Day 1 Wells-Next-the-Sea

The destination for this years cycling weekend away was Smallburgh in Norfolk. Setting off from Camelot (Beverley) in four separate carts, the Knights agreed to meet at Wells-Next-the-Sea for a spot of lunch before heading out for a short ride. Sir Tristan and Lady Isolde (Dave & Carol) were first to arrive at the Beach Café, shortly followed by Sir Geraint and Lady Enid (Stephen & Sharrin), King Arthur and Lady Guinevere (Neil & Heather) and finally Sir Gawain and Sir Percival (Mark & Pugwash). After a light lunch it was time to consult the map to settle on a suitable route of around 20 miles. Sir Gawain suggested that there was a nice route which would take us through Holkham Hall estate, most appropriate for such esteemed company.

On reaching the “tradesmans entrance” to the rear of the estate, the Knights were suitably impressed with the sweepingly long driveway leading up to a “Needle” atop a hill. As we swept passed the obelisk Tour de France style we then had our first glimpse of the main house and the stunning vista that lay before us. King Arthur was so taken by the view that we stopped for a photo opportunity, no doubt getting ideas to improve his own “castle” back in Camelot. On reaching the main entrance it was time to consult the map once more.

Choosing a circular route around the Holkham estate we doubled back through Burnham Thorpe towards Warham before returning to the “carts” at the Beach café. With the horses all strapped in once more, it was off for the final jaunt to our accommodation for the weekend, Avalon (aka The Mews House in Smallburgh). It was not long before the call of the jacuzzi overcame the knights along with a few aperitifs to celebrate our first day on the Tour de Norfolk.

Day 2 Sea Paling for Lunch

The  knights awoke to a bright Saturday morning and the promise of perfect weather for our planned journey which was to follow part of a recommended circular route around the Norfolk Broads. Setting out from Avalon, we travelled west along quiet country lanes around RAF Coltishall until reaching Buxton Lamas (no sign of any Lamas though). On the way King Arthur and Sir Tristan dismounted to “point Percy” behind a hedge while the others continued at a gentle pace. By the time the pair caught up again sweat was dripping and steam coming from the ears in their effort to get back to the peloton. Next we headed south east through Frettenham with a brief section on the main Norwich road at Crostwick then to Woodbastwick.  From there we took the ferry road to Horning where we got up close and personal with Broads as we found our way flooded. Sir Gawain was the first to bravely coax his steed through the stream followed gingerly by the rest of the knights and King Arthur taking the chance to record our efforts for posterity. Safely through, we then came to the ferry crossing at the River Bure.

The “ferry” turns out to be an old lifeboat dating back to the “old days” (1970s) able to carry up to 13 persons, so plenty room for 7 knights plus steeds. On reaching the opposite bank it was time for a coffee break at the Ferry Inn (or Ferr Inn according to the sign, I don’t know Y). It was very pleasant sitting outside in the sunshine watching the myriad of boats passing by, sometimes mooring up. Fortunately we departed just as the Inn started to get rather busy.

Next section took the knights through Ludham and Hickling to our lunch destination at Sea Paling. After so many flat road sections, the site of the “Sea Wall” leading up to the lifeboat station proved to be a spur for a quick sprint to the top. Kudos shared equally by King Arthur, Sir Gawain, Sir Percival and Sir Geraint at 10 sec each. Casting our eyes around from such dizzy heights at the various establishments we settled on Reefs Bar. There seemed to be a bit of mix up with the order, as Sir Percival and Sir Tristan had completed their meals before the others were served up.

The homeward journey saw the knights travelling along the coast road to Lessingham then inland to Happisburgh Common and East Ruston. Along the way, we passed through a swarm of wasps, a chance reminder to Sir Tristan to keep his gob shut. Onwards through Horning and Dilham before returning to the relaxing grounds of Avalon.

Sir Gawain wasted no time in jumping in the jacuzzi where he found it so relaxing that he drifted off to the land of nod. His slumber was soon disturbed by the arrival of Guinevere, Sir Geraint, Lady Enid and Lady Isolde while King Arthur and Sir Gawain went to do battle on the tennis court where King Arthur managed to retain his crown.

After dinner, it was time for King Arthur’s entertainment in the form of a drinking game Boop. With fingers forming periscopes around the eyes each knight was called upon to Boop or Boop-Boop left or right pinging another knight around the table. A simple game (much loved by children) but equally confusing and entertaining after a few bevvies.

