to wait for the rear guard to catch up, having been held up by traffic  at an earlier junction. The first climb of the day came on the way to Holme-on-the-Wolds, before heading into the wind towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Next up was the long seemingly never ending climb to North Dalton and Huggate, which saw the group becoming strung out. The gathering at the top of the climb was said to be more like a “mothers meeting” with everyone chatting away and no-one in any hurry to continue. 

The next section was a chance to recover and enjoy the thrill of the downhill into Warter. Neil took the opportunity to take some photographs by the duck pond, much

Mad dogs at Warter and they weren’t the cyclists

to the chagrin of two dogs in a nearby garden, who let rip with enough noise to wake the whole neighbourhood. Photoshoot over and it was time for the main climb up to Nunburnholme top. A few mutterings were heard at the bottom wondering why anyone would sign up for such torture. In the words of Corporal Jones “Some don’t like it up ’em hills”.

On the way down to Londesborough, we came across an army of children some 500 strong, many in fancy dress, out from their barracks at Market Weighton School on a 30 mile hike to raise funds for charity.

Market Weighton school turn out to cheer the knights

Heading in the same direction as the knights was a “Sherman tank” with a bull headed “commander” on board. Instead of enjoying the moment and showing some patience, he decided to take issue with the squadron leaders for having the temerity to block his passage and continued to harangue everyone even after the road had cleared ahead of him. Eventually some of our group pointed out the error of his ways only to have him to turn his vitriol towards us before roaring off into the distance.

Next challenge was Intake hill leading us towards Market Weighton and Goodmanham and chance for a repast at the Fiddle Drill café. Despite the bright sunshine, there was a chill in the air so we decided to commandeer some tables inside and rearrange the furniture to accommodate our number. Jim showed his selective hearing skills by claiming a black coffee which had been destined for Colin. Perhaps he’s out to take over from Neil as “trencherman extraordinaire”, mind you I think those with bacon sandwiches would be safe.

The Captain following behind contemplating the theme for todays ride

The great Raymondo leading the way on next years sprint section

Our return route saw us taking the Spring road returning to Etton. At the junction at the top of Etton ramp, a discussion ensued regarding the merits of using “Etton Mess” strava section for next years sprint challenge. All too soon it was time for everyone to head home. Wonderful weather, fantastic company and everyone looking forward to the next outing.

Weather forecasts of gloom and doom from earlier in the week did not come to fruition today. The sky was grey and a there was a distinct chill in the air as the six cruisers gathered at Market Cross. HMS Dreadnought with Pugwash onboard, was first to arrive followed by newcomer HMS Hood with Olivier. Next to appear over the horizon was Stephen in HMS Courageous and Sharrin with HMS Queen Mary. Finally making the convoy was HMS Indefatigable Dave W and HMS Renown Andy. Signal greetings were passed all round with HMS Courageous adding that he and HMS Queen Mary were required for further duties in the afternoon and had to return to base by 1230.  The suggestion of a trip to the far eastern port of Hornsea was quickly agreed.

The convoy set off along Norwood at cruising speed until reaching the Swinemoor roundabout. The option of the narrower sea-lane to the south of the main strait was ignored with HMS Indefatigable acting as flag ship and moving up to battle speed until reaching Tickton. Once safely on the northern Traffic Separation Scheme the convoy returned to cruising speed. At Routh, the convoy turned south towards Meaux, however not without one of the enemy vessels blasting their horn and giving us all a broadside. HMS Indefatigable continued to set the pace until reaching the junction at Kidhill lane where HMS Renown took up the running. He was having so much fun being on the front that his pace picked up to “Full Gas” and was starting to create a gap with the convoy becoming strung out behind.  Eventually he relented and HMS Dreadnought took over as flag ship till reaching Arnold.

While zig-zagging our way around the quiet country roads towards Hatfield, some “back seat drivers” cast aspersion on the navigating abilities of HMS Dreadnought and HMS Renown when their hand signals from behind failed to alert said vessels prior to the junction. Having a following wind and smooth waters, the pace remained high and the convoy soon found themselves at Mappleton and on to the busy waterway leading to Hornsea. Once again, the aptly named HMS Indefatigable took to the front maintaining a steady 20 knots until arriving at the bunker port of Hornsea Mere café.

Cruisers unmooring

Lined up ready for fleet inspection

On arriving at the anchorage, HMS Indefatigable admitted it was his first call to this particular port. By this time the sun had come out to greet the fleet along with a myriad of other small sailing vessels. With cruisers securely moored, the respective captains repaired ashore to take on enough fuel for the return journey. It was a timely arrival, as another fleet arrived in port immediately after muttering something about saving some bacon sarnies. Mindful of the need to get back, the fleet was soon back on the road. Heading out of Hornsea and up passed the Honeysuckle Farm, there was some jockeying for position before settling into a nice orderly phalanx once more.

The return route saw the fleet passing through Bewholme and Catfoss before reaching Brandesburton. On the way through this section, a fleet of tractors some 20 strong were spotted heading in the opposite direction. Part of the Leven Tractor Run. I’m sure they would have been impressed by the speed and “colours” displayed by our little fleet as we zoomed passed. 

At the Whitecross roundabout it was back onto the Tickton Traffic Separation Scheme, still led by HMS Indefatigable. Part way along this section, he finally showed some signs of having spent the lion’s share at the front and dropped back towards the rear of the convoy. A superb fast ride, just what was needed to warm things up in the early autumnal chill.

