…. Till May is out, as the old expression goes. Well this is the last day of May, though a little dull this morning, there was definitely a little more warmth in the south westerly air than we’ve had of late. Eight Knights reported for duty at Market Cross including Karl, a potential newbie and Sarah out for a maiden Friday ride.

“It will not be a day for the sprinters” he said. “Just saying” he said. Who could he possibly be referring to? Mindful of the unspoken instruction, we headed out over the Westwood at a leisurely pace. Even passing the “2019 Sprint section” on Finchcroft Lane did not stir anyone into a big effort.

After passing through Etton, the familiar “out of the saddle” riding style of Bob appeared ahead of us on Etton ramp. Just to confirm, Dave 🌊🏠 “sprinted” ahead to catch him up after which Bob joined us for the rest of the ride.

At Middleton-on-the-Wolds, we took the Warter Lane route to Nunburnholme top. After huffing and puffing our way six miles uphill into a head wind, further exacerbated by the condition of the road surface, it was enough to remind us why we do not use this road very often.

On reaching the top, it was time to regroup and a photo opportunity. In their eagerness to jockey for position, Sarah decided to head to ground, hitting the deck like a felled tree. Chris, like any kind caring husband immediately leaped…….. into paroxisms of laughter. No sympathy there then! Luckily there was little damage, indeed Sarah seemed more concerned that the blood from a scratch on her leg would mark her socks.

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“At least it’s all downhill from here” he said. Well apart from Intake Hill…. oh and the climb to the Fiddle Drill cafe at Goodmanham. The weather was warm enough to sit outside, so we all managed to squash around one table. Our jolly banter however, was interrupted by a seemingly grumpy lady who advised with an accusatory tone “One of your bikes has fallen onto mine”. Inspired by her glaring look, Russ immediately leaped into action to help extricate his bike so the lady could continue her journey.

Our return route saw us traversing another seldom used road through South Dalton Park, before resuming our usual pass through Etton and Cherry Burton and home. A very pleasant 40 mile ride and positively no sprinting. 😉

After a long voyage through Arctic waters and battling adverse winds, the sun put in a glorious appearance to warm the soul and brighten the countenance of our crew. Bib shorts and short sleeves were order of the day with seven members reporting for duty at Market Cross including newbie Chris complete in what looked like a harlequin outfit.

The fleet set sail over the Westwood with Captain Pugwash taking the helm. “Dolloping Dolphins” he cried as our safe passage was hindered by a herd of cows crossing under the bow. One of the cows decided to have a close look at a car parked on the roadside. It must have taken a fancy to it as it began to lick it. I can only imagine what the owner thought on returning to find cow slobber all over the windscreen.

We were soon joined by a further six crew members clambering on board at Manor House then with Corporal Jones joining at Cherry Burton, it brought the crew complement to fourteen. In perfect riding conditions the ship proceeded through Etton and into a light head wind towards Kiplingcotes.

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Following a brief heave-to at the top of Red Lane, it was time to test the lovely new road surface leading us into Market Weighton. Next up was the roller-coaster ride to Londesborough and Burnby before reaching Nunburnholme. Along the way the flotilla became strung out until regrouping at Kilnwick Percy except for Corporal Jones who seized the opportunity to set off alone to book his place at the “Captain’s table”.

As the fleet approached the drop down to Millington, Stevie G shouted a timely warning about possible enemy ships lurking around a blind bend. Right on cue, a great hulk in full sail suddenly appeared as we rounded the corner. With such prescience, perhaps Steve should get some lottery numbers.

After refuelling at the Ramblers Rest, the fleet set off along Millington Dale towards Huggate. Another new road surface has been laid at Huggate, however with so many loose stones on the surface it did not make for the most comfortable passage.

The planned route saw the fleet heading generally downhill towards Tibthorpe. Mark set off as “point man” in a one man breakaway. Corporal Jones then set off in pursuit with Captain Pugwash hanging on to his wheel. Just as we thought we were making good progress, the rest of the fleet added some more oomph and overtook to close the gap. There was then a two man breakaway as Mark and Chris managed to open a gap once more, hotly pursued by Captain Pugwash and Stevie G. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to close the gap before regrouping at Tibthorpe.

A gentler pace ensued thereafter as the fleet proceeded homewards via Kirkburn and Bracken. Approaching the junction to Southburn, there was a near pile up when “lead man” Chuggy slowed down as an enemy vessel approached in the opposite direction causing chaos behind. Quick wits and good bike handling prevented any mishaps.

The fleet later split in two at the South Dalton junction with some opting for the main road to Molescroft while the remainder chose our usual route returning through Etton and Cherry Burton.

