October Revolutions

By Leave a Comment

Well that’s October rolling in already bringing along with it some distinctly autumnal weather, which of course has curtailed a number of the recent club rides. However all is not gloom and doom with the sun putting in a welcome appearance for this Fridays ride to Allerthorpe.

Eleven Knights plus one guest rider gathered at Etton under brilliant blue skies with a few scudding “mares tail” clouds. The dress code for the day was more like morse code, a few longs and a few shorts with the temperature just in double digits. The group set off towards Kiplingcotes passing “Grannies Attic” on the approach to our first major climb of the day, Arras Hill. Not too steep but soon had us all spread out with just a steady incline around 2-3% then ramping up briefly to 5% before leveling off near the main road.

After regrouping at the top we set off once more towards Sancton. Unfortunately the road was strewn with shingle and mud from “tractoring” and unlucky for Chad as he picked up a puncture just before the final descent. At this point the “breakaway” were too far ahead to notice. The rest of us waited while Chad set about the repair. Just as we’d set off to continue, Colin, Graham and Chris appeared having just climbed back up the hill to see what had happened. 😁

Leaving Sancton we headed for North Cliffe then along Sand Lane to the Market Weighton road before turning off to Harswell. At this point Ed must have been feeling pangs of hunger as he shot off the front like a donkey chasing the elusive carrot. He was not alone though as Seadog chased him down clinging onto his tail. The final leg of the outward journey took us through Everingham and Bielby then over the Pocklington canal to Allerthorpe Lake park.

For the return journey we retraced our steps back over the canal but then turned towards Hayton. After crossing the busy main road we headed to Burnby followed by the steady ascent to Londesborough before plunging down then up the other side of Intake Hill.

After a final regrouping we continued towards Market Weighton picking up the Spring Road to Kiplingcotes and back to Etton and home to end another enjoyable day in the saddle.

Friday The 13th

By Leave a Comment

There was no sign of paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday 13th) this morning as 11 Knights turned up at Market Cross for a 50 mile ride with a cafe stop at Hutton Cranswick Farm Shop.

In fact there was more superstition surrounding Michael’s proclamation that he was riding his new bike which our recently departed friend Iain assured him had never suffered a puncture. Given Michael’s recent history in that department it was brave of him to “tempt fate”. Cue multiple mock expressions of disbelief along with promises to carry extra spare inner tubes.

No sooner had the ride set off when we ground to a halt at the railway crossing where we had a “double whammy” of trains passing before continuing our way towards Weel bridge and onwards to Tickton. Picking up the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout the ride meandered through Leven and Brandesburton before reaching the Bewholme road. Turning off on to the road to Dunnington we headed to Skipsea Brough. Along the way though, we got into a “dog fight” when a little “ankle biter” Jack Russel appeared on the road and made aggressive moves towards Pug. Fortunately his bark was worse than his bite and no harm was done (touch wood).

As we regrouped at Skipsea Brough someone suggested that the Wansford bridge was so closed but with a bit of luck (fingers crossed) we may find a way across. Up to that point we had enjoyed the light airs on our backs and the sun in our faces however once we started to head towards Beeford, the “light air” felt more like a breeze. After Beeford, the ride turned towards Foston-on-the-Wolds and on to Wansford where we found the bridge was definitely still closed. “Oh balderdash” cried our route master (or words to that effect). “Sorry men, we’ll have to head up to Driffield and back to Skerne”.

Splitting into two chain gangs we set off on our extended journey. Entering Driffield we were once again held up by a passing train. As we waited at the back of the queue, Dave 💧 🏠 shot off to the front. “He’s gone to ‘conduct’ the train out of the way” suggested one wag. The final leg of the outward journey took us through Skerne to Hutton Cranswick. Eight Knights stopped at the Farm Shop cafe while the other three continued home.

The homeward journey saw us taking our usual route over Bracken to South Dalton (except for Colin who headed to North Dalton) and Etton and Cherry Burton to complete another very enjoyable ride in great company.

