“The best laid plans of mice and men….” just about sums up this Friday’s ride. Our proposed destination was the Spotted Duck at Fitling. No sooner had the sun appeared “below the yardarm”, warnings of early morning ice were flying about causing some to cancel rather than risk any chance of black ice.

The forecast however was for sun by midday so a later start time of 1230 was proposed. “Mice!? There’s no mice here in Tickton” claimed our Friday Route Master. “No mice in Beverley” cried Seadog only to be contradicted with Russell saying “Lots of frost in Molescroft”. Having scraped ice off his car windscreen this morning in the freezing fog, Pugwash was happy for a delayed start.

Some Knights could not make the later start and cancelled but it seems however, that not everyone got the “memo” and two Knights turned up at 0930. Left to their own devices, the “Men” set off on a route taking them to Meaux, Long Riston and Catfoss before returning through Brandesburton and Leven.

In the end only three Knights made the 1230 start. The “Mice” then set off on a circular route with a proposed cafe stop at Cranswick Farm shop. Just after we negotiated the “magic roundabout” a flash of blue passed in the opposite direction. Turned out to be Mike darting his way home like a kingfisher diving on it’s prey.

After passing through Leven, Pugwash suddenly got ahead of himself thinking we’d missed the turn to Frodingham, not realising we still had to reach Brandesburton first. Doh! Now a little red faced, we continued on. The “red face” grew even more crimson as Heather took to the front and aided by the following wind, upped the pace until arriving at North Frodingham.

After a brief respite, Russell took over the pace setting as we continued to Wansford and Skerne before arriving at the Farm Shop for a well earned break. Service was a little slower than usual on this occasion as the cafe was almost full.

Leaving the Farm Shop, we found the “🎶sun had put it’s hat on 🎶” and it felt like the temperature had dropped dramatically. Fortunately it was not too far to return home as we followed our usual route over Bracken to South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton. A very enjoyable ride with some sunshine, mostly dry roads and wonderful company. Given the forecast for the next few days, it may be a while before we hit the road again.

Well, not quite everyone, some cried off at the last minute. “🎶Should auld acquaintance be forgot🎶” With strains of singing from “o’er the watter” five MEP’s (Most Excellent Pedalers) gathered at Market Cross before setting out to meet up with another five MEP’s at Manor House. Right from the off, Barry hit the front to lead a strong pace over the Westwood, flying up the hill like a Red Arrow on after-burners.

Our first choices for cafe stop were both closed for the winter so we resorted to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham. After discussing the route, the MEP’s “gray-v” train set off towards Etton. Once again, keen as mustard, Barry set the initial pace. The south-westerly wind did not feature too much as we made our way north to Holme-on-the-Wolds. It was a different story however when turning to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. There was no hiding unless you managed to keep the wheel of the bike in front.

Turning onto the Warter road, it was time for the long climb up to Nunburnholme top. Coupled with the head wind, rough road surface and mud splatters from farm vehicles, it made the going quite tough. Regrouping at the first junction gave time for some to reflect on the effort required and wonder why we subject ourselves to such punishment. You love it really Ray!

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A final little effort uphill saw us arrive at Nunburnholme top and we were rewarded with a lovely vista across the Wolds. After appreciating the view, it was time to appreciate the downhill run towards Londesborough. Unfortunately the joy soon turned to teeth grinding once more as we clawed our way up Intake Hill. A further effort up the Goodmanham road, we reached our cafe stop and a well earned respite.

The return journey took us along the Spring Road and with the wind now firmly behind us, a quick pace was maintained until reaching Etton. At Cherry Burton, the group split as some headed home along Main Street while the rest continued to Bishop Burton.

After crossing the A1079 we stopped to regroup once more. When Raymond caught up he sounded like he was going to come up with a rather profound statement. Guffaws of laughter ensued however, when he asked for everyone’s honest opinion on Gwyneth Paltrow’s “intimate steaming” regime. How long had he been thinking of that!

The enticement of a new cafe stop, clement weather and a flat ride brought many out this morning as thirteen Knights assembled at Market Cross. Raymond didn’t have the best of starts, having to repair a puncture before we even set off.

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Making our way through town to Weel Bridge the group soon spilt as some got held up by traffic lights while others were somewhat luckier. After regrouping on the Weel road, it was off to Tickton with everyone in a jolly mood, catching up with those not seen in a while.

Our route took us through Leven and Brandesburton before turning towards Bewholme. With such a large group it was thought prudent to phone ahead to warn the cafe of our imminent arrival. Stopping at Bewholme, the best laid plans however do not always pan out as expected. Our illustrious “route Master” had forgotten his phone so we were left without the number for the cafe. Not to be outdone though, Raymond came up with “plan – b”. Borrowing someone else’s phone, he turned into ET and “phoned home” to ask “‘er indoors” to call the cafe on our behalf. Give that man a medal!

Setting off once more, we soon arrived at Skipsea Brough. After passing the historic All Saints Church at Skipsea we turned North towards Ulrome. Our first encounter with the Granary at Rustic Riddle sent us into confusion as we found the doors still shut. “They open at 11am” said Raymond after checking his watch to note it was only 10:55am. Michael, feeling like a bold window cleaner, climbed the stairs to peer through the glass door. “Cooeee!” he cried “we’re here”

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For the return journey, we continued north to Lisset before taking the Gransmoor road. The road surface was a bit wet and mucky along this section. From Gransmoor we turned to Great Kelk then on through Foston-on-the-Wolds. Just before reaching the Frodingham Road we passed another cyclist who’d pulled up at the side of the road. He confirmed he was OK before we proceeded onwards. Raymond however became a little confused and stopped to wait for him thinking it was one of our group. Eventually realising the error of his way he caught up with us again at Frodingham.

