The riders for today’s grand prix rolled up to the starting grid at Manor House. After the debrief, a circuit was agreed to minimise the effects of the strong winds. “🎙️And they’re off…..” Well not quite, some “numpty” 🤔 forgot to “fill the fuel tank”. A quick call to the AA (Angel 😇 Alison) and she agreed to bring my water bottle to the “starting grid”.

To save too much delay, it was agreed that the other riders should set off while “numpty” waited for the AA. Chris acted as the “good shepherd” 😁 and offered to stay in support. On the “Green light” the riders set off on their way to South Cave via Little Weighton. Meanwhile, “numpty” and Chris headed back towards Beverley to intercept AA en-route. Salvation was spotted at the bottom of the Westwood so we stopped at the top to wait her arrival. 😚 Who said chivalry was dead. 😁

Suitably fuelled, the two “back markers” set off towards Newbald to rendezvous with the others on the Cliffe Road near Hotham. This being a much shorter route, we arrived first. After a few minutes we decided to head towards North Cave to see if we could meet up with them earlier. When there was still no sign of the group, we returned to the agreed meeting point. It was not long before we were all together again.

After all the head winds in Sector 1, it was time for some payback in Sector 2. “Numpty” took to “pole position” as we set off towards Market Weighton. At South Cliffe, Chris took over in “pole” to lead us the rest of the way. At one point, Neil made an overtaking maneuver, but only to advise the pace setters to “lift & cruise” at 22mph. At Market Weighton the riders took time for the first “pit-stop” before completing Sector 2 at Goodmanham.

Suitably refuelled, the riders headed off on Sector 3 towards Holme-on-the-Wolds. The “racing” really kicked off as we started the downhill run to the Middleton road. I think it was the shout “Strava section go go go!” that started it. In an effort to stay in touch with the leaders “Numpty” eventually “maxed-out” in top gear doing 100+rpm. Later, after reviewing the “results”, Sarah must have been dancing round the furniture celebrating her QOM 👑. However such things are ephemeral, lasting only till Heather posted her time, snatching away the crown, just minutes later, to add to her own “glittering” collection. In the men’s section, Chris recorded the best time this year followed by Paul and Neil all making it onto the top ten podium overall.

On reaching Holme-on-the-Wolds, we turned back into the wind, so the pace proceeded at a more “genteel” pace as we made our way back to the “finishing line” through Etton, Cherry Burton and Walkington. Given the strength of the wind 🌬️ the “circuit” provided a wonderful mixture, to have made it worthwhile heading out.

No not the song by Lindesfarne but the cafe on the corner at Beeford. Raymond suggested following last Tuesday’s route but in reverse, calling once again at the Willowgarth Cake & Coffee Shop.

The pleasant weather brought out many members necessitating a split into two groups. A natural segregation presented itself as half of the group were wearing club kit while the rest sported their “away” kit. The “Sheffield Utd” team set off first followed by the “Wednesday Blues” (or should that be Friday Blues) as we made our way through town towards the Weel road.

By the time the “Blues” reached Tickton, the “United” team were well out of sight. The in-built sat-nav kicked in when James took up the “striker” position as we cruised through Long Riston. In a voice resembling Foghorn Leghorn, Raymond called out “Right ‘ere!“. I’m sure what he meant to say was “in 100yds turn right” but the meaning was clear 😂.

As we meandered along the “Centre” of Great Hatfield, the “Blues” took to the left “wing” towards Mappleton while the “United” team sprinted down the right flank through Cowden. On reaching the main road, James decided to put his new “steed” through its paces and turned up the gas. Michael and Shaun tucked in behind with Pugwash hanging on for grim death in “midfield” and Ray & Norman keeping the defensive line.

The “Blues” headed directly through Hornsea, while “United” took the right flank once more, passing the seafront on the way to Bewholme Lane. 🎶I found my thrill, on Butterfly Hill🎶 sprang to mind as James and Michael raced their way to the Honeysuckle Farm. On the way to Bewholme, Pugwash took the chance to show some “attacking flair” taking up the “centre forward” position until Michael took over.

At Bewholme, the “United” team had a “player sent off” as Chris headed for the “tunnel” reportedly feeling the effects of overfueling the previous night. Shortly after Skipsea Brough, the “United” team spotted the “Blues” up ahead and with a concerted effort blasted past in an effort to reach the cafe first.

🎶Down on the corner, Out in the street🎶 it was time for “half-time” Revival, (no Creedence Clear water) as we formed a loooonnnng queue to order our refreshment. By this time the humidity was beginning to have an effect on us all and when sun broke through the clouds there was a dash for any bit of shade available. The “United” team lost another “player” as Barry decided to continue home without the cafe stop.

