🎵Fallin’ on my head like…… 🎵 An unwanted guest at a dinner party. The forecast for the day was a bit mixed but that didn’t stop nine Knights from taking their chances to meet up at Etton for the proposed ride to Millington. While waiting for the “appointed hour”, route master Raymond suggested a change of destination due to the possible rain at Millington around midday, opting instead to stay more local with a ride to Hutton Cranswick.

While discussing the route we received a message from Michael advising he’d had a puncture at Cherry Burton and would catch up as soon as he can, “Oh and by the way where is Granny’s Attic?” he asked. “Well…” sighed Raymond exasperatedly “How many times have we passed that way before” he asked the assembled group. “I’ll send him a message giving the new route and cafe” chipped in Matthew. By the time “lastminute.com” arrived the ‘new’ route had been formulated. “So where are we going?” he asked innocently. “Sorry, but you weren’t here” cried someone mockingly. “But I’m here with time to spare. I demand to know!” he wailed getting his toys ready to throw. Just at that point “Army Dave” turned up to join us.

After waiting “beyond the start time” and no sign of Michael, “I’ll head back to meet him and see if he needs any help” offered Dave as the rest of us set off towards South Dalton. A little later as we were heading along Bracken lane we spotted a lone cyclist up ahead. By the time we reached the Lockington junction we realised it was Michael. “Where have you been?” we cried “Where have you been?” he retorted. “Oh and where’s Army Dave? He went to look for you”.

The ride then continued through Lockington towards Wilfholme. While traversing this narrow lane, we had to pull over to allow for passing traffic in both directions. As the car passed from behind there was a “whooping” and a “hollering” from the open window “Allez Allez” they cried “Anybody want bananas?”. Turned out they’d recognised us and were reprising a supporting role they’d played many moons ago.

After looping back towards Kilnwick we had to pull over once more as we were faced by an oncoming tractor filling the whole of the road. “Who suggested this road?” asked our route master rhetorically “It’s rubbish”. Eventually we returned to Bracken lane and the final leg to Cranswick Farm Shop.

Well so far so good, the roads had stayed dry as we arrived at the cafe where “Army Dave” eventually joined us after a lonely ride. While enjoying our refreshments, the forecast rain arrived and was beating down on the window panes. “Think I might get the train back” suggested Heather but after checking the train times decided to brave the conditions and return with the rest of us.

Donning our rain jackets (at least those who’d thought to bring one) for the journey home we were pleased to see the rain had eased slightly. Unfortunately it didn’t last long as it continued persisting it down all the way home.

“Weather forecast is showing rain for 1200” advised Matt “Can we meet at Etton with an earlier start time of 0900?” he added tentatively. Shortly after he must have had second thoughts. “Is 9 too early maybe 0930?” he asked. The replies poured in from those who could attend, “I’ll be there” was the general consensus “but what time?” queried Melvin. Eventually we settled on 0930. Unfortunately not everyone got the message. “It’s such a ‘Trial’ to get people on ‘Time'”. Someone had not read all the messages and arrived at 9am while some others ended up running late.

Thirteen knights turned out but as the appointed start time arrived “Where’s Colin?” asked someone “Hiding round the corner waiting until it’s 09:29:59” suggested another. In the end Matt invoked rule #87 “The ride always leaves on time” but not before sending a message advising of a change of route due to road closures.

Rolling “down the ramp” the ‘team’ set off towards Kiplingcotes and the climb up the race course road to Cross Gate. At the foot of the first climb there was a “whoosh” of yellow as Matty “Vingegaard” set off at pace to lead the bunch up the steepest section. Little did we know that he had an ulterior motive. As we reached the first junction, there was Matt performing the duties of traffic cop waving his arms around egging everyone on. “All clear” he declared allowing us to continue without stopping.

At the top of the climb we stopped to regroup before heading downhill heading towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Our next climb came soon after as we reached North Dalton and set off to Huggate. Part way through the upwards slog, Iain put in a rare spurt making his way forward through the peloton like a soigneur handing out bottles to team mates. “What’s he up to?” we thought. “Has he spotted some WOW girls?” Turns out he was close to a segment PB and decided to “go for it”.

After regrouping at Huggate it was time to enjoy the mostly downhill run to Tibthorpe followed by a flat section through Southburn to Cranswick. With rain forecast for early afternoon or was going to be “trial of time” to see if we could get home dry. However it didn’t stop us having a lovely lunch break at Manor Farm Shop.

For the route home we followed our usual track over Bracken lane to Mere Lane and South Dalton where the main road had been newly resurfaced turning the road into a gravel track. Somewhere between Etton and Cherry Burton we felt the first drops of rain threatening to fall. Fortunately we managed to get home before the ‘main event’.

Freshly returned from his jaunt into foreign climes, our resident tuk-tuk rider outlined his theories on our outward route. “Everything is the same but different” he began in typical professor speak. What followed was a detailed synopsis of twists and turns that explained how to reach our destination.