Day 3 Crabs in Cromer

Back in the day when I was a young midshipman the “rules of the road” were drummed into us, one of which included “Assumptions should not be made on the basis of scanty information”. This sprang to mind today as we set off with only a vague idea which roads to take to reach our destination at East Runton via Holt. A slightly longer journey than the previous day made slightly longer by the various twists and turns caused by missed junctions. Fortunately the wind was generally favourable. Shortly after setting out, Sir Gawain reported a loose horseshoe, but with having the latest tubeless horseshoes was able to carry on after pumping a bit more air in. At Aylsham, we stopped to check directions when a fellow approached and we thought we’d ask him which way only to find he was a visitor and was seeking directions himself.

The further north we travelled the more undulating the terrain became although nothing too taxing. Eventually we found our way to Holt via Blickling, Oulton and Saxthorpe. Having agreed to meet Lady Isolde at 1pm time was becoming critical with all the frequent stops to check the map for directions. There was no coffee stop planned en-route so we pressed on eventually reaching Holt before turning back into the wind towards Baconsthorpe. Even into the wind, we found there was shelter provided by the hedges and trees lining many of the roads. Heading north to Sheringham we got our first glimpse of the sea before taking the coast road to East Runton. Arriving there, we stopped to ask directions to the café only to find more visitors. 

It was a great relief for most of us to reach the Rocky Bottoms café where we found Lady Isolde patiently waiting. Water and drinks was the first order of the day. Crab salad and crab wraps proved to be the most popular choice among the knights. It was a little breezy in our little corner, however with the sun shining and warming our backs, no-one felt like moving. The reluctance to move extended to after the meal, probably with thoughts of the head winds we were expecting on the way back.

Sticking to the coast road led by King Arthur through Cromer and on to Mundesley where we stopped for a photo shoot on the cliff edge. Approaching an elderly couple to ask if they would act as photographer turn out they were visitors too. Are there any locals in this neck of the woods?  Further along the road Sir Gawain’s steed threw a shoe and caused him to hit the turf as he tried to dodge over a little gulley in the roadside. Fortunately no damage done and after reshodding we were off again. The wind did not turn out to be such an excessive feature until we turned south west after Bacton towards Crostwight and Honing. At the turn off to Avalon, Lady Enid found she was only needing a few km more to complete a century, so along with Sir Geraint went off in search of the missing km while the rest raced back to get into the Jacuzzi. A fitting end to a wonderful weekend of cycling and good company. 

Following instructions from the Admiral to seek out new spicy routes in the west, the fleet set sail and “hove to” in the exotic port of Hovingham. Once all vessels were gathered, the route for todays recce was revealed by Supernumerary Steve. Heading out towards Slingsby, the Admiral took the name literally and slung his toys out of the pram, leaving his precious Garmin strewn on the road. Fortunately no damage was done and his navigation instrument spent the rest of the voyage securely in his back pocket.

Sailing north from Slingsby to East Ness, a helpful wind from the port quarter aided the fleets progress over the undulating swells of the rolling countryside. The assistance was short lived as we turned west towards Nunnington and Stonegrave. Despite the battering from the winds and a broadside passing every gap in the protective hedge, the pace remained high, led in turns by Supernumerary Steve, Chief Cook Stephen, Chief Stoker Mark and Training Officer Dave.

Approaching Ampleforth college, the fleet came across some unexpected turbulence forcing Captain Pugwash to hit the rocks over the Holbeck stream, followed quickly by Rear Admiral Heather…… well what’s a girl to do when there’s a fellow prostrate in front of her!! Possibly some slight dampness on the corner led to the two vessels grounding. On inspection of the two hulls, the Captain was found to be leaking in several places requiring some patchwork from nurse Gladys before being declared seaworthy once again. Rear Admiral managed to get away with scrapes and heavy bruising which would need repairs in a nice hot bath.

Underway again through Ampleforth, some more gingerly than others, our route took us south towards Yearsley where we turned southwest leading the fleet to a fast downhill on Milking Hill. A few more roller-coasters and we arrived in Crayke and our refuelling stop at The Dutch House. Bacon & egg sandwiches were the most popular choice amongst the fleet, though nearly didn’t get served until the Admiral sheepishly rebirthed his vessel which he’d mistakenly moored to one of the sculptures.

