The Big Freeze

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…. it’s almost over! Yee hah! Come on! Mount up! Get out there once again. Time to start burning off all the extra baggage acquired over the festive period. So it was with enthusiasm I headed into the garage to check over the winter bike. Brakes ✔️, Lights ✔️, Mudguards ✔️, Garmin ✔️, Water ✔️, Tyres… maybe just a little top up required. Mmm, something wrong with the valve on the rear tyre. 🤔 Never mind the pressure is still holding 💭 so off I set. I’d only gone about about 100 yards when I began to feel “something was wrong”. Sure enough, the rear tyre had gone flat.

Returning home, I sent a message to let everyone know I’d be a little late arriving then set about replacing the affected inner tube. Shortly after, I was ready to set off again. Twenty minutes to get to Etton for the 10am start. I’ll give it my best shot but the God’s of fortune were not with me. First obstacle was a line of traffic blocking the way to Lairgate, so decided to take a different way round only to be confronted with red traffic lights at every stop. Eventually out of town heading towards Cherry Burton ☎️ bzzzz. It was Neil “Are you nearly there yet?”. Shortly after setting off again, all traffic was being held up while a tree at the roadside was being felled then… finally a clear run to Etton. Thanks for waiting everyone.

The day was damp with some icy patches reported but we still had a good turn out at the start for a short trip to Hutton Cranswick Farm Shop. Heading initially to South Dalton we turned passing the “duck pond” to make our way over to Bracken Lane. It was great to “catch up” with everyone again and how they all coped with the “Big Freeze” and the festive period.

After our cafe stop we found that the puncture fairy had paid a visit to Russ who promptly upended his bike to effect a repair. Getting the tyre off proved the most difficult task but with everyone chipping in with assistance Russ was ready to roll. By this time the main group had been whittled down to five and we set off on the back roads via Top Hill Low to Watton. Probably not the best choice of road with numerous potholes and mud everywhere but at least the sun tried to peak through for the final leg of our journey via Lockington back home.

Tis The Season….

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…. to be “superstitious” ? Well it is Friday the 13th after all. WHAT! You’re not superstitious? Perhaps you should ask Neil about it. While the rest of us “rolled” up to the start at Walkington Pond, Neil arrived more with a bumpity bumpity feeling. “Something wrong with my tyre” he declared before upending his bike to check it out. Two gas canisters later there was no improvement in the twisted tyre so he decided to abandon and head home. “I’ll try and catch you up later” he said hopefully as the group set off to follow his designated route.

First up, we headed up Northgate ramp turning left to reach Middlehowe road and the gentle climb to the memorial wood. “Is it straight on here, then right to Newbald down Burgate?” asked Colin. As we were debating and checking the instructions, Heather said “I thought it was right”. After rereading the route instructions to confirm, we set off along Wold road to pick up Walkington Heads.

As we rolled towards North Newbald, we came to a wet muddy section on the road. Suddenly Pugwash found himself splattered with mud from GEOFF’s rear wheel and his inadequate mudguard. By the time he’d dropped back out of the way his frontage resembled the breast of a song thrush.

The ride continued to South Newbald then on to Hotham and North Cave. On reaching the junction of the main road, we split into two groups for the run along the busy B1230 regrouping again just before Newport. The final leg to Gilberdyke Garden Centre cafe took no time at all, in fact, we were so early we began to wonder if the cafe was open yet as the staff still seemed to be busy “setting up”.

After the cafe break there was dissension in the ranks. “I don’t like that Brickworks road and suggest we go back the way we came” said one rider at which point there were many nods of agreement while others wanted to keep to the original planned route. Just as it looked like we were going to split into two groups a compromise suggestion was made by GEOFF to start back the way we came, but then turn off at Wallingfen Lane to get to Ellerker. At the end of the lane we were faced with a choice, left to Ellerker or right to Broomfleet then Ellerker. Eventually we headed to Broomfleet to resume the original route. Well that was a mistake as we got stopped waiting for a train not just at the Broomfleet crossing but also the Cave crossing. “That’s why I suggested going left to Ellerker” said GEOFF helpfully.