When the various knightly species had gathered at Etton, chairman Neil gave a timely reminder regarding splitting into groups on busy roads. “The designated road captains for today are Raymond and Zog” he advised before adding “and everyone should stay behind your captain”. At this point a huge grin appeared on the face of Raymond. “Well that will be novel” he surmised. “OK Zog pick your team” continued Neil. As Zog looked around at the Knights someone commented “Ooh this is like being back at school waiting to be picked for the football team”. Eventually we decided that ‘natural selection’ would be a better way to go.

Setting out from Etton we headed to South Dalton before turning along Mere Lane passing a young family of ducklings on the way by the pond. After reaching Bracken lane we turned North once more before picking up the Neswick road to lead us into Bainton. On reaching the busy B1246 it was time to implement ‘natural selection’ policy. This turned out to be the first six to reach the junction went with Zog while the rest stayed with Raymond. “We’ll regroup at Middleton-on-the-Wolds” he advised.

The first group set off with Zog taking his duty seriously. Nobody was going to pass him. In fact he began to set such a strong pace that those behind struggled to hold the wheel. With a few shouts from behind he eventually eased up enough to keep the group together. From North Dalton we continued over the rolling hills into Middleton-on-the-Wolds. After regrouping we set off for the final leg to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham with some spots of rain threatening to dampen the proceedings.

The group ‘natural selection’ continued in the cafe as we were offered two separate tables on opposite sides of the room. Once we were all suitably refreshed it was time to head home. “Let’s head back the way we came and then at the top turn right, down the hill then turn left to head through Dalton Park” advised Raymond.

Things went well until heading ‘down the hill’. At the left turn junction, Neil and Heather had decided to take the shorter route home and continued over the junction. Unfortunately those immediately behind had failed to heed the instructions and followed on like sheep despite Raymond’s best effort to direct them to the ‘right’ track. On reaching the bottom, the ‘sheep’ bleated “but Neil and Heather went that way”. “We should have turned left at the previous junction” said Raymond “but we can take this left turn instead”. That would have been fine, but since the road had been recently resurfaced with grit stone it made progress somewhat precarious until we returned to South Dalton.

Thereafter we followed our usual route home through Etton and Cherry Burton. The rain that threatened earlier failed to materialise leaving everyone to enjoy the rest of the ride home.

Day 6 was the final day of the Knights tour of Tuscany. The weather continued to be warm with light winds now from the west-north-west. Today’s route was a 42km circular with around 812m of climbing. Almost immediately after leaving Sienna the climbing began with a 1km ramp averaging 7%. Further lumpy bits ensued as they made their way north to Colombaio and Valiano. The route continued to Ponte a Bozzone and San Giovanni a Cerreto before reaching the furthest point east at San Piero.

Day 5 saw the Knights moving base camp from San Gimignano to Sienna some 40km to the south east. Passing back through Colle di Val d’Elsa then calling into Monteriggioni at the halfway point. The 2nd part of the day took in Il Ceppo and San Martino before arriving at Sienna. Another warm hilly day with light head winds so I’m sure the sight of that swimming pool was very welcome.

From the “new” base camp at San Gimignano the Knights set off for a slightly shorter 42km circular route. Initially heading south towards Castel San Gimignano where they were faced with the “highlight” of the day, a 14km climb over several Monte including La Bertesca, Colle Cavina, Poggio Porrione to the highest point on the Poggio Cornocchio. A final “clamber” over Poggio Pitte brought the crew back to base camp and some well earned refreshments.

20th June 2023 – Another hot and hilly ride today covering a distance of 60km with 1000m climbing. On this occasion the Knights headed west, first to Castellina in Chianti before a little jaunt north to Sicelle. Resuming the westward tour passing through San Donato in Poggio and Barberino Val d’Elsa followed by a short recovery section south to Poggibonsi, eventually finishing in San Gimignano.

19th June 2023 A slightly shorter 36km ride today, however with just over 1000m climbing it was another tough day in the saddle. The increasing humidity would also play a factor. From “base camp” in Radda in Chianti the crew followed a clockwise route through Massa Sabbioni and Cavriglia before returning along the Montevarchi.

Day 1, 18-June 2023 Florence to Radda

Today’s ride covered a distance of around 54km. Departing from Florence over the river Arno via the Ponte di San Niccolò. Weather was a pleasant 24°C but with a high humidity making it seem much hotter. The light wind from the south did nothing to keep the Knights cool as the gradient started to climb fairly quickly. Initially heading south along the Via di Tizzano tracking the course of the river Ema to Grassina and Capannuccia.

On the next leg the gradient began to kick up a bit more as the Knights turned onto the Via di Castel Ruggero which then led into Meleto. It was a steady climb averaging 4% but with several steep ramps hitting double figures. There was no let up after turning onto the Via del Palagiane where they were faced with another 5% slog for about 1.5km. The climbing continued as the Knights made their way south to Chiocchio and Spedaluzzo. Finally there was now a chance to recover as they headed down to Le Bolle then stopping at Greti for a well earned rest.

The final leg of the journey continued southwards passing through Greve in Chianti. The gradients continued to present a challenge as the group “sweated” their way to Panzano before a little respite with a 5.1km downhill run into Lucarelli. The final 10km leading to Radda in Chianti was then mainly uphill once more.

A good turnout for Neil’s ride to Gilberdyke Garden Centre