The “second half” took on a different formation as the two “teams” took up the traditional 4-4-2 or 5-3-2. At North Frodingham, we turned down towards Brandesburton then Leven before following the cycle path back to Tickton and Beverley. We may never agree on the final score, but I’m sure we all agree it was a great “game”!

To “spoil” the route? Raymond proposed the initial route plan to take in some hill climbing. Confusion reigned from the start as he kept referring to Barmby. Despite the references to the former Hull City player we all knew he actually meant Burnby, but why let that spoil a moment of fun.

Six Knights set off from Manor House to meet up with Chris at Etton. While we were waiting, conversation turned to the recent television program “Salisbury Poisonings”. This was followed by Raymond asking “What about Vera then?” With minds still in gogglebox mode everyone thought he was referring to Vera the TV detective only to realise he was actually talking about Dame Vera Lynn. Cue much hilarity as we realised our error.

Once Chris has joined our group, we split into smaller groups. 1-3-3, 4-2-1, 2-5 It was a bit like a football formation as natural selection took over. The first change of route came as Neil rushed forward to advise the two “strikers” Matt & Pugwash to keep heading up Kiplingcotes Race Course road. Heather then assumed her “Beryl Burton” mantle and left us all standing as she powered her way to the top bagging a cup for 2nd All-time(women). Michael made a valiant effort to stay on her wheel but could not quite match her pace.

The sun put in an appearance with corresponding increase in temperature and coupled with the recent effort led to Neil and Heather reviewing the level of clothing to wear. While Heather adjusted her wardrobe, four Knights set off towards Goodmanham eventually chased down by Pugwash as Neil remained to assist Heather.

Having reached the Londesborough roundabout we waited while the other two caught up. Raymond reconfirmed the route “first left at Londesborough and down to Barmby Burnby”. On this occasion, Pugwash reached the top first and turned up towards the Burnby turnoff only to hear shouts from behind “Left, Puggy Left!” Convinced of his decision, Neil sped off down the hill like a demon on fire leaving everyone else trailing in his wake. Arriving at Shiptonthorpe he realised his mistake and promptly went into hiding behind the nearest wall. “Well, what do we do now? Which way did he go?” thought the rest as we pulled up at the A1079 junction. With only a scintilla of remorse he reappeared behind us with a grin the size of a Cheshire cat. Raymond took charge once more, “There’s only one thing for it. We have to head back up that hill, only this time we will keep going to Nunburnholme top then on to Warter”

Resigned to the long 3 mile climb we all set off still in good spirits. While we were gasping for breath at the top, Karl appeared for the second time having just climbed Nunburnholme Hill with barely a sweat. After a brief chat he headed off to Londesborough as we continued our way to Warter.

Next on the agenda was Raymond’s “flat hill” to Huggate a 3 mile up and downer. “Beryl Burton” set the fastest pace of the day and collected another cup for 9th place All-time (women). Once more Michael tried to chase her down but failed to close the gap. At Huggate, we called into Walnut cafe but there was no sign of life. Fortunately the Wolds Inn pub was open and serving takeaway teas and coffees.

The first drops of rain started to fall as we stood outside having our drinks. Looking around for somewhere to dump our cups, Pugwash remembered a bin around the corner and was promptly handed all the empty cups for disposal much to the amusement of those around. I suppose it was only fair as Neil had paid for my coffee again!

For the return route it was decided to head for North Dalton and Middleton-on-the-Wolds and Lund. The toilets at the pub were off limits so it was every man and woman to their own hedgerow. The run down to North Dalton was a pleasure after all the climbing although the ominous dark clouds above did not bode well.

Sure enough, by the time we were on the road to Middleton-on-the-Wolds the rain started once more. It may have dampened the road (and our glasses) but not our spirits. At the main road junction, Matt introduced more confusion as he claimed we should have turned right further back.

Luckily the rain had eased off as we continued on the correct road to Lund. Matt then took over as route master as we returned via Lund, Holme-on-the-Wolds, South Dalton and Etton. The end of another wonderful and eventful ride.

The early morning express departed at 0830 with four passengers bound for Hornsea. Following an anticlockwise direction to Routh, Meaux and on to Long Riston before heading by way of Mappleton to Hornsea.

The 0930 express train set off with five Knights from Market Cross Station via Molescroft Road to Cherry Burton. The sunshine and warmth of the previous day failed to appear today as the North easterly wind kept temperatures low.

The initial part of the journey saw the Knights following familiar roads through Etton and South Dalton onto the Bracken road. Undaunted by the slight head wind the “train” made good time as we passed through Hutton Cranswick to Wansford. Just as well someone was awake at the back as the “lead coach” sailed merrily on missing our turn off to Lowthorpe.

