Is it a holiday…is it a Sunday…no it was just a good turn out for a warm sunny Friday ride, or in the words of General Custer “Holy Mackerel, look at all those bike-mobiles”. Today’s suggested café stop was the Bike Cave in Driffield. Accompanying Bikeman and Rayban, were another eleven villainous groupies. The number proved a little unlucky initially as every traffic light, vehicle and pedestrian tried to inhibit our smooth passage round to Weel bridge.

With a light south westerly warming our rear and  aiding our progress, we were off like a rocket and soon arrived at Leven then Brandesburton. Having reached the outer stratosphere, it was time to offload the first of the spent fuel capsules as Bane and Catwoman peeled off to return back to earth. A brief sprint up the main road saw us onto the Bewholme road. This was the meteor belt as we dodged potholes and other road defects. It proved too much for Rayban, who had to call a halt to investigate mechanical problems with his bike-mobile. Once sorted, we were off again accompanied by mutterings of “fat tyres” and “state of the roads” from the Riddler.

The solar winds continued to assist our progress until Skipsea, where we turned west towards Beeford and into a slight headwind. Stopping outside the Tiger Inn, it was time to contact mission control at the Bike Cave to advise of our imminent arrival and refuelling requirements. Despite the adverse wind, progress was swift with Iceman leading the way through North Frodingham and Wansford, only relenting on reaching Driffield. 

At the Bike Cave, the Penguin and Mr Freeze carried on, while the rest docked our bike-mobiles and got ready for our well earned replenishment. While waiting, there was a chance for some to visit the bike shop at the rear to engage in a bit of bike porn with Iceman and the Riddler comparing the size of their tyres. Boys will be boys. Good service and good food and bike parking will see the Bike Cave added to our list of regular café stops.

For the return journey we headed to Skerne and Hutton Cranswick before following familiar routes home through Bracken, South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton. 

It was a dull start to the day, unlike Raymond’s proposed route to TJ’s . There was the usual gathering of Dad’s Army characters plus a few others who’d managed to blag time off from work.  Seven Knights set off from Market Cross meeting up with Neil, Heather & Lesley at Manor House. Greetings in French peppered the air as the Admiral practiced his language skills ahead of a forthcoming trip chez Powers. Only thing missing was the beret and onions hanging off the handlebars (and the sunshine).

The gallant knights and damsels set off through Cherry Burton and Etton and on the Spring road towards Market Weighton. There was a brief stop at the top of Red lane to regroup and recover. For some it was a chance to slip off into the undergrowth in search of another form of relief while the rest of the group set off on the sweep down to the Goodmanham road and onto Londesborough where it was time for the first climb of the day of Intake hill up to the Burnby junction. After a lot of huffing and puffing we all made it safely to the top.

Dave W leaving the “lectern”

Time for a breather

Dave W was spotted standing behind a signboard looking like he was ready to deliver the sermon on the mount. Luckily for us he was only checking out the displayed info. Just in case he changed his mind, we set off at a gallop down to Burnby.

A nice flat run along to Nunburnholme was enough to get the legs ready for our next climb up Back lane. At the bottom, a sign said it was 10%, however at the top there was a sign saying it was a 12% for the descent. However steep it was, it came as a bit of a surprise to Raymond, who in the words of Monty Python and the Spanish Inquisition said “I wasn’t expecting that”. On reaching Warter, there was a brief respite from the climbing until reaching Mill lane before the long slog up to Huggate.

Once we were all together again, it was time to phone ahead with our lunch order. Setting out from Huggate to Tibthorpe, Corporal Jones took the lead. Maybe it was the smell of the bacon cooking or the thought that they might run out of scones before getting there or just that he likes to be first in the queue. At one point an impromptu chain gang formed to chase him down reaching speeds of 35mph. The last stage of the journey from Tibthorpe through Southburn and Hutton Cranswick was a less hectic affair except for the rush to the loos on arrival at TJs.

Our return journey along Bracken road was uneventful until passing along Mere Lane where a loud bang made us all jump. It was quickly followed by another, leading to some hilarity in the group about “darn rabbits” and cries of “ouch he got me”! Passing the duck pond, the resident goslings are getting bigger but still occupying the edge of the road.  