“All Aboard…… The train now standing at Market Cross is the 0900 express to Hornsea…..All Aboard!” Luckily for Olivier the signals remained on red as the train with 5 coaches pulled away giving him time to hop on the back. The earlier start may have caught him out. I don’t know, youngsters today, just can’t get them out of bed!

The route was proposed by Dave 🌊🏠. We all had an inkling that it was likely to be be a pacy ride, however no one thought we were out to test the East Riding equivalent of HS2. The first hint of what was ahead, came as Dave, in full conductor mode and hat on backwards, set the initial pace heading over the Westwood with everyone else clinging on waiting for their engine to warm up.

Despite the beautiful sunshine, the air remained stubbornly cool, so the high pace was welcome and helped to mitigate the slight chill. On crossing the York Road, it was Captain Pugwash’s turn to head to the front until reaching Cherry Burton. The train then continued to South Dalton before switching tracks over to the Bracken road.

Caught up in the excitement of light winds and flattish roads, the pace remained high as each “coach” took a turn at the front. Conversation was somewhat limited as everyone tucked in behind each other as we continued to Hutton, Skerne and Wansford.

A nice change of scenery opened up as we passed through Foston-on-the-Wolds heading for Kelk and Gransmoor. Chuffing our way along quiet country lanes, presented a Hockneyesque vista with the yellow of the rape seed contrasting with the green shoots of crops appearing behind the tree lined roadside. The beauty of it all however, became just a splash of colours on the canvas as we continued to whizz our way towards Lisset.

After dodging the traffic on the Bridlington Road, it was on to Ulrome and Skipsea. A busier stretch of road, so it was a relief to turn back to the quieter road to Bewholme and Hornsea.

Sitting outside at the Mere cafe, brought a reminder that the temperature at the seaside is a few degrees lower than inland, as a light zephyr wafted over us cooling the coffee a little to quickly. Still that did not deter Chad as he whipped of his arm warmers in order to top up his tan. 😎 How long is ten minutes? It seems to depend on how many passengers you have, as the Mere’s own Captain Pugwash tried to drum up business for his boat trip around the Mere.

Now that bunkers had been refilled, it was time to return home. Mark was first off, managing to dodge the busy traffic, to take a big lead. Eventually the rest of the train was able to follow as we headed to Mappleton with Matt on the front. There seemed to be little appetite to “chase him down” however he saved us the effort by waiting at the junction leading to Great Hatfield.

Now that the train was all hooked up again, it was back to business as usual. Heads down, tails up and pump the pistons, speeding onwards through Little Hatfield and Long Riston. The final leg saw us following familiar roads to Meaux and Routh, where Chad uncoupled from the train to head for Leven while the rest returned to Beverley.

Perfect riding conditions, quiet country roads, beautiful scenery, what more can you ask for?

Captain’s Blog, star date 10052019

This is the voyage of the starship Beverley Knights, boldly going where no one in their right mind would go, seeking out strange new cafes in far flung regions of our galaxy. Today’s mission was to circle round planet Huggate and use the gravitational pull to swing down into Warter before tackling the mighty Nunburnholme Hill.

Setting off from Manor House with a crew of 12, the SS Beverley Knights headed to Cherry Burton where an additional crew member Mr Sulu (Alan) beamed aboard. Commander Riker (Dave🌊🏠) took the helm as we continued on through Etton and up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. Lt Worf (Ray) then completed his roll call shouting “All together, go go go!” “Warp factor 3 Mr Riker” as we proceeded towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds assisted by an easterly solar wind.

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On reaching the furthest limits of our mission at Huggate, Chief Medical Officer “Bones” (John) called off on a 1st aid mission and proceeded to the transporter room where he beamed down to the planet surface. The Starship then turned towards Warter where the gravitational slingshot propelled the crew to Warp factor 5.

1st Officer Spock (Michael) in keeping with our mission urged the crew to head for the little explored Nunburnholme Hill. One by one we all ignored the alarm bells ringing in our heads and with a show of solidarity headed along the back road to Nunburnholme. At this point Mr Sulu and Lt Worf headed for the transporter room and beamed up Bailey Lane.

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Following some judicious advice from Lt Commander Data (Mark) Spock was able to select the correct gear at the start of the climb. Unfortunately for Scotty (Mike) he found himself in too high a gear and in the process of trying to change down caused the chain to jam. In a similar pickle was Dr Crusher (Heather) but with some quick thinking turned downhill until engaging the correct gear. Ably assisted by Geordi la Forge (Russ) Scotty was soon on the way once more. Half way up the hill, mutterings of “Captain, she cannae take much more of this” were heard.

