Despite the mountain biking option in the Peak district, we still managed a good turn out for the route suggested by Alan (thank you). Perhaps it was the bright sunshine that attracted everyone or the thought of most of next week being wiped out due to predicted snow fall with attendant freezing temperatures. 

A total of 11 Knights set off from Market Cross (well 10 actually) with Martin joining as we reached North Bar. The route saw us taking the Malton road to Cherry Burton. Approaching the Dog Kennel roundabout we had a somewhat irate car driver frantically tooting the horn, probably objecting to being held up for a few seconds. Not content with this senseless demonstration, there were some words thrown out the window for good measure, before finally passing our group.

The route saw us passing through Etton, South Dalton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and on to Middleton where we started the first “climb” of the day, the long slog up to North Dalton and on to Huggate. Fortunately there was a nice breeze from the stern to help us along. On reaching Huggate, we opted to head for Sledmere instead of Thixendale via Garrowby. On the way down to Wetwang, Steve G suffered a puncture and with his time restraint, left the group to return home with Andy G. 

At Wetwang, there was a split in group with some taking the Northfield road and others the main road before regrouping at Station hill. The slog up Life Hill was the next objective and was again wind assisted. This was followed by a lovely sweeping downhill with nice new road surface before the final kick up Claypits Wood and into Sledmere.

The café was quite busy so we opted to “dine” outside.

Outside in the cold at Sledmere

It would have been nice to waste a bit more time there shooting the breeze but with temperature not much above freezing it made for a quick departure before everyone got too cold.

After leaving Sledmere, there came the “payback” in the form of freezing head winds. The change in temperature was quite noticeable on reaching the lower levels. From Garton, we returned to Beverley on the Bracken road with the group splitting up as each proceeded their own way home. A special mention for Martin who several times returned from the bow to the poop deck to check on those at the back.

Fed up of the winter weather, turbo sessions and longing for those hazy days of summer, well here is a list of the planned away days for 2018 to look forward to.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

On Friday 30^th June, we all met at the squash club to set off on the Beverley Knights away day to complete the Hadrian’s wall cycle route – C2C.

Key and Vicky were in the support van with all the bikes and the rest of us were in the minibus.

Taking part were Neil, Heather, Andy, James, Mark, Martin, Louise, Simon, Dave, Jenny, Matthew, Nick , Graham, Stephen and Sharrin. After a scenic tour of Beverley to collect Andy we headed towards Catterick for a fish and chip tea and to collect Andy and Ruth who would be driving the minibus across the route.

After the fish and chips there was still space for birthday cake – happy birthday Stephen!

Once in Carlisle (and once we discovered there was more than on Premier Inn) there was time for a quick beer and review of the route ready for the next day.

Saturday morning started with a cooked breakfast- energy loading! (But not much space available after the fish and chips and chocolate cake!)

Driving to the start at Bowness-on-Solway it was great to see blue skies appearing.

Group picture at the start and then we were off …. only to stop 692m later with a broken chain on Stephen’s bike- luckily Andy and Dave were equipped to sort the problem and it wasn’t too long until we started again.

Repairs!

The first 20km was lovely heading along the Solway firth with the sun out and wind on our backs. Once through Carlisle we headed out to the countryside and enjoyed stunning views – and then will welcome sight of Kev and Vicky for our first snack stop.

sunny stop

4 lady Knights

Once fuelled up it was time to head up those non-existent hills! And to discover Hadrian’s wall – at the tops we were treated to more fantastic panoramas.  

A puncture stop for Graham was the second mechanical of the day. Neil, Andy, Dave and Stephen headed back to Graham and Simon to help with the repair whilst the rest headed onto the lunch stop. The descent down off the top to Fourstones was memorable- this descent didn’t involve any falling branches trying to take Jenny out!

We were then greeted with the sight of the support van decked in balloons – they had set out picnic tables with a buffet and a camp stoves to heat the kettle and soup – epic!

Kev, Vicky and the pork pork pie thief!

After lunch, it was time for the last half of the ride and despite it being the flat part of the route there were still a few hills left to do –we then had to say bye to Simon who had to pull out after a very respectable 91km. It was then a ride along the river and through the cycle tracks towards Newcastle- only slight hitch was missing the support vans final stop of the day! It was a bumpy ride heading along the tracks – avoiding pedestrians, dogs and potholes! Then it was onto the Quayside in Newcastle avoiding Stag parties!

To finish it was an 8 mile ride up from Newcastle to Tynemouth and the welcome sight of the finish.

A great achievement for us all – one of the best group rides to date – weather perfect, wind behind us most of the way, great company and then a celebration at the vans with a well-deserved beer or prosecco. First 100-mile ride for Jenny and longest one for Graham this year (veteran coast to coaster!)

Graham celebrating another C2C!

After a quick turnaround, it was time for a meal, a few drinks and a tour of Newcastle bars for some. End to a perfect day

Thanks to Neil and Andy for organising, to Andrew and Ruth for driving and to Kev and Vicky for fantastic catering!

Looking forward to the next one!

All week it had rained  but the forecast said dry and cold for the first Friday ride of the 2016. Even the forecast on Friday morning said the same. But the weather wasnt listening and the rain fell steadily .

However by 9am it remembered and 3 hours late the rain stopped and a watery sun was glimpsed. Ray, Heather, Sharrin & Andy met at 9.30am at the Market Cross , with Andy on his first Friday ride . Agreement was reached to head to Hornsea and the ” Chocolat Cafe” and all set off . It was a steady , flat ride ride and as we got closer to Hornsea blue skies were spotted. The roads were wet and  muddy and Andy was relieved he hadnt brought the bike that he had cleaned and left to dry …in the living room!  The cafe stop was a good chance to catch up on the recent festivities and fill up on breakfast paninis and scones…essential to keep everyone warm ! On the way back to Beverley ominous black clouds appeared and sadly this shower of rain was bang on time and rain jackets were donned- all except Ray who said he would put his on when it rained properly… used to the rain those Lancastrians. Of course the rain stopped as we arrived in Beverley , slightly damp but all very glad that we had been out and got the first of, hopefully many more , Fantastic Friday rides under our belt.