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All together again we returned to Brandesburton then Leven before retracing our steps back to Beverley. A very enjoyable ride and a brilliant new cafe. I’m sure we’ll be back soon.

Today’s route was suggested by Cap’t Pugwash. A mixture of hills early on and flat riding later leading to the Cheese Shop cafe at Howden. The seven Knights gathered at Market Cross included Windy Millar recently returning after injury and “Jacob Marley” with his chain making clanking noises as he dragged himself along, a result of previous misdemeanours.

A change to our normal routeing came as we reached the top of the Westwood. Turning down to Walkington, we were joined by Karl, patiently waiting near the traffic lights. Taking the road to Bentley, we eventually turned onto the Risby Road leading to Little Weighton. James decided to leave the group at this point and make his own way home while the rest continued through Rowley and up to Riplingham.

Two final climbs of Lambwell Hill and Elloughton High Road led us to some flatter riding as we made our way to Ellerker. This however, was made slightly more difficult with the generally head wind. On reaching the Cave Level crossing, the barriers were down forcing a short delay as we waited for trains to pass by. Some hilarity ensued regarding train operation. I’m sure no offence was directed at Dave💦🏠!

Shortly after setting off again, we lost touch with Chad who’d had a visit from the ghost of Xmas past resulting in a puncture. While some of us waited up the road, Matt and Dave went back to assist. Repairs complete we continued to Broomfield. The ghost of Xmas present then made an appearance giving Karl a puncture. While Matthew and Dave stayed with him, the rest of us carried on to Faxfleet, Blacktoft, Yokefleet on the way to Howden.

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Seems the “ghosts” were not finished with our group as Matthew had to pull out with damage to his wheel forcing him to call for the “broom wagon”. No doubt there will be some reparations to be made in Mathew’s household.

Taking the main road back towards Gilberdyke, the promised tail wind did not materialise, however the ghost of “Xmas yet to come” did, presenting Michael with a puncture. Repairs completed, we headed to North Cave then Hotham. On reaching South Newbald, the only one interested in Trundlegate was Karl. The rest of us took the easier option of Beverley Road to find our way home.

Christmas celebrations over for another year, it was time to work off any excess consumption. Grey skies greeted the “blues” as six gathered at Market Cross including the “long time no see” Dave 💦🏠. With only a vague outline of where we were heading, we set off to join up with the rest of the “Friday” gang at Manor House bringing our number up to ten.

It was agreed to follow Matt’s initial suggestion of heading towards Goodmanham then decide who wants to go where from there. Knowing which cafes were open might have helped the decision making.

By the time we’d gone through Etton and Holme-on-the-Wolds to the outskirts of Goodmanham we were still no closer to deciding which cafe to head for. Several of the group were needing to be back early so Pugwash suggested skipping the cafe stop and go to Kiplingcotes then up to Sancton and return home via Newbald.

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Matthew left the group to make his own way home while the rest continued to Kiplingcotes. At the bottom of the climb it was decision time again. “Which cafe can we go to?” “Who needs to get home?” When choices had been made a little voice piped up “OK fat boy let’s go.” A sharp intake of breath and a surreptitious look around the group followed. “Whoever can she be referring to Chris?” Taking immediate evading action to disassociate themselves from the comment, Brian, Karl and Dave set off back to Etton while the rest commenced the climb up Kiplingcotes hill.

On reaching Sancton it was our final chance to conjure up a nearby cafe. No rabbits appeared out of the hat so we took the main road back to North Newbald before returning to Beverley harbouring thoughts of the coffee and cakes at home.

Wishing all our members and followers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

The eight candidates assembled at Manor House to present their ideas for which direction we should all take. First “up to bat” was Heather representing the Gregory party proposing an anticlockwise route to Bainton, North Dalton, Londesborough and promising an injection of cash for the Fiddle Drill.

Dissension arose immediately when the second representative of the Gregory party outlined the complete reverse idea, arguing that we’d gain much more advantage going “with the flow” and investing our “hard earned” in the Hutton Cranswick Farm shop industry. His eloquence and persuasiveness won the day as the candidates set off towards Cherry Burton.

Leading the way to Etton was Mathew for the Meade party closely followed by Kevin representing the Brown Party. Turning onto the Kiplingcotes road the candidates were then subjected to the wrath of the prevailing wind movement. On reaching the hustings of Market Weighton the first exit poll showed it was time for Matthew to drop out while the remaining candidates continued on to Londesborough.

Taking up the front running was Neil for the Gregory party followed closely by “The Cap’n” of the Pugwash party. Heading down Intake Hill was a bit of light relief before the tough questions to be faced as the candidates headed upwards to Nunburnholme top. The strongest showing at this point was Heather followed closely by Stephen representing the Guest party with Russell for the Savage party alongside. An impressive showing following his recent recovery from injury.

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With the hard questioning now behind, it was relatively plain sailing as the candidates continued with the winter sun and breeze on their backs as they headed down to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. After safely negotiating the pitfalls on the road, it was time to head to North Dalton then Bainton before a final flourish to Cranswick.

At the farm shop, the candidates found a lively and thriving community. Despite the myriad of “goodies” on offer they were unable to realise Heather’s request for a plate of poached eggs. Perhaps there will have to be a public inquiry. Following another exit poll, Kevin decided to drop out while the remaining candidates headed back over Bracken.

Now following party lines, the candidates returned to the Houses of Beverley. Steve dropped out at the next exit poll as the rest turned to the right making their way to South Dalton then Etton. Everyone agreed it was a superb campaign, though slightly longer than more recent Friday outings.

The Beverley Knights Xmas party for 2019 was held at Beverley Town and Cricket Recreation Club. Food and drink, BK quiz and prize giving plus a wonderful live band. A great night out for all our members.

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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.