Here Comes The Sun

By Leave a Comment

… and what better place to go than the seaside. As the eighteen Knights gathered at Market Cross Raymond must have thought “Is it my birthday or are you all just pleased to see me back?”

Splitting into smaller groups, we set off through town to the Weel Bridge with Colin leading the “breakaway” group. At Tickton Grange we regrouped after trying to cross the busy road. “PEEEEEP!!!” Oops who was that we wondered incurring the wrath of an impatient driver. “He was going too fast” explained Neil sheepishly as he joined those already waiting. Once we were all safely across there seemed a reluctance to set off again as everyone was enjoying the blazing 🌞 and general chit chat. Eventually Chris took up the lead in the “breakaway” group until taking up “lollipop duties” at the junction to High Farm. Karl then took up pace setting at the front until the next regroup approaching Leven.

After a short breather Pugwash took off as front runner. Honest I was only trying to get ahead to take some “action shots”. Turns out there was a drama unfolding behind as DJ came off the worse following an “argument” with the pavement kerb. Luckily the only damage was to his pride as he was able to continue the ride.

After passing through Brandesburton we headed for the quieter road via Nunkeeling and Dunnington to Skipsea Brough where we paused once more to regroup.

Turning south we carried on to Bewholme along quiet single track country roads, enjoying the light breeze on our back and the sun in our face, eventually leading us past the Honeysuckle Farm and into Hornsea. Our cafe of choice for today was the Floral Hall where they coped well with the sudden arrival of horde of hungry cyclists.

Having devoured our refreshments, thoughts turned to the route home. “Which way are we going Ray?” we asked our route master. “We have two choices today” he declared. “First option is go to Mappleton and turn right towards Great Hatfield. Second is for anyone wanting a slightly longer route to carry on to Cowden and Withernwick. I’m turning off at Mappleton!” When it came to “decision time” it looked like everyone was going to follow suit but at the last minute four Knights opted for the longer route and better road surface offered by going via Cowden.

By this time the wind had changed direction, blowing lightly from the east helping us along the way. While the main “peloton” passed through Great and Little Hatfield to Long Riston, the breakaway group arrived at the same point via Withernwick and Rise. The final leg home took both groups through Arnold to Beningholme before reaching the Meaux road leading to Routh and back along the cycle path Tickton. It was another great day out with perfect cycling conditions and wonderful to see so many Knights turn out.

Goodlads Hunmanby Ride

By Leave a Comment

Eight Knights plus one guest Gary, met up at Market Cross at the earlier time of 9am. Following our usual route through town towards Weel Bridge we encountered little traffic and with the wind at our back progress was swift 🚨🚨🚔 too swift for some it seems. “Do you know what speed you were doing sir?” Jon asked incredulously before adding “22MPH!”.”Honest guv, I was only following the wheel in front”. Easing off the pedal (a little) we continued our journey to Tickton and Leven where Chad joined in the fray as we headed to North Frodingham, Beeford then Great Kelk and Little Kelk.

Stopping on Moor Lane we took the opportunity to reserve our table at the Pot Still cafe at the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery. Shortly after, we reached Burton Agnes…..and here endeth the flat lands. As we skirted round Burton Agnes Hall we headed into unknown territory for most of us except for Karl who must have picked up the scent of coffee ☕️ wafting in the air and set off like a foxhound in search of his quarry with the rest of the pack baying at his heels. After passing Rudston we continued north towards Reighton before the final run into Hunmanby.

During lunch Karl enquired “You haven’t recced this route have you?” referring to Hunmanby Hump. “How bad can it be?”. We soon found out. No sooner had we left the cafe when we came face to face with the “WALL”. Not quite the North face of the Eiger but a stiff little tester reaching 12-13% climbing 32m in just 360m. Suddenly there was a whirring of gears, like the sound of the paparazzi trying to capture the the appearance of a supermodel, as everyone scrambled to find a suitable climbing ratio. With lunch still lying heavily in our bellies there was not going to be any racing up this hill.

