The Long and The Short of It

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🎶You tak’ the long road and I’ll tak’ the short road, and I’ll be in Farmshop afore ye🎶. Fresh back from his exploits at “training camp” and hedging his bets Raymond announced two different route options. One short and one a bit longer to his favourite cafe stop. “We’ll decide who wants to go which way when we get to Skipsea Brough” he suggested. The weather was kind, light winds and a smattering of sunshine not too hot, perfect for cycling. Seems many others had the same thought as we had a good turnout at Market Cross.

Our fifteen strong group set off to wend their way through the town traffic and traffic lights eventually reaching Weel Bridge. From there we cruised alongside the Hull river, where we only encountered the occasional passing car before bringing our gang into Tickton. Crossing the road at Tickton Grange, we were joined by Chad. Continuing along the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout the pace remained a steady 16-17mph. Raymond’s “training camp” must have done him the world of good. 🤔

From the roundabout, the pace picked up a little more 18, 19, 20mph as we raced through “Brands Hatch”. Boy, that’s some serious training Ray’s been having. Once we’d reached the relatively quieter road to Bewholme, the pace eased off a little but still managed to maintain 17 mph through to Dunnington and up to Skipsea Brough. “Right folks, who wants to go via Beeford and who wants to go via Ulrome?” enquired Raymond as we stopped at the junction near Skipsea Brough. The general consensus was that we were all enjoying the ride and the clement weather so we’ll all “tak’ the long road”. “Ulrome it is then”.

Following the road through Skipsea, we joined the main coast road from Hornsea to Lisset. Once again the pace remained brisk with a light following wind. After crossing the main Bridlington road, things calmed down somewhat as we adopted the more normal “Friday sedate” pace to Gransmoor then left to Great Kelk and Foston-on-the-Wolds. The calm didn’t last long though. Once we hit the road to Wansford, the pace picked up again led initially by Mark and Pugwash maintaining a reasonable 20mph until Karl and Martin overtook and upped the pace to 24-25mph. “Right I’ll have some of that” thought pugwash as we both tucked on their wheel. Needless to say that split the group somewhat.

Crossing Wansford Bridge

After the “mad dash” things eased off once more as we cruised into Skerne. Determined to reestablish a semblance of order, Raymond led from the front as we continued at a normal “Friday pace” to Hutton Cranswick for a well earned cafe stop. While walking our bikes round to the outdoor seating area, Matt lost his balance and tried to grab a nearby wooden box to steady himself. Unfortunately the side of the box was not properly secured causing him to crash land on the ground in an ungainly fashion. To add to his embarrassment, his faux-pas was witnessed by two passing young girls who giggled at the spectacle. Luckily, only his pride was injured.

Following our refreshments, it was time to make our way home. Mounting the bikes to restart the ride there was a chorus of groans as tired muscles were forced to resume action. “Ooh, aah, ouch, I’ve siezed up” said someone as we set off towards Bracken. At least the pace home would be a bit more genteel as the efforts of the first 30 miles began to take effect.

Our way home followed our usual route through South Dalton to Etton and Cherry Burton. As we regrouped at the junction in Cherry Burton, the chatter and banter among the group kept us all entertained with nobody willing to begin the final leg home until Matty piped up “Come on, we can chatter while we pedal”. Spurred on by the “call to arms”, Karl made the first move and set off to cross the road accompanied by a warning SHOUT from Matt “CAR LEFT” which sent us all into giggles as we realised that he could also have meant “KARL LEFT”.

Overall it was an excellent ride over a good route with great company and great “craich”. Covering around 50 miles from Beverley and back or little extra for those living in the Eastern “sticks” and a special shout out to Mark who completed a massive century ride by riding in from Driffield and back as well.