Another wonderful ride with enough climbing for any mountain goats and lovely downward sweeps as a reward.

It was a cool misty start for our ten knights at Market Cross this morning where route master Raymondo produced a menu of options, with three routes to Fiddle Drill and one for TJ’s. The starter menu was agreed, to proceed to Middleton-on-the-Wolds before deciding on the main course. Those with a lesser sense of direction (don’t tell ’em your name Jim) opted to play follow my leader.

Taking familiar routes, we set off over the Westwood to Cherry Burton, Etton and Holme-on-the-Wolds. The few little hills on the way giving early indication who was on the tortoise team from those on the hare team. On reaching the junction to Kiplingcotes, Mike decided to take early retirement from the group and head home. Corporal Jones was the leading hare on the run into Middleton. Once all regrouped, there was unanimous selection of the Warter road menu choice. “What a road” it was too. Must be one of the worst road surfaces we’ve traversed. For some, it was the first time they had tasted this course, so despite the early roughness we all enjoyed it.

Somewhere along this section the tortoises hatched a cunning plan to block one of the hares at the back while the rest of the hare gang zoomed off into the distance, except for corporal Jones keeping a lonely vigil somewhere between the two groups. With the hare gang taking a rest at Nunburnholme top, the tortoises eventually caught up allowing the back marking hare to pass on the long sweep down into Londesborough. The chase was then on. Corporal Jones setting a cracking pace with Captain Pugwash in hot pursuit. However, just like the greyhound chasing the rabbit, every time the Cap’n looked like gaining, the Corporal put down some more watts to maintain his lead.

After regrouping again at the A614 roundabout, it was off for the final run through Market Weighton to Goodmanham and the café stop at Fiddle Drill. Scones with jam and cream seemed to be a popular selection for the sweet course, which left Norman lamenting his choice of packaged energy bar.

Refuelled and ready for the off

How to squeeze 8 into a table for 6

Heading up the Goodmanham road

On completion of refuelling, Chopper and Jenny decided to forgo the afters and left the group for another early afternoon rendezvous. The remaining seven returned on the same roads as the outward journey.

Beautiful sunshine greeted the five “retired” knights this morning. Seems others were way-laid by something called “work”. The route to North Dalton and Bainton with café stop at TJ’s suggested by Foggy (Alan) was agreed. A little excitement threatened to delay the start with a police presence on Lairgate blocking the road while they slapped handcuffs on a miscreant. However the road cleared just as we set off to head out over the Westwood on the Newbald road.

Foggy set the early pace with Smiler (Pugwash) and Compo (Jim) close behind. A stop at Manor House was called to allow Cleggy (Norman) and Howard (Raymond) to catch up. Once together, it was on to Cherry Burton and Etton. With little wind to speak of, a steady pace was maintained. The route then took us through South Dalton, Middleton-on-the-Wolds and North Dalton. With the “climbing” now mostly behind us, we followed a flattish route through Bainton and Southburn with Foggy out ahead seemingly on a mission. At Southburn we almost came a cropper with the road surface being all dug up ready for repairing.  After gingerly picking our way through, it was off to Hutton Cranswick and the café stop at TJ’s.

Last of the Summer Wine

Sitting in the sunshine with us “pensioners” discussing the merits of the retired lifestyle, brought to mind the theme for this ride. This was enhanced when “Marina” appeared from the café and planted a kiss on the cheek of Cleggy. Perhaps she should have gone to specsavers as I always thought Howard was the object of her affections!

The return journey saw us taking the familiar route through Bracken to South Dalton and Etton. A quick burst of power up Dalton and Etton ramp had Foggy wondering where Smiler was hiding the electric motor. Back at Cherry Burton, Foggy left the group while the others continued into Beverley before proceeding homewards.

A very enjoyable ride with great company and a good mixture of climbing early on and flatter sections later. With very light winds it felt like a head wind all the way round. 

Looks like our brief spell of summer weather is rapidly coming to an end. How many layers do we require today? I think I had three rig changes before settling on base layer and top. It appears that most were similarly attired.  Among the dozen assembled knights, was Paul a new member introduced by “Stormin” Norman, recently returned from his winter hibernation in sunnier climes. 