Mutley  suggested today’s destination of Ramblers Rest at Millington, however the route was laid out by Dick Dastardly. The plucky contestants arrived at Market Cross for the 0930 start bright eyed and bushy tailed except for the Gruesome Twosome who’d stayed up a bit late and were feeling a little under the weather. Bright sunshine and warmth were a welcome accompaniment as we set out over the Westwood led by Sergeant Blast and Red Max. A quick stop at Manor House to see if any other contestants would arrive, then it was off on our familiar route to Etton. 

Along the way, Sergeant Blast suggested a minor change to the usual route to continue up the Kiplingcotes Race Course road instead of following the Spring Road to Goodmanham. At the junction, there was near mishap when Mutley failed to hear the shouts of “straight on” and turned left into Sergeant Blast and only good bike handling kept both upright. First to the top of the “ramp” was Peter Perfect though not the quickest of the bunch. Nearing the top of the climb Rufus Ruffcut made a determined effort to be first to make the summit. By the time all the racers reached the top Dick Dastardly was beginning to think it was a cunning ploy to wear him out early, however as a reward for their efforts there was the superb downward sweep into Goodmanham.

Next challenge for the wacky racers was the climb up Intake Hill to Burnby lane with Professor Pat Pending, Red Max, Sawtooth Beaver and Peter Perfect making short work of it, while the rest trailed behind. When all together again, there was another lovely downward sweep to take the racers into Burnby. From there, it was on to Nunburnholme and Kilnwick Percy before the final flourish into Millington.

Once all vehicles were refuelled, it was off along Millington Pastures to Huggate. The pace then picked up a bit on the way down to North Dalton with everyone enjoying the blast of wind in the face. Rufus Ruffcut did a great turn leading out first Sergeant Blast then Penelope Pitstop. After regrouping, it was on to Middleton-on-the-Wolds then the Goodmanham road. On reaching the Holme-on-the-Wolds ramp the first little wacky race started with everyone vying to be first to the top. A bit of normality resumed for a while along the straight with Penelope Pitstop and Little Gruesome on the front but the wackiness soon returned as Mutley, Peter Perfect, Rufus Ruffcut, Sawtooth Beaver and Professor Pat Pending eased their way to the front closely followed by Big Gruesome proving it takes more than a few glasses of wine to slow him down.

Regrouping again at Holme-on-the-Wolds, a steadier pace ensued as the racers cruised to Etton then Cherry Burton before finding their own individual way home. Superb weather, great route, top notch café stop, what more can we ask for. Looking forward to the next episode…..

Cast List

Today’s ride saw the Knights setting out to Etton and the climb over Gardham and down to North Newbald. The route took the group on to South Newbald and Hotham, North Cave, South Cave and Elleker before the climb up Brantingham dale. From Riplingham it was down to Raywell and along to Skidby and Little Weighton before taking a café stop at Folly’s at Risby.

Enjoying the café stop at Folly’s

Sunday Knights looking good in club kit heading up to High Gardham

This evening’s ride saw the Knights heading south to Thearne via Long Lane and on to Dunswell, Cottingham and Skidby before heading north through Little Weighton over High Hunsley and down to Newbald then onto the climb up Stoneknowe Hill to Gardham. Next up was the 2018 Sprint challenge on the way to Etton before returning to Beverley.

Stephen joins the group with newbie Oliver

Andy in the sun and rain….somewhere under the rainbow

Knights taking a break and enjoying a stunning sky

The weather forecast and outside commitments put paid to the ambitions of some to join the Sunday club ride. Encouraged by the redoubtable Dogtanian (Pug) the three Muskehounds, Athos (Brian), Aramis (Paul) and Porthos (Colin) reported for duty at Market Cross at the later time of 10am.

Monsieur de Treville set us the task of chasing down the power hungry Cardinal Richelieu, last reported heading for South Cave, North Cave and Howden. Setting out over the Westwood, the chase was on with Dogtanian taking the initial lead and Athos taking over at the top of the climb. The first drops of rain (more like mist in suspension really) appeared when heading down into Walkington, however did not dampen the spirits of the King’s Guards and passed after a few minutes.

Next obstacle for the Muskehounds was the mighty Bluestone Bottoms, led up by Porthos then Dogtanian to the base camp at Comberdale Hill. Porthos, making another strong showing, continued to set the pace to the top of the “clump”. It was about this time the skies began to look a bit ominous in the direction we were heading, however undeterred continued down into South Cave. Athos and Aramis now feeling somewhat doubtful about the little bit of dampness on the road and in the air, proceeded gingerly down through the trees, probably wishing they could call into the Little Wold Vineyard instead. 

At South Cave, news reached the Muskehounds that Richelieu had now been spotted heading from North Cave to Hotham and Newbald. Nothing to do with brief shower, as Porthos said “You’re not a cyclist if you don’t get damp occasionally”. By the time we reached North Cave the sun had returned making for very pleasant riding conditions. Onward then to Hotham with the wind at our tails we were soon at Newbald where the elusive target was reported to be heading for TJ’s. Swords at the ready, it was time for Stoneknowe hill challenge with Athos showing an impressive skill and speed to lead the group to the top.

Paul on “top of the world”

Dogtanian

Colin & Brian comparing notes on the sprint challenge

At Gardham a brief sighting of the Cardinal (AKA Brett) spurred the Muskehounds to full gallop to try and close the gap on the Sprint Challenge. Maybe next time. At South Dalton we took the Mere Lane to the Bracken road and with a good tail wind the pace was high. Porthos, needing to return early, abandoned at the top of Bracken ascent while the others continued to the café stop at TJ’s. Milady (Rosie) served up our refreshments making no mention of the incident with Widimer (Jim) so I guess all is forgiven.

On leaving the café, the hounds passed through Hutton Cranswick to take Sheepman lane to Watton, Kilnwick and Lockington before returning home on the main road to Molescroft.