Game Of Thrones Season 2023

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The 2023 season is still young but many Knights have been out and “nailed their colours to the mast” in a bid to be “crowned” champion. In the battle for Stoneknowle Hill we have Colin setting the early benchmark with a time 6:18 beating Iain and Pugwash into 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the “Charge of Burton Gates” Michael took full advantage of a helpful wind and set a blistering pace completing the course in only 44s to give a speed of 51.8km/hr (32.4mph). You can almost see the scorch marks he left behind as set fire to the tarmac. Currently in 2nd place is Barry with a very respectable time of 48sec by Colin and Heather both on 58s.

Meanwhile over on the Little Weighton “race track” you can see the tumbleweed rolling around the course as very few Knights have made an attempt so far. Perhaps now the weather is a little more conducive there will be many more taking part. Setting the early benchmark here we have Tom with a time of 22:55 knocking Colin into 2nd place with 24:16 and 3rd place going to Michael on 25:55.

Hebridean Way Day 4

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Stornoway to Butt of Lewis

Today was the final 56 mile leg of our journey, leaving Stornoway to reach the Butt of Lewis the most northerly point on the island. Once there, we had two options. For those who were up for it they could cycle back to Stornoway or make use of the laid on transport. Andy V, Mike, Matt and Helen decided to go the whole hog and set off early while the rest left shortly after. Disappointingly the morning was rather damp but did clear up as the day went on.

The first section saw us heading west along the Pentland road starting with a steady incline averaging 1-2% over 4 miles. The day was dull with a moderate breeze from the south. After only 12 miles we came to the Callanish Stones where we stopped for some sight seeing and a coffee break.

Mike posted a beautiful ‘picture’ of the Callanish Stones and tried to claim he was up early enough to catch the sunrise, however he was very soon rumbled when the same ‘picture’ was spotted in the visitor centre. Just as we were about to leave, Simon noticed he had a puncture. Fortunately for him AndyB happily served as ‘domestique’ and set about replacing the inner tube for him. When it came to inflating the tyre, Andy opted for the manual approach, but as his hand pumped up and down like a piston on overdrive, it led to some rather lewd comments.

Having ‘communed with nature’ at the Stones, it was now time to focus on the final leg of our epic journey. Joy oh joy, the wind was mostly from behind. The road ran along the North West edge of the island and was gently undulating giving enough momentum on the downhills to cruise to the top of the next ramp. On reaching Barvas our small group stopped briefly to stock up on any food we were carrying.

Continuing north through Borve we eventually arrived at Port of Ness. However this was not the end as we turned onto a single track road leading to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse some 2-3 miles further on. Around half way there we came across the ‘leading bunch’ already making their way back. None of us envied their task of the 56 mile route back into a head wind and cheered them on the way as they passed by. Shortly after, we also reached our target so the celebrations could begin.

With an hour or so to spare for the ‘pickup’ we arranged to meet at the Breakwater cafe in Port of Ness where we all enjoyed a lovely lunch before the transfer back to Stornoway. Later in the evening we all gathered at the Boathouse restaurant to celebrate and reminisce about our great achievement before returning to the hotel and a little sing-song in the lounge before bed.

All in all it was a wonderful experience in excellent company, creating memories which will last a lifetime and we were somewhat fortunate with the weather mostly in our favour. All too soon it was time for the return ferry to Ullapool where we were then transported back to Oban. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this such an enjoyable trip. Hope to see you all again soon.

Hebridean Way Day 3

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Part 1 Lochmaddy to Beneray

First objective for the day was to reach the ferry terminal on Beneray Island in good time. It was only 11 miles and with a following wind but the next ferry was not until 2 hours later thus we all set off relatively early. The morning was cloudy and dry with a moderate breeze from the south-south-east.

Heading northwest from Lochmaddy with the wind filling the ‘spinnaker’ we made quick progress as we retraced our steps from the previous day to Minish and Blashaval before turning north to reach the Beneray causeway and the ferry terminal.