At the top, Mr Sulu and Lt Worf beamed back on board as we continued down to Londesborough and on to Market Weighton. Captain Jean-Luc (Neil) took the chance to jump onto the front to lead the way into Goodmanham and the Fiddle Drill where “Bones” beamed back aboard.

Following some well earned r & r, it was time to return to Starfleet command. A lovely new road surface from Goodmanham made for a very smooth passage before retracing our outward flight path. Heading along the strait to Holme-on-the-Wolds, Mr Sulu opened up a gap at the front. Captain Pugwash, spotting him in the distance set off to play catch up, egged on by Captain Jean-Luc. “Warp factor 5….engage” and the chase was on. The peloton eventually making the catch as we approached the village.

With the “fun and games” over it was time to head home at a more gentle Warp factor 3. No Klingons were sighted during the voyage and we all look forward to the next epic adventure.

A longer day in the saddle was proposed for today to help build some good base miles for those members who are taking part in Velo Birmingham 100 mile closed road sportive next Sunday. Just how many cooks are required to come up with a plan? First suggestion was to head to Huggate and Sledmere then “suck it and see”. Not very precise, but what’s wrong with a cycle on the wild side? Fortunately, Dave & Jenny rode to the rescue with a proper “route Master” plan. Luckily enough their idea was not too dissimilar to what had been previously discussed.

The main feature of the day was the cold northerly wind, forcing some to reflect on their choice of kit. Setting out through North Bar brought a reminisce of the recent Tour de Yorkshire passing the same way. Unlike the professionals, we had to wait for traffic lights to change in our favour before heading to the Molescroft roundabout and onwards to Cherry Burton.

Mindful of the distance to go, the pace was less frenetic than usual as we headed out to Middleton-on-the-Wolds and the long slog up to Huggate. After regrouping at the top, it was time for some excitement on the generally downhill run to Wetwang before tackling the next climb of the day, Life Hill. Not sure where the name comes from, perhaps as it seems to go on forever.

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Turning onto the road from Sledmere to Fimber it felt like we’d joined the IOM TT as a continuous stream of motor bikes passed by. Most likely bikers from “Mag into the valley” weekend bike festival at Sledmere. It was therefore a relief to return to the quieter country lane leading us to Thixendale, an idyllic cycling route marred only by the road condition. #ERYC Pot holes, uneven repairs and gravel meant more attention than necessary was required for safe passage.

Along the way we passed a herd of short horn cattle who seemed to get caught up in the excitement of our procession and proceeded to stampede through their field in pursuit. The sight of hundreds of pounds of prime beef galloping alongside was quite impressive and no Matthew I’m not referring to you! Although….. you’d better take care if Stephen ever invites you on a tour of his work!

The climb out of the valley up to the roman road presented us with a spectacular view across the countryside bringing to mind the Carpenter’s song 🎶I’m on top of the Wolds, looking down on creation 🎶 Now that we had reached the “summit” it was nearly all downhill to Millington. On the final stretch it was time to engage the biggest gear and get in to “aero” position (a bit like a nip and tuck but without the surgery) just don’t miss the turn off to Millington as you fly down like a speeding cruise missile.

At the Ramblers Rest there were a number of other cyclists already ensconced however the twelve Knights were still able to gather round the table(s) to consume their goodies. All too soon it was time to face the chill once again as we set off along Millington Dale to return home via Huggate, Warter, Londesborough and Kiplingcotes. A superb route which I’m sure we will cover again.

The Red Arrows display team were not available so it was up to the Blues from Beverley to put on a good show. The pilots assembled in Caistor ready for the flight around the Lincolnshire Wolds. The route for today’s performance was laid down by Group Captain Pugwash.

The display team consisted of Air Commodore Neil, Air Vice-Marshal Heather, Group Captain Pugwash, Wing Commander Mark, Squadron Leader Matthew and Flight Lieutenant Bob. Once pre-flight checks were completed it was time to set off. Heading west on the North Kelsey Road the Squadron set a strong pace right from the off, led by AC Neil and GC Pugwash.

The low level flying formation continued as we passed through Moortown and on to Nettleton now with SL Matthew and WC Mark taking to the front. Now that the engines were beginning to warm up it was time for the first power climb of the day. If you were not warmed up yet, the maximum 16% gradient would certainly set you up for the day. Reaching the plateau at Nettleton top, we were presented with a wonderful vista across Lincolnshire to the west and a chance for a bit of camera posing.