The next section was once again flattish but directly into the wind as we rode through Wold Newton, Butterwick, Weaverthorpe and Helperthorpe where we eventually turned south west to Sledmere and back to more familiar roads. After tackling Limekiln hill and over the Monument “bump” we were “rewarded” with the lovely long descent into Garton on the Wolds. From there, we followed our usual route home via Kirkburn, Bracken and South Dalton.

Riding The Blues

By Leave a Comment

Blue skies complimenting the blue of the club kit greeted the Knights as a larger group than we’ve seen on recent Sundays gathered at Market Cross for a ride out to Withernsea and the Blue Light Weekend. Michael volunteered as ride leader for the day on our visit to his “old home town”.

Spirits were high as we followed our usual route out of town over the Weel bridge to Tickton where Jim joined us to make a round dozen. Following the cycle path to Routh we then turned south towards Meaux before picking up the road to Beningholme. So far so good but things took a different turn as we continued to Swine. As we came to a bend in the road, Michael suddenly veered off into what looked like a farmers field. Visions of taking their best Sunday bike through a ploughed field led to cries of consternation from the back of the pack, “Where’s he going?”. Fortunately, on the other side of the gate was a footpath leading to a segment of the Hornsea Rail Trail.

Emerging from the trail, we found ourselves riding past Ganstead golf club before heading through unfamiliar roads to Wyton and Preston. Always a bottleneck for traffic, it seemed even worse with the addition of traffic control for some road works. We did manage however to “wheedle” our way past and continued our journey to Burstwick and Withernsea.

After a look around on the sea front we set off again, this time heading northwest with a slight breeze in our favour towards Roos and Owstwick before reaching our cafe stop at the Spotted Duck in Fitling. The journey must have proved quite a trial for Ian as he ordered a stiff one. “Sorry sir we don’t have any cognac, but perhaps we have some whisky” he was informed. “Ooh that will do fine……. for medicinal purposes you understand” he intimated.

While seated around the outside tables enjoying the food and the company, Jim began to get itchy feet and decided to set off home ahead of the group. “I’ll come with you” declared Ian. Just as they were about to depart Neil piped up “Hey Jim, have you paid for your tea?”. After “sheepishly” settling their debts they set off, unfortunately neither having much idea of the route home, a case of the blind leading the blind. Checking afterwards, it would have been quicker if they’d waited for the peloton.

The homeward journey went well with the wind mostly behind us as we pedalled through Aldborough then turning to Withernwick, Rise and Long Riston where we picked up the main Hornsea road briefly to Whitecross roundabout and the cycle path back to Routh and Tickton. It was another wonderful day out on the bike, superb weather, great company and a good route despite the few ‘unusual’ aspects.

Over The Bridge

By Leave a Comment

“Meet at Etton 10am” declared our illustrious leader. “Route out of Etton, turn right to South Dalton, over the bridge and turn left…”. At this point we were all confused. “Bridge? What bridge?”

The “mystery” must have intrigued many of us with 15 Knights turning up at the start point. “Where’s this bridge then Neil?” we asked waiting patiently for the explanation. A few minutes later, still none the wiser, we set off towards South Dalton. As we came to the bottom of the hill on the approach to South Dalton where the road crosses Beck’s Drain, “There it is!” cried Neil triumphantly. Underwhelmed would probably describe all of our reactions as someone shouted out “Call that a bridge?!”

With the “mystery” cleared, we turned left towards Kiplingcotes passing Dalton Park before turning onto the Kiplingcotes Race Course road and the climb up to Cross Gate. Somewhere along the climb, Jim noticed his bike computer had fallen off and turned back to look for it. It was not until we reached North Dalton that we realised Jim and Colin were still not with us. “They’ve gone back to look for Jim’s computer” somebody informed us.

After waiting a few minutes, Neil started looking at his watch. “We can’t wait too long. We don’t want to miss the poached eggs” he claimed before continuing on to Bainton then adding “Anyway they know where we’re going”. At the same time Michael decided to go on a wild goose chase and headed back to look for Jim and Colin. He got back to Middleton-on-the-Wolds with no sign of the twosome before abandoning his “search”. Unfortunately for him the two “computer hunters” had gone back into Etton in their forlorn search for the missing device then taken a completely different route to the cafe.