Part 2 Leverburgh to Stornoway

Landing at Leverburgh we loaded the bags onto the taxi and set off to tackle the 56 mile route to Stornoway starting with the ominous looking climb to Rodel. This took us to our southernmost point of the island before heading northeast on narrow single track roads. The terrain was rather rugged with granite type rock covered sparsely with wild grass interspersed with occasional glimpses of the sea. The road to Manish zig-zagged and undulated with tight bends and the narrowness of the road along with the amount of gravel in the centre, made manoeuvring round the corners a little tricky not to mention the number of sheep wandering across the road.

The plan for today was to lunch in Tarbert where we were to be joined by Matthew’s wife Catherine. On arrival we stopped so he could find out where she was. It turned out that there has been a mix up in communication and she wasn’t arriving until the following day. Meanwhile Neil had been completing ‘laps’ in the local fire station forecourt. It must have given him ESP as he announced that everything was closed in Tarbert and we should carry on and find something along the way. “D’ye nae ken laddie, we dinnae wurk on the sabbath”. Less than convinced, Matthew pleaded “What if we don’t find anything open?”. Despite his protestations we continued, eventually coming across the Arisaig Filling station where we discovered an outside tap so at least we could top up water bottles.

As the time went on and the gradient headed upwards into the clouds making the temperature feel rather cold. Turns out what separates Harris from Lewis is a lumpy mountainous region. Once over the top our little band stopped briefly at Clisham car park and chance to use up any energy bars we had. “I get hangry when I don’t get to eat” declared Mr Grumpy fixing Neil with a withering stare.

After leaving the car park the terrain was a bit more undulating skirting the edge of Loch Seaforth from Scaladale to Balallan and offering some stunning scenery. With the wind mostly on the ‘ starboard quarter’ our progress was relatively swift. Which was fortunate as we were beginning to feel like a hungry bear emerging from hibernation. Luckily our small group were able to check in immediately to the Crown Hotel and made straight for the bar. “Any food available?” we enquired. “Sorry the kitchen is closed but there’s free peanuts”. Well beggars can’t be choosers.

While we rehydrated, Simon had found a curry house nearby which (a) was open and (b) didn’t need booking so off we went in search of well earned sustenance. The service didn’t fill us with confidence but the curry was well worth the wait. As an added bonus, Simon picked up the ‘tab’ and wouldn’t let us settle up so a huge thank you Simon.

Hebridean Way Day 2 Uist

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Daliburgh to Lochmaddy

Today was the first big challenge for our band of adventurers with a 64 mile ride including 2030ft of climbing from South to North Uist. Luckily the wind had now “backed” to south-south-east so would mostly be assisting us. Unluckily it was rather ‘driech’ as they say in Scotland with grey skies and a light drizzle. “Let’s have a later start” suggested Helen hopefully “The forecast is to improve a little then”. With dinner at 7pm and no ferries to catch we all agreed. Breakfast was a simple affair this morning, no ‘Full Scottish’ here. Scavenge what you can find. 

Once the bags were loaded into the taxi it was a case of “Well, what do we do now?” as we huddled in the shelter of the bike shed. “I don’t like cycling in the rain” grumbled one voice followed by a low murmur of assent. Eventually one brave optimist piped up “It’s easing off a bit now. I’m up for it”. Reluctantly the others agreed and got ready to mount up buoyed by the thought of the wind from behind. No, not that kind Matthew! 

The route North from Daliburgh to the turn off at Bornish was lightly undulating, passing on the way Flora McDonald’s house. At this point we turned towards the west to hug the coastline through Ormacleit returning to the main road after Howbeg. Continuing north through the lovely countryside surrounded by numerous lochs and moorland type landscape we reached the statue of The Lady of the Isles which stands on the side of Ben Ruabhal.

Lunch for today was to be at the Kirkibost cafe on Benbecula, however when we arrived it appeared to be closed. “Let’s keep going there’s bound to be something else along the way” was the general consensus.