After Ellerker we took the Brantingham road into Elloughton. It was then that our “work” really began as we headed up the High road towards Welton. If that wasn’t enough to warm you up we then continued to climb up towards Riplingham. It was at this point the ride began to split up with three following the original route via Eppleworth, Skidby and Little Weighton, while the rest took a more direct route home.

Xmas Tapas Ride

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Well talk about a “jammy sandwich”, no nothing to do with the tapas, but the weather. It turned out to be a cool but sunny day sandwiched between two slices of soggy wet and windy days. Ten Knights took advantage and turned out for the start of this Friday’s ride to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham for Xmas Tapas.

After setting off we headed to South Dalton with Heather 😬 leading the way. “Straight on here Heather! ….. Left turn here Heather!” shouted Russ encouragingly from behind. Once we’d regrouped after passing through the gates into Dalton park, Neil zoomed off ahead. “Where’s he going?” queried someone. “Photo Op time” came the reply but as Neil disappeared around a bend in the road we began to wonder how we’d know when he was ready. Not to worry though, just as we were about to mount up there was a mighty roar from the distance.

On leaving the park, we turned left towards Kiplingcotes where by luck or by design we were joined by Colin, just in time for the climb up Arras hill and over to Sancton. Regrouping at the bottom of the hill, we waited for an opportunity to dodge the traffic to get to Houghton lane which then took us to Cliffe Road. “Left here to North Cliffe then right to Harswell and Everingham” advised Neil, however by the time we reached Market Weighton road it was felt that there wasn’t enough time to complete the intended route and still arrive on time at FD. Michael and Colin left the group at this point going to Allerthorpe instead while the rest headed for Pocklington along the busy A614 with Stephen peeling off home via Market Weighton. By the time we arrived at the Fiddle Drill we had five minutes to spare and the group was now down to six. Even a picture of the tapas was not enough to encourage others to join us except for Sean and wife Gillian who’d made their own way to the cafe.

Although Jim didn’t partake in the tapas he decided to join us for his version of “Dine & Dash” except he did a forgetful “Tea & Flee” instead. While five of us tucked into our wonderful tapas plate, Neil had decided to ‘share’ one with Heather, however as we struggled to finish ours, we found his beady eyes swivelling in our direction. “Are you not going to eat that?” he enquired before swooping in vulture like, mopping up some of the left overs.

After a very enjoyable Xmas Tapas it was nearly 1.5hrs before we were ready to set off home again. “Which way are we going back?” asked somebody and with general approval the reply was “Shortest and quickest” which in this case was along the Kiplingcotes valley to Etton. Many thanks to the staff at the Fiddle Drill for making such a festive table.

What’s ‘Eating Gilbert Dyke?

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Having been confined to “barracks” for a number of days, due to in part to icy conditions then by a battering from storm Bert, it was no surprise to see a good turn out for this Tuesdays ride to Gilberdyke. Our rendezvous point was Walkington pond where we huddled together in the bus shelter. The sun was shining but the slight breeze made the 4°c feel more like zero degrees. The last to arrive was Russ and Stephen both wearing matching ensembles making them look like they’d just come from auditions for the latest episode of “Orange is the New Black”.

Nine Knights set off up Kirk Lane heading for Little Weighton with Graham and Matty setting the early pace. They must have been feeling the cold as they soon had the group spread out before stopping to regroup when we turned onto Rowley Road. “OK Matty we’re all here, let’s go!” came the shout from behind “MATTY!…MATTY!… oh never mind off we go”. On reaching the end of Rowley road, we were waiting for an opportunity to exit the junction when a kindly van driver stopped to let us out, probably much to the chagrin of the traffic behind. In the kerfuffle of the mass scramble to get going, there was a squeal of concern from Heather as she narrowly avoided touching wheels with Matt. Later as we emerged from the junction at the bottom of Welton Dale we had a ‘reprise’ when Puggy 😳 got caught in the wrong gear heading up Elloughton High road impeding her progress. At this point we waved goodbye to Stephen who continued into Welton.