Meanwhile the main group headed from Bainton to Hutton Cranswick and the farm shop cafe where we were due to meet up with Mel and Val. Sitting around the table Neil began to wonder where Mel was. “You told him 1145 it’s now only 1130”. It was not long before Michael arrived followed by Colin and Jim dripping in sweat to regale us with tales of the search.

After the cafe stop some of the group took a longer route home via Huggate while the rest followed our usual route home. Soon after leaving the cafe, Pugwash began to realise there was something wrong with his cleats. As we headed down to Bracken farm, Puggy was unable to release the left side cleat and had to resort to the unfamiliar right side. Arriving at Cherry Burton he took the opportunity to get some help to release the offending attachment. Turns out that two of the three holding screws had fallen out. “No problem” suggested someone “Just take one screw from the right side”. Well it was a great idea, until we found there was also one screw missing from the right as well. “Now what do we do?” In the end Puggy decided to try and ride home with no cleat on the left. After slipping off the pedal a number of times climbing “Grannies Hump”, off came the shoe finishing the ride with just a sock on one side.

Here endeth another memorable ride with the Beverley Knights.

Game Of Thrones July 2024

By Leave a Comment

My Lords & Ladies, welcome to the latest news on the “battle” for the EasterRiding “Triple Crown”. Sir Michael has his hands firmly gripped on the “Sprint” crown since April, “whipping” his steed into a sweaty lather to set a fantastic “olympian” target time of 52 secs giving an average speed of 60.1 km/hr. Coming close on his heels though Sir Chad set an equally impressive time of 55 secs giving him a speed of 56.8 km/hr. But hold onto your saddles my trusty nobles, who is that racing out of the stables to grab third place with a time of 59 sec? Why it’s Sir Jim, proving that age is no barrier, galloping along at 52.9 km/hr.

Meanwhile over in the challenge for the “High Castle” 17 knights have so far taken up the gauntlet. Sir Graham must have thought he’d set an unassailable lead but his hold on the “crown” didn’t last long however as just ten days later Sir Sean set the bar even higher with an impressive time of 5:37m. Creeping up behind those two is Sir Pugwash cantering up the hill to take third place. Fortunately for those three they are all in different “categories”.

The “battle” of the two heavyweights Sir Sean and Sir Graham continues on the “Shark’s Tooth” time trial course where only five knights have so far “taken to the field”.

Though these valiant riders have set an impressive pace, the challenge is open to all members of our cycling club. Now is the time to summon your inner warrior and forge ahead, riding your noble steed with vigor, determination and skill. Awards will be made for the leading rider in each of the following categories; Men Under 40, 40-60, 60-70, 70+, Ladies 40-60, 60-70, will receive a trophy to be held for one year.

Ride to Castle Howard

By Leave a Comment

Seven Knights met for a long and hilly ride to Castle Howard. The route took in the climb up to Huggate followed by a drop down to Thixendale. Rising out of the valley towards Leavening we continued westerly into the wind to Barton-le-Willows before looping northwards to Castle Howard.

Our return route took in Malton, Settrington, West Lutton and Driffield then home. It was a tough but wonderful day out with 1350m of climbing covering 135km.

The Cats at the Fiddle

By Leave a Comment

In the absence of Raymond, this Friday’s ride was organised by top cat ‘Jenks’. “Meet at Walkington pond 10am for ride ‘over the hills and not too far away'”. Nine ‘cats’ arrived to bask in the morning sunshine in the bus shelter by the pond. Eventually it was time to ‘play’ and the ‘clowder’ set off in search of the ‘fiddle’.