All too soon, we were back out in full sail with the promise of tail winds all the way back to base camp. The fleet passed through Brandsby and Marton then on to Sherriff Hutton before turning back into the wind up to Stearsby.  In case we’d not had enough climbing, we headed up Snargate Hill, a short sharp ramp but fortunately with a helping wind. After cresting the “wave” Training Officer Dave came under attack from the wicked wasp from the west which managed to latch onto the roof of his mouth. The resulting pain and numbness made him feel like he’d had a visit to the dentist.

After a final few roller-coaster hills we arrived back in Hovingham and an end to quite an eventful voyage, fully enjoyed by everyone despite the few set backs. The two Steve’s and Mark headed directly home while the remainder lingered around Worsley Arms to partake of further refreshment. Strictly for medical purposes of course.

The adventure began as soon as we stepped aboard the ferry Pride of Bruges bound from Hull to Zeebrugge with Captain Pugwash, Mathew, Neil and Heather meeting up in the bar…….as you do. Following a few refreshments and a fine dinner, it was back to the bar for the evening entertainment…..BINGO!!!! No luck there with all the winnings going to another table.

Next morning we set off in a two car convoy hoping to meet up with Dave and Carol near Reims where they had stayed the night, having taken the Dover ferry to Calais. Things didn’t quite follow the script, with Dave and Carol far ahead they were delegated the job of shopping for various bits and pieces we would need during our stay at Steve & Sharrin’s hideaway.

For our first day ride we set off from a parking spot near Le Fion. After a little leg warmer along the D122 the first climb of the day was Col du Grand Taillet all the way up to Chalets de Trechauffex where we stopped to admire the view and sink espressos and grand café au laits. After retracing part of our route it was onto the long descent of La Forclaz and chance to recover from the previous efforts. Following the valley bottom we headed to Morzine where a well earned lunch was consumed in the baking sun. Our next climb was the Col du Corbier, a short effort by comparison with only 6.1km but at an average 8.3% it was not easy especially for those nursing the effects of wine and toffee vodka. Unfortunately Matt suffered a mechanical at the foot of the climb and had to abandon and wait for the “broom wagon”. I’m sure he was gutted. The long descent from Corbier back to the car  was quite exhilarating and worth all the slog up the other side.

Day 2 saw us parking at the Pied de la Plagne to follow the Route des Grande Alps category 4 climb with a sneaky 14% section thrown in for good measure. After reaching Les Gets, another wonderful sweep downhill took us to Taninges. Regrouping at the bottom, it was off along the valley with a steady upstream crawl taking us to Samoens and the base of the high category climb of Col de Joux Plane with an ascent of 868m in 10.5km. It proved to be a rather tough climb and coupled with a baking hot sun and no respite from the continuous effort pushed us all to the limit. Heather took the kudos for beating Neil to the top, much to Neil’s chagrin. A lunch stop at Le Relais de Vallee to recover and thankfully it was all downhill back to the car. Brett flew out and joined us in time for the evenings entertainment of “snail scoffing” or escargot mange as the French would say.

Day 3 was the day we joined Le Tour. Brett set off on his own way while the rest of us headed to Cluses to begin our assault on part the tour route. A short 5km run of relatively flat riding and it was straight into the high category climb of Col de Romme and average gradient of 9%. Once again the heat and unrelenting effort made a tough climb even more difficult. It was with some relief when we reached the top of the climb to find an ice cold beer waiting. Instead of continuing to the Col de Colombiere we opted for the long wait for the tour to cover the same climb. Watching the professionals made our efforts pale into insignificance, quite impressive. When all the procession cleared through it was time for us to set off in hot pursuit cursing inwardly every time we were held up by the traffic heading off the mountain. Kudos going to Matt for his daring exploits in dodging said traffic. Arriving back in Cluses we ended with a tour of the town in search of the car.

Day 4 saw Brett again set out on his own to visit Switzerland while Neil, Heather, Matt and Pugwash went on a magical mystery tour in search of views of Lake Geneva and a generally easier ride. Starting out from Vinzier we followed the Route de Grand Blanche to Bernex then to Saint-Paul-en-Chablais eventually ending up in Thollon-les-Memises where we headed for the boulangerie for lunch. The return journey saw us pass through Larringes then getting a little lost trying to find some quiet roads to take us back to Vinzier.