Finally the drizzle eased off as we came across Richard parked up with his campervan ‘observing the birds’ at what came to be known as ‘Stinky Beach’. “Why would you stop here?” enquired one rider. “I’m looking at Sanderlings, Oystercatchers and Greylags” informed Richard. “I’m surprised he can identify them from here” muttered Matty. “Yes, but have you seen the size of his ‘lens'” someone commented saucily.

Eventually after passing Benbecula airport we stumbled upon McClean’s bakery shop where sandwiches, pies and drinks were on sale so we set up a makeshift cafe in the lee of the shop.

With the shop about to close at 1pm and the ‘rearguard’ still 30 mins away, Neil asked if the shop would remain open until they arrived, however the response was less than encouraging. Instead he bought up some supplies and left them with Richard in the campervan, a gesture that was really appreciated later.

Leaving Benbecula we crossed several causeways linking the islands of Grimsay and North Uist where we again hugged the west and North coastlines eventually reaching Lochmaddy via Malaclate and Minish. At the sign indicating the outskirts of the town a voice cried out “Boy am I pleased to see that”.

Hebridean Way Day 1 Part 2

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Eriskay to Daliburgh

The ferry trip from Barra took only 40 minutes. The “clansmen” made landfall on the island of Eriskay following in the footsteps of bonnie prince Charlie who landed here in 1745. Eriskay is also famous for being the original Whisky Galore Island when in 1941 the SS Politician ran aground with a cargo of whisky. 

After loading the bags onto the taxi we set off to continue our quest. Once again we faced strong defences in the form of a 5% average climb around Ben Cracabhaig with gradients touching 16% in places. Our time on Eriskay however soon came to an end as we reached the causeway leading across to South Uist after only a few miles.

Once on the other side we “docked” at the Kilbride Cafe for some well needed sustenance. It seemed like the whole world had the same idea with all tables soon occupied and no one wishing to sit outside in the chilly wind. 

Suitably fed, we resumed our northward trek passing North Smerclete and the Lady of our Sorrows. An apt name for such an incongruous structure and quite the ugliest church I’ve ever seen. Leaving the church behind we turned to the coast road where the ‘clans’ continued to ‘make way’ north through North Boisdale and Kilpheder eventually reaching Daliburgh West. From here we started to “tack” inland with a full on head wind towards the main town of Lochboisdale in search of a suitable ‘watering hole’ to pass the time until we could check into our lodgings. The Lochboisdale Hotel provided just the right setting for our ‘pit stop’ where Simon and Andy showed they had a thirst equivalent to a formula 1 car.

A short while later we all returned to base camp at Uist Travel Accommodation leaving Simon & Andy to continue ‘rehydrating’. Dinner for this evening was arranged at the Borrodale Hotel a short walk from the digs. As we all assembled around the table there was still no sign of our ‘formula 1 drivers’. Speculation began to fly around “Perhaps they are still at the hotel or maybe fallen asleep”. Such fears were unfounded though as they waltzed in the door to join us.

Hebridean Way Day 1

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Part 1 – Vatersay to Ardmore

The day dawned with grey skies and a cool moderate breeze from the East. First objective was to reach the official start of the Hebridean Way towards the southern end of Vatersay Island. This was easier said than done as the locals had strong defences in place. Before we’d had a chance to warm up we faced a stiff climb from Nask to the War Memorial reaching gradients of 8-12%. On making it over the top, among all the gasps for air, a comment was heard “Well that’s warmed things up a bit”. We were rewarded for all that effort with a lovely sweeping winding downhill to the southern tip of Barra which is then linked to Vatersay by a causeway.

The road then followed the Eastern coast of the island where there is a memorial to the crew members of a catalina which crashed on Vatersay in 1944. With heads bowed our group raced on until reaching Vatersay village. “Now where do we go?” we asked looking round at each other and for some indication of the ‘start point’. Just then, a breathless Neil came up behind us yelling some colourful language “Hoi you numpties, (or words to that effect) you’ve already passed the start. It’s about mile further back”. With sheepish faces, the ‘flock’ about turned to follow Neil back to the official start.