With route master Raymond in absentia, Rear Admiral Heather proposed today’s route, a reverse of Thursday night’s ride. Leading us out over the Westwood on the Newbald road, Heather bagged herself another “Queen of the Mountains” Strava segment. While regrouping at Walkington stables, Mike’s ride was rudely interrupted by a call from work. Never mind only 6 weeks to go. How will they ever manage without you? 

Turning into Burton Gates, we were then exposed to a light South-South-Easterly fine on the port bow. At Walkington, we took the back road towards our main climb of the day, Bluestone Bottoms. Pirate Jim set off at the front on a forward recon followed by Corporal Jones and R.A. Heather. Captain Pugwash briefly jumped into second place before being pegged back into fourth prior to regrouping at White Gap Lane crossroads.

Next on the horizon was Comberdale hill with Alan taking up the pace making. Half way up, the wind turned more towards the port beam. Once over the top it was on to the long sweep down into South Cave. When all together again, it was full sail including spinnakers with wind now on the port quarter. Master Mate Mike and Captain Pugwash took up the pace setting through to North Cave.

Taking in the scenery in Hotham park

From there we took the path through Hotham park and Common hill to Cliffe road. On a lovely smooth sea and wind now on the starboard quarter the pace to Market Weighton was high before grinding to a halt at the A1079 junction waiting for a break in the traffic before crossing into town. “Nautical Nitwits” don’t they know steam gives way to sail!!

The next climb facing us was up the Goodmanham road. Alan once again made the initial dash for the café but having expended a lot of energy leading along Cliffe road, was pipped at the post by Mike. On taking the refreshment orders names were written down, however “Pugwash” had been written down as bogwash causing some hilarity at the captain’s table.

The Rear Admiral’s Table with Norman Paul, Heather, Russ, David, Mike,

The Captain’s table with Sharrin, Jim, Shaun, Pugwash & Lesley.

The return journey continued up the Goodmanham road to Kiplingcotes race course road where we then had an adverse wind direction for the remainder of the route through Etton and Cherry Burton. Another superb ride with wonderful company. 

Our trusty Friday navigator was feeling under the weather this morning and was not able to make the start. A flat steady ride had been proposed with Capt’n Pugwash suggesting Burton Agnes as a possible destination. Admiral Neil stepped in to map out the route for the seven Knights who met at Market Cross including three of our fair maidens. The weather forecast was favourable with light south-westerly winds.

Departing Beverley along Norwood towards Tickton, the fleet ground to an early halt at the cycle path cross over when a continuous stream cars appeared to be heading into Beverley. Eventually one kind person stopped to let our group across the road. After a breather at Whitecross roundabout, it was off through Leven and on to Brandesburton. With a nice wind on the port quarter filling the sails a good steady pace was maintained. On reaching North Frodingham, it was time to consult the chart to reconfirm the route before heading for Foston-on-the-Wolds. From there it was through Great Kelk and Gransmoor before reaching the far east port of Burton Agnes. With quiet roads and a favourable wind the passage was smooth and ideal for cycling.

Russell managing to not be included in the cafe photo at Burton Agnes by being too laid back.

On arriving at the café, we found Corporal Jones had played a flanker by entering the back door via Shady Lane while the rest took the longer route to the front door. Once we were all served, it was a chance to sit in the sun and for the Admiral to recover from the shock of the mortgage required to pay for such meagre fare. I’d thought it was only us Scots with a reputation for being canny with the bawbees, however since the Scots raided this far south some genes must have been passed on!

The return journey was a tougher prospect with generally adverse winds, though fortunately light. The road surface on the section through Harpham and Lowthorpe required a lot of attention with frequent shouts of “pothole” piercing the air. Once back at Wansford, we were onto more familiar roads taking us to Skerne and Hutton Cranswick. The openness of the land around Burnbutts lane exposed the fleet to the full force of the wind. Time to tuck in and hold the wheel of the one in front.

On the way back from Burton Agnes Cafe with The Captain, Russell, Alan, Sharrin, Lesley and Heather

Corporal Jones & Captain Pugwash

The drop down towards Bracken farm gave a welcome break if only temporarily. From there we followed our usual return through South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton.

Overall a very good day in the saddle with pleasant weather and company to match. 

Heather arriving into Cherry Burton

Sharrin in chase

Photo bomber Russel catching Lesley on the way into Cherry Burton