A quick about turn soon has us back on “track” once more. However its was not long before we almost “derailed” again as we dithered about which way to turn. The condition of the “track” to the right gave us clue as Neil piped up with “I don’t remember heading along a dirt track last time”. It was not long before we reached the railway crossing near Lowthorpe.

With the “excitement” of the passing train over, it was back to business as we continued round to Little Kelk and Gransmoor before stopping at the 158 Squadron memorial at Lisset.

After signing the visitors book, we set off once more. From Ulrome with the wind now behind us, the pace picked up as we made our way through Skipsea and a timely arrival at Hornsea and a chance to refuel for the return leg.

The “dining car” was al fresco. Normally this would have been quite pleasant, but with sea haar blowing inland we were beginning to feel the chill by the time we’d eaten.

Laden with calories and buoyed by the prospect of a helping wind, we set off for the return journey. Following the same route as the 0830 “train” we passed the Honeysuckle Farm on our way to Bewholme, Brandesburton and Leven.

Passing through Tickton Paul and Heather decided to ramp up the pace to try and better their times on a Strava segment. Both achieved impressive times with Paul recording 8th best time overall and Heather bagging 2nd place in the Ladies section. After that it was a gentler pace as we returned home via Weel Bridge.

“Some people have got an itch. They think it’s all over!” Well not quite but at least we can form smaller groups and “buddy” rides until things change.

Five Knights assembled at Manor House. After Raymond outlined the proposed route, thoughts turned to possible cafe stops along the way. Following several suggestions, mention of Rachel’s cafe at Huggate saw Neil’s eyes light up like a pair of Belisha beacons. Visions of “buns” floated in his imagination as we set off towards Cherry Burton and Etton.

Heading onto the Kiplingcotes road, we faced the head wind all the way to Market Weighton. Luckily for us, Neil took up “rear gunner” position as it became apparent that the previous day’s intake was about to make a reappearance and add extra unwanted padding in his shorts. Cue a mad dash to the nearest loo!

Tesco’s in Market Weighton was his choice but his chin must have hit the floor when we were confronted with a huge queue to get into the store. By the time Neil returned looking rather sheepish, the rest of us were beginning to feel the chill of the North Westerly wind. To make matters worse, shortly after continuing on our way, we passed an “open” public toilet….. and no queue!

Instead of heading to Londesborough, we turned to Shiptonthorpe and Langlands garden centre to grab a coffee to help warm the insides. A makeshift cafe stall had been set up outside. In a generous atonement for the earlier delay, Neil took it on the chin and treated us all. Cheers Neil 🍻

Taking our coffee and cakes, we made use of the outside seating. It felt quite pleasant sheltered from the wind with the sun shining down as we chatted and caught up. Eventually we outstayed our welcome as the staff came to ask us to move on. A change of plan was now afoot as we thought about returning via Bielby and Hotham. The sight of heavy dark clouds in that direction then had us rethinking.

On reaching the turn off to Londesborough, everyone stopped to review the route, except for Raymond, who continued blithely along the busy road. Shouts in his direction were drowned out by the noise of the traffic. After eventually realising he was all alone, he returned to the fold. The quietness of the road leading up to Nunburnholme top was in sharp contrast to the noise of the main road we had just left.

With time getting on, we decided to miss out Huggate and proceed directly to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Cruising downhill on the Warter road, now with wind behind the pace picked up only spoiled by the condition of the road surface. Continuing through to Lund we made our way home along the Bracken road to Etton and Cherry Burton. A wonderful ride and a pleasure to be out in company again

Missing the company of your fellow Knights? Here is a little teaser to see how many “Knights” you can identify from the gallery below? Just to help, there is a small clue with each one. Apologies to anyone who is not included.

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AHOY THERE lolloping landlovers! Anyone suffering from cabin fever? This beast from the east shows little sign of abating. No, not the pesky crow virus from China but this wind off the North Sea which has kept our temperatures below other parts of the country. Fortunately it has remained mostly dry allowing us all to get out and about into the Wolds.

Since my last despatch there has not been much activity on the Shark’s Tooth except to say we now have a new Queen in town. Despite the cool easterly, Steph set off to stake her claim for glory. Burning round the course like Daenerys Targaryen on her dragon to establish herself as Queen of the Mountain🏆🥇 with a time of 22:45. The “Shark” has now created a slight barrier with traffic lights appearing at the bottom of Kirk Lane and “Road Closed” signs erected so it may be some time before any further “Shark Fishing” events.

Over on “Chris’s Hill” Olivier the Grand Old Duke of York marched his bike to the top of the hill to set a new best time of 5:14 and sieze his crown as King of the Mountain 👑⛰️ among the Knights.