Photo op completed, it was time to retrace our route back towards Castlebay including the steep climb back to Nask. From there our route headed up the west coast of Barra through Borve and hugging the beach to Allasdale before heading inland to the ferry terminal at Ardmore.

Hebridean Way Day 0

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The Gathering of the Clans

The clarion call went out from the ‘Great Highland Chieftain’ “Is there anyone out there tough enough to take on the challenge of the Hebridean Way?” Rising to the throw of the gauntlet, the ‘clans’ came from far and wide to ‘set up camp’ with the ‘Southern contingent’ at the Kelvin Hotel in Oban while the ‘Beverley Clan’ opted for the nearby Dunarle Guest House. Unfortunately for Chieftain Phil he had to cry off at the last minute leaving Chris to step into his shoes to keep the motley crew in check. Later the ‘clans’ met up at the Oban Inn to discuss tactics and logistics. (At least that’s what they claimed). Of course this involved copious amounts of food and alcohol to stimulate the brain and fortify the body for the challenges ahead.

The Hebridean Way covers a journey of around 185 miles from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis crossing 10 islands, 6 causeways and 2 ferries. The first obstacle was to transfer bikes and luggage and establish a ‘beach head’ on the island of Barra. Our task was greatly assisted when Richard offered to transport the baggage in his camper van leaving the rest of us to walk on to the ferry along with bikes.

Fortified by a full Scottish breakfast we were ready for the trip on the Calmac ferry “Isle of Lewis”. The crossing from Oban to Castlebay, the largest village on Barra, takes about 4hr 45m passing through the Sound of Mull before being exposed to the Atlantic. Luckily the weather was relatively calm giving us a smooth passage. After docking in Castlebay, it was time to haul bikes and luggage to respective ‘bivouacs’. Seven ‘clansmen’ settled into the Castlebay Hotel while the remainder were a short distance away in the Craigard Hotel.

While lugging our bags upstairs to our rooms, Puggy was intercepted by an elderly lady, (later to be christened Bag Lady) “You’re not carrying that bag on your bike are you?” she asked before adding “How are you getting it to Stornoway?” After explaining the baggage pickup and the fact that one of our group had a camper van she quickly adopted some pleading eyes “Do you think I would be able to put my bag in the van to deliver to Stornoway?” Well what could I say. “I’ll ask the question but….”

The “Craigard Clan”

During dinner there was much discussion about how “Bag Lady” would have coped if Richard had not kindly offered to oblige her, along with a lot of speculation as to how she had intended to get to Stornoway and what she might have in said bag. Conspiracy theories were running wilder and wilder as the liquid refreshments got to work. All too soon it was time to say good night and get ready for our first big day.

Brands Hatch Circuit

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“Ladies and gentlemen, roll up, roll up for the inaugural ‘Formula 1¾’ to be held at the Brands Hatch circuit to Hornsea!” cried Matt. When the ‘competitors’ gathered on the start grid at Market Cross, questions began to be raised. “Doesn’t he mean Brandesburton?” asked one brave soul. “I’m sure it was a deliberate mistake” whispered another. As the appointed start time approached “Who are we waiting for?” enquired Neil. Just at that moment Graham arrived followed by Mark. “What time do you call this?” we all remarked mockingly before assembling on the ‘start grid’. Red light, Amber Light, Green go go go!

Racing into the first corner…. Oh a red light again, false start. Green again signalled the resumption of the days activities. Unfortunately those at the ‘back of the grid’ failed to get through on the first cycle. Luckily for them the ‘lead’ bunch were held up again at the rail crossing and the ‘magic roundabout’ allowing them to catch up. The ‘race’ then began in earnest heading over the Weel Bridge to Tickton Grange where there was an early ‘pit stop’ to allow Dave 💦🏠 to join in the fun.