Following the “golf ball” flyby, it was time for the power dive down into Walesby. Reaching speeds around 35mph made for quite an exhilarating run, although a bit scary at the same time. Fortune favours the bold as they say. Mind you, they also say there are no old bold pilots! The excitement continued with a loop around Tealby then on to Sixhills, an appropriate name as we encountered another 10% ramp on the approach.

More low flying towards South Willingham gave a chance to recover before the next power climb on Donnington Road. FL Bob made the early running, out of the saddle and on to the front. Not to be outdone, AVM Heather suddenly lit the after-burners to make a passing impression of Beryl Burton as she headed to the front.

Turning back to the North and into the wind the flight path became undulating like a roller-coaster in a fairground. The adverse wind did nothing to deter the echelon, as the rumble from the innards drove us onwards to the refuelling stop at Binbrook. The temperature was just about bearable to allow us to sit outside. Panninis and Baked Potatoes were the popular fuel of choice to warm the insides and with the sun putting in a late appearance, provided some welcome warmth on the outside too.

The final leg of the journey continued with the Roller-coaster run as we headed east to Wold Newton then north through Hatcliffe to Beelsby. Great enjoyment was had trying maintain the downward momentum into the next ramp upwards, however, by the time we turned south west to Croxby and Thoresway, some legs were beginning to scream. The sight of yet another 6-10% gradient on the way to Rothwell suddenly looked rather daunting. On reaching the top, Squadron Leader decided to throw caution to the wind and set a strong pace in an attempt to return to base as quick as possible. A radio communications failure saw the leading flight miss the turn off to Whitegate Hill which would have taken us on an easy cruise down into Caistor, instead we all him followed to the main A46.

Superb countryside, quiet roads, hills and thrills made for a wonderful day out on the Bike. I’m sure we will revisit in the not too distant future.

🎶 Roll uuuup, roll up for the mystery tour 🎶… and roll up they did, with fourteen high rollers turning out despite not knowing what the game was going to be. The “great Raymondo” was keeping his cards close to his chest. “What game are we playing today Raymondo?” prompted the grand reveal.

“Head out to South Dalton then over Bracken to Tibthorpe, Huggate then Warter and Nunburnholme before deciding which cafe to head for” he said. There was some reluctance to set the “ball rolling” as the sun shining brightly warmed the backs of all the players.

Eventually it was “wagons roll” as Mark and Matthew set the early pace. The first to throw down some “high stakes” was Dave as he made an effort to register a best time for the sprint section. His gambit was somewhat hampered starting from behind as he weaved a way through the bunch to reach the front only to be trumped by Jenny who set the best time for the day.

The players then rolled their way through Etton and on to South Dalton before crossing by the pond to reach the Bracken road. A southerly wind saw some of the leading players up the stakes as the pace increased causing a split in the peloton. On reaching the Bainton turn off there was a short pause to regroup before the next “hand” was dealt.

The high stakes resumed as the gamblers started the slog up to Tibthorpe and on to Huggate. The “smooth rolling” took a rocky turn as the road surface became more like the surface of the moon in places.

On the approach to Huggate, an impromptu “Sprint” started between Mark and Dave with Chris deciding to join in as well. Spying a gap between the leading two, Chris played his trump card and tried to sneak through the middle, only to find the gap closing. This resulted in a clash of wheels, with Chris taking a tumble like pair of dice on a craps table.

Picking himself up afterwards, he was a bit shaken and suffering some impressive road rashes. I’m sure there will be some impressive bruises to follow but at least the damage was only superficial, which is more than can be said for his bike. The front wheel was buckled forcing him to abandon. A plan was then hatched for some of the players Mark, Dave, Andy and Matthew to return home and fetch a “broom wagon”. The Admiral meanwhile set off to cafe Hobson’s in Huggate where a very kind proprietor turned out to lend assistance to bring in the injured.

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At least that was one way to settle the cafe stop as we all settled in to sample the wares on offer and keep Chris company as he waited “rescue”. Having been made so welcome and with lovely cakes, I’m sure we’ll be back again soon. In the meantime and unbeknownst to us, Mark had suffered a puncture on the way to North Dalton. After repairing, he returned to Huggate to rejoin our group but hadn’t realised we were in the cafe so continued to follow the original route……. including Nunburnholme Hill.

With the broom wagon on the way, the rest of the players returned home via North Dalton and Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Roll on the next adventure!

🎶In the bleak midwinter…. 🎶 At least it felt it, as the cold easterly winds continue to blow our way. Thank you Scandinavia, but we’ve had enough now. Time for some proper spring weather. Our eight daughty Knights were joined by newbie “Chad” who turned up with military precision and was ready and waiting.