On “Top of the World” (aka Elloughton High Road)

Coming onto the main road at Elloughton we split into two groups while making our way to Ellerker along the Brough/Cave road. After regrouping, we continued through Ellerker to Common Road where we said goodbye to Matty.

Our ride to Broomfleet was interrupted at the railway crossing where we had a triple whammy of trains. Following a short break we continued to the Brickworks along a lane called “The Landings”. Given the state of the road surface it must have been named after the lunar landings. Having safely negotiated our way through, we arrived at the Gilberdyke garden centre

When we’d all had our fill it was time for the return journey. Along the busy main road through Newport we formed a “steady away” chain gang until reaching North Cave. At this point Geoff left the group to continue home on his own while the rest headed along Townend lane towards Hotham.

Unfortunately there was some misunderstanding over the directions which resulted in three of us heading along Hotham road while the three at the back turned to Nordham and through Hotham park. When we regrouped outside the Hotham Arms “referee” Neil ‘blew his whistle’ and showed the ‘yellow card’ to Puggy. “We agreed at the cafe we’d go through the park” advised Neil. “But referee!!…” cried Puggy proverbially flailing around for any excuse before trotting out the oft used adage “…but we always go that way”. Meanwhile Chad was trying to sink into the background muttering “Don’t blame me, I was only following the wheel in front”.

The final leg of the journey took us home through South and North Newbald and along Beverley road to complete another enjoyable ride in great company. Till next time….

Sled MeerKats

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In the absence of head meerkat Raymond, Pugwash “stuck his head above ground” and proposed a ride to Sledmere. I wouldn’t call the response overwhelming, in fact you could almost imagine the tumbleweed drifting in the ether. Eventually two brave “meerkats” popped up and decided to join in the “foray” prompting others one by one to come along.

The day began with continuing overcast skies with light breezes making it a pleasant autumn/winter day. Seven “meerkats” gathered in the relative safety of the bus shelter at Etton before setting off in “search of food”. The first obstacle to overcome was the climb up to South Dalton followed by a meander up to Bracken top.

Once the “clan” regrouped they got the “all clear” to set off on the next leg to Kirkburn. It proved to be quite a rough section of ground with many defects on the surface coupled with dried mud from recent farm activity covering the route making it a somewhat bumpy run. On reaching the main road the “clan” were then faced by traversing a much more dangerous habitat. After waiting patiently for an opportunity to dodge the “predators” the clan scurried as quickly as they could to the next point of refuge at the junction to Garton-on-the-Wolds. The road to Garton was gently undulating after which the “clan” then headed for the long drag up Garton Hill to the “Great Meerkat in the Sky” (aka Sir Tatton Sykes monument).

After paying “homage” to the “Great Meerkat”, ‘SteveG’ turned back home while the rest of the “clan” set off to raid the food larder at Sledmere House. Colin left the “clan” as the rest went sneaking in the back door and made themselves comfortable while consuming whatever delights they’d managed to forage. Russell came up trumps with a dish consisting of FOUR poached eggs! “Well they were small” he declared with a grin that would have been a good impression of the ‘Cheshire Cat’ as he polished off his plate in no time at all.

Suitably refreshed the “clan” left to return home. Turning onto the road to Wetwang, you could almost hear the whoops of delight as the Meerkats “sled”ged down the steep ‘piste’ only to be followed immediately by groans and grinding of gears as they headed up the other side. “Well that got the heart rate going again” someone said as we regrouped at the top. Following some more gentle climbing, we were then faced with the delight of the long descent down Life Hill to Wetwang. From there we headed gently upwards to Huggate and returned to Etton via Middleton-on-the-Wolds and Holme-on-the-Wolds

All in all it was a very pleasant ride, slightly longer than usual for the time of year but none the less enjoyable. Until next time…..