The ‘race marshal’ eventually got things underway once more as we “loitered” through Leven ‘straight’ and “bombed” through Brands Hatch hill round to ‘Bewholme Chicane’ where the ‘Red flag’ came out once more allowing the ‘competitors’ to regroup before continuing to Bewholme. Turning south from there, the pace picked up slightly as the minds of the ‘race crew’ turned to thoughts of ‘refuelling’ at the Floral Hall ‘pit stop’.

When the ‘race’ resumed, the circuit continued south along the ‘Rolston Straight’ towards Mappleton. As the ‘battle’ to hit the front heated up, a breakaway trio of Stephen, Melvin and Mark opened up slight gap on the ‘main field’. Unfortunately for them they hadn’t done they’re homework. Just before they were about to turn off at Mappleton (cos we always go that way), shouts came from behind to keep them on the right track. “Straight on!” we all yelled bringing us onto the Cowden straight. Taking the advice literally, the leading trio went head down and then missed the shouts to direct them round ‘Cowden Corner’.

“Well what do we do now?” we asked each other. “There’s no sign of them”. After making several attempts to contact them, the ‘race marshal’ decided to resume the ‘race’ without them. “They’ll catch up eventually” we thought. Later, having completed an extended loop the “breathless” trio made contact shortly after ‘Hatfield Bends’ “sneaking” up behind, then nonchalantly moving through the field as if nothing had happened. “I thought we were going to Withernwick” said Stephen sheepishly when challenged on the “error of their way”.

A segment of ‘sector four’ of today’s circuit was closed due to road works so an alternative had to found to bring us back ‘on track’. The suggestion was to make a right turn at Long Riston and head for ‘Catwick Loop’ then swing back towards Leven. “Are you listening up front!?” Well, we never quite made it to Long Riston as the ‘race marshal’ guided the group right onto the Rise Road instead and along the bumpy, gravelly potholed road to Catwick. “Well I’ve never been along here before.” said Raymond wistfully. “Me neither” replied Neil before adding “…and we’re never coming again. It’s horrible!”

On reaching Leven, the ‘racers’ were then able to track back along ‘sector one’ of the ‘circuit’ leading into Tickton. As we regrouped on the corner Neil asked “Are we all here now? How many are we?” looking pointedly at ‘race marshal’ Matty. “I think so” he replied unconvincingly looking around at those assembled. “Maths was never my strong point.”

There may not have been a ‘chequered flag’ to greet the end of the ‘race’ but I’m sure we all reflected well on the beautiful spring weather and camaraderie which helped to make it another wonderful ride.

Away in the Howardian Hills

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This Sunday saw the first “away day” of 2023. Six Knights met up at the village of Hovingham in the Rydale district of North Yorkshire for a forty mile loop around the Howardian Hills. The participants were greeted with bright sunshine and light winds from the south-south-east.

Breathe in Mark!

The first leg of the loop took the squad east to Slingsby before commencing the northwards run. The first 20km covered some undulating terrain passing through East Ness and Muscoates with the first big hill challenge coming on the run in to Great Edstone. The bank was short but steep averaging 5.8% but ramping up to 10-13% in places.

Continuing north through Kirbymoorside the road carried on skywards offering little in the way of relief with short downhills followed by yet more climbing before a lovely longer downhill into Cockayne.

Now having reached the furthest point north on the loop it was time to head back south and into the wind. Shortly after leaving Cockayne the climbing began again in earnest with the next 2.2km averaging 6.2%but reaching 16% in places. The reward for all that effort eventually came in the form of a 6.5km downhill towards Carlton but “what goes down also goes up” and so it came to pass. Another ramp upwards reaching 12% in places before the final drop into Helmsley for a well earned lunch break.

Suitably fortified the riders continued the short return journey southwards to Sproxton and Oswaldkirk before completing the loop back to Hovingham for some well deserved “refreshments” to celebrate a very successful “away trip” well enjoyed by those who attended.

The next scheduled “away day” has been earmarked for May 21st taking us into North Yorkshire. Put the date in your diary to make sure you don’t miss out.