With Matt dreaming of the afternoon tea on offer at the Spotted Duck, we decided to fulfil his desires and head into the wind towards Fitling. No sooner had we set off and a light hail shower started. For a brief second, I’m sure we all thought about scuttling off home. Fortunately it was short lived and we continued our way along Weel road to Tickton.

With the wind whistling over the ears it made conversation difficult as we headed to Meaux and on to Skirlaugh. While heading along Skirlaugh Road to Old Ellerby an electric vehicle crept up behind the group. With no safe place to pass, the driver showed a lack of patience by mounting two wheels on the grass verge in an effort to force a way through. The sudden appearance of the passing car caused the group to brake quickly and in the confusion, a touch of wheels caused Jenny to hit the deck.

Some choice words were exchanged, pointing out the driver’s error and lack of consideration. Jenny, meantime was recovering from the shock and rueing the damage to her bib tights. As we were about to get underway once more, it became apparent that Jenny’s bike had suffered damage as well and she was unable to change gear forcing her to abandon and return home with Dave.

The rest of the group continued onwards, passing the front of Burton Constable as the “Captain’s compass” led unerringly to Humbleton and Fitling. Following the chill of the air outside, the temperature in the Spotted Duck felt like walking into an oven.

There were a number of patrons already ensconced inside and with the addition of our group followed shortly by the Bike Cave cycling group, the staff had their work cut out to keep everyone happy. Eventually, it was time to face the cold once more but with the consolation of the sun breaking through the clouds and a following wind to chase us on the way home.

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Initially retracing our route to Pasture Lane, we then turned towards Sproatley and round the back of Burton Constable. Along the way, Bob almost came a cropper as he got spooked by an agricultural vehicle coming in the opposite direction completely filling the whole road. Visions of becoming impaled on the forks sticking out the front probably flashed before his eyes as he suddenly veered off onto the verge. Impressive bike handling skills managed to keep him upright while the tractor driver showed quick reactions and pulled over onto the verge in time to allow us safely through.

The road home saw us passing through Coniston and following the back roads to Swine before retracing our steps to Routh where Chad left to head home to Leven while the rest returned to Beverley.

“On yonder Hill there stood a coo, it’s no there noo, it must have shifted “. These words are falsely attributed but widely believed to have been penned by the so called worst Scottish poet William Mcgonagal. Today however, the “coo” in question, was our destination of the Ginger Cow café near Everingham.

Eight Knights turned up at Market Cross, although almost missing the boat were dave&jenny.lastminute.com+1. Setting off to follow our usual exit route to Etton, confusion set in early when Bob chucked a spanner in the works by suggesting heading along the Molescroft road, quickly followed by Matt proposing to take the Westwood climb. The Captain’s compass was subsequently sent in a spin as he immediately turned into the wrong junction, much to the hilarity of everyone, pedestrians included.

Normal service was soon resumed as we headed towards Etton and Kiplingcotes. The following wind may have helped our progress but did little to warm the cockles. The beautiful sunshine did however, brighten the countenance of everyone we passed, with cheery waves and shouts of “good morning”.

Soon we came to Market Weighton where confusion arose once more, as the Captain became unsure of his bearings despite the signpost pointing clearly to Londesborough. Eventually order was restored and we set off in the right direction. Mike, needing to be home early, left the group at the A614 roundabout, while the rest continued to Intake Hill and a chance to generate some body heat with Bob and Mark leading the way.

Next up was the long drop down towards Burnby. The enjoyment of the swift descent was interrupted part way down as a lorry heading the opposite way forced everyone to stop or creep past. Once safely across the “main road” at Hayton, we soon arrived at the Ginger Cow cafe.

Too cold to sit out, so we headed for the warmth inside. The new menus looked interesting although with no Chips, Chris would have been disappointed. Matt, eschewing his usual caramel latte, went for the healthier option of a vegetable smoothie. With plates of beans also on the table, much amusement was had at the prospect of what type of wind to expect on the return home.

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The Captain’s compass went awry again (too much iron in the diet 😉) as we reached Everingham almost sending Michael right to Bielby instead of turning left to Harswell. Fortunately the “crew” were alert and pointed out the error.

Heading into the teeth of the wind, Bob, Matt and David on the front maintained an impressive speed to lead us to North Cliffe. The return route saw us heading up Common Hill and through Hotham to South Newbald. Then came the BIG decision, to Trundle or not to Trundle. Amid much harrumphing and encouragement we headed vertically up the local equivalent of Mount Eiger ⛰️, at least it felt like it as we huffed and puffed our way to the summit. After that it was all downhill into Walkington and return home.

Seems to have been the topic of the day as the Knights headed to Burton Constable for Friday’s ride.