11 Knights – Stephens, Sharrin, Colin, Mike, Mark, Jonathan, Dave, Jenny, Neil, Heather and Brian – met at Hovingham for the rescheduled away day to the Howardian Hills. We were met by Stephen and Abi who were accompanying us on our ride. They had been involved with Stephen planning the route and promised us a lovely ride. The sun was certainly shining when we set off and we were soon  warmed up as within 1km we were immediately climbing. That set the scene for the day – lots of ups and downs – no such thing as a flat road in the Howardian Hills.  Once into Gilling and past the miniature railway it was a right turn to head up and through the splendid Ampleforth College. The groundsmen were cutting the grass and with the blue skies it all looked very serene. Onwards via Ampleforth village, Wass, Olstead and Kilburn. Each village was showing off their charm and the ruined Byland Abbey added to the sights. 

There was a stop in Newburgh for a break to feed the ducks and admire our surroundings of the Newburgh Priory Estate. A climb up to Oulston and then a run along to Easingwold meant we had reached our lunchstop at the Sugar Mouse Cafe. In fact Easingwold seemed to be a popular place for cyclists with a number of groups enjoying the sunshine and a coffee. Refreshments were ordered and seats found outside, the first few bacon sandwiches taken by Jonathan,Mike and Stephen. Service continued and soon nearly everyone had their food. It was at that point , just as Mike was finishing his last mouthful , the waitress arrived and said  ” A well done bacon sandwich for Mike ” Whoops – its not just Neil that does it then!!

After lunch we headed back and what had been a lovely tail wind changed to a head wind so turns were taken on the front to lead the group along the road. 

A technical issue with Abi’s bike near Whenby meant she was limited to a few gears. As we watched her trackstand whilst we waited to head off again and then race up the 1:6 Bulmer Bank with no issues , we all then realised that no matter how many gears we had or how good our bikes were, 16 years old had passed us by as had boundless talent! At least we only had to keep up with her on this ride- her Dad has to do it all the time!

After Bulmer Bank it was a ride up to Castle Howard (road never seemed as steep in the car!) At the top there was a regroup and a realisation that water supplies were limited or zero . And so, despite only having 10km to go, we had a stop at Tettrington Stores for supplies. This proved a good decision as the last 2/3rds of the route was uphill.

Once through the trees we were greeted with a lovely view across the North York Moors and it was downhill to finish at Hovingham. 

75km, 1100m climbing, spectacular views, beautiful scenery, amazing weather and great company -thats what away days are all about.

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Sunny start in Morecambe

“An early challenge”

“It will encourage us to get out earlier in the year “

Just a few comments at the AGM when the date was set for this challenge .

A group of  10 Knights met at the Squash club to head off to Morecambe to start the ride .Kevin and Vicki were again on hand to provide transport for the bikes and Andy was driving the minibus with a stop at Catterick to collect Ruth- whilst there we fuelled ourselves up with some very tasty fish and chips.  As we headed over the A66 the red sky in front of us made everyone hopeful of good weather .

Once booked into the hotel we headed to the “ Eric Bartholomew” which for all pub quizzers is the original name of the genius that was Eric Morecambe-  few drinks and a look at the map were on the menu- though after a look at the topography an early night was preferable for some !

A few days before the weekend  the lack of Spring weather and poor forecast caused a bit of a headache and worry for Neil but he held out and he was rewarded by a sunny morning as we all got ready bright and early and headed to Morecambe beach for the start-well all except Jim who took a few more minutes to get ready!

After photographs we headed along the cycle path and out of Morecambe , over the River Lune and towards Lancaster.

After about 25 miles , just before Clapham, we stopped for snacks and a lovely cup of tea- the minds of the riders was still on the forthcoming hills so once fuelled up we headed off .

The ride into Clapham took a diversion under the underpass – perhaps more suitable for walking with a steep damp descent in and a steep ascent out which caused a bit of a traffic jam and pile up with Jenny coming off worst. However  once dusted down we set off through Clapham though sadly no catch up with Alan Bennett for Heather this time. heading through Austwick and Giggleswick with the wind in our faces then we soon arrived in Settle with the thought of High Hill Lane and an NE wind to look forward to. 

It was agreed to meet at the top of the hill so some of the climbers in the group headed off with a smile on their faces whilst others had more of a grimace! Once the cobbles had given us a rattle then it was onwards and upwards. 

Mark, James, Jim, Neil and Heather headed off in a bunch – soon weaving and effort was evident  but the top was eventually reached- next came Jenny, Dave , Sharrin and Mike – with Stephen bringing up the rear after a loo stop. A valiant effort came from Jenny with support from Dave , Sharrin made it past corner and after a pause managed to get going again and Mike’s determination got him all the way- lastly Stephen who soon caught up with everyone at the last third of the hill. Good things come to those who wait and the view that everyone  was met with was certainly worth waiting for.