A Day at the Velodrome

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This Tuesday saw a number of Knights taking advantage of the opportunity to experience riding in a velodrome. For some it was their first experience, while others had been at least once before. We may not have performed like the professionals but with us all in club kit we certainly looked professional.

The day was brilliantly organised by Michael. Departing from Beverley on the 0905 train via Hull changing at Sheffield then on to Manchester Piccadilly. Once there, we headed for the tram service to take us the Velopark. So far, everything had gone to plan. After checking in at reception, we were issued our helmets and shoes and pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. I’m sure some of us took a moment to consider that we were now walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest in the sport of track cycling past and present.

Sizing up for the bikes was a bit heath Robinson. “I’ve been doing this twenty five plus years” we were assured by Mr “No-Measurements-Required” as each of us were given the “eye-over” and handed a bike of appropriate size. After wheeling the bikes into the “D”, it was time the final “guesstimate” for the saddle height followed by a safety briefing regarding behaviour on the track. Finally it was time to head out to the “concrete” and mount up. The first “task” was to “push off” from the railing one at a time to complete a couple of laps on the “blue” and practice slowing down and stopping which was a bit novel since the fixed gear bikes don’t have brakes. Once we were all comfortable on the bike, we proceeded onto the real track for a short warm up.

As our confidence grew, so did the speed and the further up the track we could ride. Eventually we all pulled in for the next briefing. When we returned to our bikes it was a job to remember where we’d left them as each bike looked exactly the same except for Neil’s which had small blue sticker on it.

The final part of the session consisted of an individual time trial. This consisted of one lap of the track as fast as possible from a virtual standstill. On this occasion the ‘gold’ went to Dan with Michael taking ‘silver’ and Neil the ‘bronze’.

All too soon, our session came to an end and thoughts turned to food and drink. Italian cuisine was the food of choice and we all felt we’d have more options by taking the tram and heading back to Piccadilly. After a short walk, we stumbled upon a pizza place called Rudy’s. It turned out to be a great choice with an empty table for eight ready to be filled by eight thirsty and hungry cyclists. The drinks flowed (including a round “on the house”) with the conversation becoming more and more animated. By the time we’d reached the end of the meal we’d had a thoroughly good time however it was time to head back to catch the train home.

Negotiating our way through the station at such a busy time proved to like crawling through a nest of ants with people heading seemingly at random in every direction trying to reach their own destination. In the end we made our train by the skin of our teeth only to find that the ants had now turned into sardines and were packed in tightly with standing room only until stopping at Stockport. Arriving at Sheffield we found our connecting train had been delayed causing further delays on the way home all of which took some of the gloss off what had otherwise been an excellent day out.

Misty Morning Mountains

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🎶Misty mornin’, don’t see no sun, I know you’re out there somewhere having fun🎶 Yes it’s that season again of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”. Just as we thought we’d have a nice dry day, we awoke to drab grey skies, wet roads and a blanket of mist. Still, the Knights were undeterred with a “baker’s dozen” turning out at the starting point at Etton for what Raymond had described as one for the “mountain goats”.

The first “mountain” of the day came shortly after the start as we headed upwards through South Dalton to Holme-on-the-Wolds before wending our way to Middleton-on-the-Wolds to begin everyone’s favourite climb to Huggate.

On reaching North Dalton two of our number, DJ and Raymond, decided to return home and left the remainder to continue the original route.

Leaving Huggate behind we headed towards Warter. Part way along the road, a shout came from behind “Car Back!!!” Unfortunately that didn’t really describe what was approaching or stern. Turned out to be a huge 🚚 almost completely filling the width of the road and appeared to have little patience about getting past our group as it tried to squeeze by at the slightest opportunity despite the poor condition of the road surface and lack of space to pull in.