To begin the days adventure, the ‘cats’ sidled up Kirk Lane in search of the high ground at the top of Bluestone Bottom. Continuing upwards, the ‘cats’ reached High Hunsley along Westoby Lane. Next up was a super wizz down into North Newbald putting smiles on the faces of the ‘cats’ as they ‘creamed’ it downhill. Soon it was time to start climbing again as the group set off to tackle Stoneknowle Hill.

After reaching High Gardham there was a brief “paws” as the ‘cats’ took time to admire the view before “licking” downhill to Low Gardham towards Etton. It was back to climbing as we turned towards Holme-on-the-Wolds, fortunately assisted by a slight following wind. The final leg saw the ‘cats’ sidling along the Middleton road before turning into the wind towards Goodmanham and the Fiddle Drill Cafe.

Suitably refreshed, the ‘cats’ began to return home. With the wind now behind, progress was relatively swift as they ‘slinked’ (is that a word?) along the Spring road. On reaching Etton West wood DaveH decided to ‘pounce’ and came ‘screeching’ past everyone like he was a cat in chase of a mouse. Caught up in the fervour of the chase, SteveG jumped on his tail following him like a GC contender protecting his time gap.

As we regrouped, Matt noted we were still one cat short. “Where’s Jonathan?” he asked. “Perhaps he’s got ‘stranded'” suggested one cat ‘amewsingly’. Eventually we realised he hadn’t left the cafe with us when someone suggested he’d gone to the loo while we’d set off. After waiting a while with no sign of him, Brian decided to return in search. As the rest waited and waited we began to think we’d lost Brian as well. With the hot sun burning down we decided it was too hot to hang around and continued on home through Etton and Cherry Burton.

🎶Nice ‘n’ Breezy…🎶

By Leave a Comment

Ships are queasy, it’s Raymond’s ride of joy🎶 Ha ha got you…. Bet you thought it was one of those naughty rugby songs. Well hello peeps, sorry its been a while since the last blog. It’s been a bit busy on the “Black Pig” of late.

Captain Greybeard “hoisted the flags” calling the “fleet” to action. “Meet at Market Cross 0945”. “There be treasure in the Eastern seas for which the citizens need relieving” he advised. The excitement was palpable as the “captains” gathered at the appointed hour…..but “Who’s the jester on a race bike, dressed in t-shirt and sweat pants sporting a can of Tesco’s finest…?” At least he kept us entertained before moving off to his next “target”.

The “fleet set sail” navigating their way through the “Straits of Beverley” heading eastwards via Weel Bridge to Tickton. After traversing the “A1035 rapids” progress was steady with the North westerly wind until reaching Routh. At this point, the “fleet tacked” southwards under full “press of sail” on Meaux Road until turning onto the Kidhill “strait”. On reaching Skirlaugh, captain Greybeard relinquished control of the fleet declaring “I’ve reached the limit of my charts. You’ll have to navigate your own way from now.”

The next leg saw the fleet on the “port tack” through Rise to Withernwick and on to Cowlam. At this point, the fleet split up into the separate groups to tackle the breezy head wind on the main road through Mappleton to Hornsea with the “Clipper Ships” in the lead convoy followed by the “Cruisers” and the “Battle Ships” bringing up the rear.

Arriving at the Floral Hall the “captains” began their “raid on the local treasures”. “Ooh I’ve worked up a right thirst” declared Ian, our newest “ship off the blocks” as he decided to start a new trend by raiding the beer fridge. “A BEER!?” queried some “But the sun is still well above the yardarm! Well that makes a change from the ‘rum ration'”.

As we returned to our “ships” we were greeted by a light spray over the bow prompting some to don sou’westers ready for an anticipated downpour which failed to materialise. After navigating our way out of Hornsea we turned North into the wind towards Bewholme. Michael took up the “flagship” position with everyone else happy to trail in his “wake” as we sailed close-hauled on the port tack.

Turning onto a broad reach, the pace picked up with Chris in front as the blue fleet skimmed along the “reach” like a Kingfisher seeking a new hunting ground. Brandesburton soon “hauled into view” where after regrouping the fleet continued onwards to Leven and back to home port of Beverley to complete another successful raid ride.