After the challenge of Settle it was an enjoyable , lumpy , ride through Airton and Cracoe to reach Burnsall. Some of the group were held up in the last few km with the bus attempting to squeeze along the narrow stonewalled lanes – wing mirrors in! 

Traffic Jam

Once into Burnsall the village green had been turned into a picnic spot with Kev and Vicky providing a lovely buffet lunch including hot drinks and hot soup. Everyone enjoyed a sit down and a refuel and admired the surroundings . 

Burnsall lunch stop

Buffet lunch

However that wasn’t going to get us to Boroughbridge and we bade farewell and planned to meet up again near Fountains Abbey. Some were less keen to leave with Jim having a shoe change into boots as the weather was cooling down- there was a technical issue though when he walked to his bike with relative ease and realised there were no cleats on the bottom ! So a repeat change and they set off to catch the others. 

There was an immediate climb after lunch to reach Skyreholme which challenged the legs and then a long down hill into Pateley Brudge. What goes down then goes up and the general theme of the ride continued with a number of small climbs and descents as we made our way through Glasshouses and then up via Brimham rocks. On one of the descents the usual shout of “pothole” or “car up” was replaced by “Llamas ahead !” Not the usual shout but there aren’t many trekking Llama trips in Yorkshire . It made everyone smile and then occupied us for a while debating the alpaca vs llama question.

As we headed out of the Dales we had the pleasure of riding down through Fountains Abbey and Studley park and then our final coffee and snack stop. The wind had certainly added time to our ride so after postponing the evening meal we knew we had a flat dash to Boroughbridge but our luck with the rain continued and although large showers were rolling through we didn’t get wet at all. 

The engineers go head to head

Once at the hotel it was time for a shower and the a trip to the bar and we enjoyed a well deserved meal and few drinks whilst catching up on everyone’s highs and lows of the days. No evening would be complete without a random board game so a competitive game of “Lift Off” ensued with much hilarity.  There was a celebration for Neil and Heather wedding anniversary as well.

The next morning a few stiff legs appeared for breakfast (and perhaps a few sore heads for those who stayed up late tasting the red wine )and once more food was consumed ( a theme  to this trip) we headed back to the previous days finish point. A quick ride along to Aldborough and Newton-on Ouse just reminded everyone what is was like to cycle on a flat route again !  As we past the railway line we came across a cheering support group of Carrie , Ollie and Ted and Andy was waiting on his bike to come cycle with us. Heading along the River Ouse we made our way into York and it was lovely that the Way of the Roses took us past the impressive York Minster. We met us with the support van just outside Dunnington and a warm cup of coffee was welcome. We had been spared the rain but met more wind and cooler temperatures  and cycled on through Stamford Bridge in a close group to head off some of the wind. It was soon recognisable ground we were on and once into Pocklington it strangely felt as though we were almost there- yet we still had over 40 miles to go.  Millington Dale was next and after the previous days efforts legs were finding it interesting going out of Millington.

The top near Huggate was lunch stop for the day and Kev, Vicky and Andy looked after us all- the wind though was chilling and so a few settled in the minibus to eat and shelter. A few clothing changes were required with Neil appearing like a deep sea diver and Sharrin having a glove change and pushing Stephen into contention for the Mr Grumpy award!  From here we headed to TJ’s for tea and coffee (all routes head to TJ’s!)and we were able to write in the Way of the Roses book. On the way to TJ’s Jim had a mechanical and so Neil and Andy went back to help. The realisation that his inner tube would fit a child’s bike put Jim straight back to the main nomination for Mr Grumpy !

And then it was the last leg- heading via Driffield and off to Burton Agnes it wasn’t long before we could see the sea from the top of the hill.  Downhill to Bridlington and it was a welcome sight to turn under the railway bridge and reach the promenade. 

Celebrations followed with fizz and beers for all – It was then the important awards to deal with . Jim retained Mr Grumpy and after his efforts to keep smiling especially after feeling poorly the first day Mike was awarded Mr Happy. There was then a new award- Mrs Happy , which was awarded to Jenny for keeping smiling and keeping going! Kev and Vicky and Andy and Ruth were thanked for all their support and then it was a quick dash to warm up in the minibus and to head back to Beverley.

Everyone had a great time- it was challenging at times especially with the wind but it is such a beautiful route and we were all very happy and proud to be able to complete it – 170 miles- 1 puncture and no rain – where are we going next ?

The finish 170 miles later