There has also been a few Strava trophies picked up recently between Heather, Sarah, Steph and Sharrin. Many congratulations and accolades were handed out in recognition of the achievements however I’m not so sure compliments such “Nice cups” will always be taken as intended! 😉

Despite Mark’s big efforts, Michael seems to be leading on the distance covered so far this year closely followed by Heather then Chad. No doubt as the weather continues to warm and hopefully “lockdown” may be eased over the next few weeks, we are likely to see some longer rides posted.

Meanwhile here are some photos taken while out and about.

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Meanwhile out in the Ridings, the Knights appear to be taking advantage of the mostly clement weather and enforced layoffs to clock up the miles. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact we have a new prize this year for the largest percentage increase in mileage! 😉

In the land of the Ionians it has been fairly peaceful so far. Sir Dave of House Water posting the best time of 1:18 which was equalled by Sir Michael a few weeks later.

In the battle of Welton Wolds, Sir Chris has thrown down the gauntlet in a bid to add another crown to his collection and is currently in top spot with a time of 5:26 followed once more by Sir Michael at 5:31. But wait a minute…….. 🎶 What’s that coming over the hill? Is it a monster? 🎶 No, I do believe it is Sur Gery Hatrick tossing aside his crutches and rising like Lazarus to bag third place with a time of 5:41.

Looks like we’ll have at least another three weeks of lockdown followed by continued social distancing so not sure when group riding will be feasible again. However I shall endeavour to keep you entertained until things return to normal.

Hey Shipmates……. up here! It’s me Germy Corvid stuck in isolation up here keeping a look out for those nasty 19 miscreants. The only thing spotted this week was a rather irate shark being chased around for its tooth. After Michael set a new bench mark for everyone, Sarah followed with a valiant first attempt. Shaun was next up to the plate, waving walkers aside like a ship’s bow cutting through water as he raced his way passed Risby in a determined effort. These attempts however, paled into insignificance when Chris not only managed to ride on the back of the shark resembling an elite surfer before ripping out its teeth and wrapping them round his head in the form of a crown. 👑 Well done Chris, game on!

Now we are in the third week of lockdown with no sign of an end in sight. It’s a bit like staring at the horizon for hours on end, willing something to appear just to break up the monotony. Fortunately the weather has taken a turn for the better and has allowed us to keep getting out for our “permitted exercise” 🌞😁. This week I have managed to spot another three Knights, like ships passing in the night. Chad zoomed on by, head down giving it full gas and did not “clock” Mr & Mrs Pugwash heading in the opposite direction. Apologies to the other two, as I was unable to id you but you were both wearing BK kit.

One advantage of this social isolation, is the quiet roads. Returning home through town the other day, it would have been easy to imagine the tumbleweed blowing through the streets and the sound of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” theme time whistling in the ears. Even the traffic lights kept changing in our favour.

Well folks that’s the end of my watch and I’ll be coming down from this lofty perch. The watch will now be taken over by Keep Schtummer who I’m sure will keep you all posted while captain Bo Nobo is recovering.

Ahoy there me hearties! How are we all coping with this enforced isolation? Like any ship in drydock, it is an opportunity to progress some essential maintenance so Captain and Mrs Pugwash have been hard at it….. maintenance that is! 😉🏠🎨 Now the decorating is finished it’s time to watch some paint dry! I used a long pole while painting the ceiling so if anyone wants to borrow it I’ll be able to pass it on without breaching the “social distancing” advice! 😁 Alternatively, I could tuck it under my arm like a jousting knight ready to fend off any miscreants coming too close.

Glad to see many of us are managing to get out for “sea trials”. With the weather turning a little drier recently, summer bikes are starting to appear. In my case it was like moving from battleship to frigate. Sailing solo now instead of in convoy has led to us to come up with other distractions. So far, I’ve managed to spot four Knights out and about. 🤺🤺🤺🤺

Thursday’s outing saw me acting as domestique. After giving Mrs P a slight head start, I realised she’d set off without a water bottle so raced off after her with an extra bottle in the back pocket. By the time I climbed Bluestone and up to High Hunsley, I was beginning to think perhaps she’d turned back early. Arriving at the base of Stoneknowle, there was still no sight but kept pushing on. It was not until Cherry Burton we finally managed to meet up by which time she’d worked up real “drouth” and latched onto the bottle like hungry “wean”. Thirst satisfied, we went on to complete the journey home together.

It’s only week two of lockdown but seems much longer, possibly due to group riding ending much earlier. While browsing through Strava, I wondered if we would have any sense of group riding, if on one day, we all followed the same route but at different times. Unfortunately, knowing the competitive nature of Knights we’d end up with time trial efforts! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Until next time, keep the pedals turning.