Following a breathtaking downhill into Warter we regrouped before heading for the next “mountain” along Bailey Lane. “This next hill is a bit steep isn’t it?” enquired Helen trepidatiously. “Noooooo not at all” we all assured her with tongues firmly in cheek. After gathering at the top having huffed and puffed our way, climbing sections varying in gradient from 6-12% there were some sighs of relief. “Well that wasn’t so bad was it?” commented someone. The climbing then continued, though on a gentler gradient, until reaching Nunburnholme top. There was then a brief respite as we headed downhill to Londesborough before tackling the final two climbs to the Fiddle Drill cafe at Goodmanham.

For the homeward journey we continued to climb from Goodmanham to the top of Kiplingcotes. At the top of the hill we noted a lot of cars parked up at the side of the road. Turned out to be a hunt meeting. As we zoomed downhill we could hear the sounds of the hunting horn blasting in the field nearby. It was soooo tempting to start shouting “tally ho” however the imminent approach of some pack hounds crossing the road focused our attention more appropriately. The final leg of our journey then took us home along the usual route through Etton and Cherry Burton.

Game of Thrones Autumn 2024

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The nights are fair drawin’ in and time will soon be running out for anyone wanting to get their hands on a trophy. In the battle of the “winged serpents” Sir Michael is still standing supreme at the top of the pile of “broken dreams” despite the best efforts of Sir Chad in 2nd place creeping ever closer with a time of 54s. Racing into 3rd place with a very creditable time of 57 secs is Sir Neil. Still flying the flag for AgeUK, Sir Jim is clinging on to 4th place by the skin of his teeth with 59s while our leading maiden the Lady Heather posted a superb time of 1:04

Meanwhile over on the Shark’s Tooth battle field it remains eerily quiet. Only Sir Sean has made a recent effort to improve his grip at the top with a really impressive average speed of 34.8km/hr.

It’s all change at the top in the “Hall of the Mountain King”. Having a tight grip on the “sprint” crown Sir Michael has now turned his sights on the “Mountain” crown posting an impressive time of 5:19 to wrest the “crown” from the disbelieving fingers of Sir Sean who now drops to 2nd place. Is there anyone who can “light the blue touch paper” and give challenge to the all conquering Sir Michael?

October Revolutions

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Well that’s October rolling in already bringing along with it some distinctly autumnal weather, which of course has curtailed a number of the recent club rides. However all is not gloom and doom with the sun putting in a welcome appearance for this Fridays ride to Allerthorpe.

Eleven Knights plus one guest rider gathered at Etton under brilliant blue skies with a few scudding “mares tail” clouds. The dress code for the day was more like morse code, a few longs and a few shorts with the temperature just in double digits. The group set off towards Kiplingcotes passing “Grannies Attic” on the approach to our first major climb of the day, Arras Hill. Not too steep but soon had us all spread out with just a steady incline around 2-3% then ramping up briefly to 5% before leveling off near the main road.

After regrouping at the top we set off once more towards Sancton. Unfortunately the road was strewn with shingle and mud from “tractoring” and unlucky for Chad as he picked up a puncture just before the final descent. At this point the “breakaway” were too far ahead to notice. The rest of us waited while Chad set about the repair. Just as we’d set off to continue, Colin, Graham and Chris appeared having just climbed back up the hill to see what had happened. 😁

Leaving Sancton we headed for North Cliffe then along Sand Lane to the Market Weighton road before turning off to Harswell. At this point Ed must have been feeling pangs of hunger as he shot off the front like a donkey chasing the elusive carrot. He was not alone though as Seadog chased him down clinging onto his tail. The final leg of the outward journey took us through Everingham and Bielby then over the Pocklington canal to Allerthorpe Lake park.

For the return journey we retraced our steps back over the canal but then turned towards Hayton. After crossing the busy main road we headed to Burnby followed by the steady ascent to Londesborough before plunging down then up the other side of Intake Hill.

After a final regrouping we continued towards Market Weighton picking up the Spring Road to Kiplingcotes and back to Etton and home to end another enjoyable day in the saddle.