Though these valiant riders have set an impressive pace, the challenge is open to all members of our cycling club. Now is the time to summon your inner warrior and forge ahead, riding your noble steed with vigor, determination and skill. Awards will be made for the leading rider in each of the following categories; Men Under 40, 40-60, 60-70, 70+, Ladies 40-60, 60-70, will receive a trophy to be held for one year.

Seven Knights met for a long and hilly ride to Castle Howard. The route took in the climb up to Huggate followed by a drop down to Thixendale. Rising out of the valley towards Leavening we continued westerly into the wind to Barton-le-Willows before looping northwards to Castle Howard.

Our return route took in Malton, Settrington, West Lutton and Driffield then home. It was a tough but wonderful day out with 1350m of climbing covering 135km.

In the absence of Raymond, this Friday’s ride was organised by top cat ‘Jenks’. “Meet at Walkington pond 10am for ride ‘over the hills and not too far away'”. Nine ‘cats’ arrived to bask in the morning sunshine in the bus shelter by the pond. Eventually it was time to ‘play’ and the ‘clowder’ set off in search of the ‘fiddle’.

To begin the days adventure, the ‘cats’ sidled up Kirk Lane in search of the high ground at the top of Bluestone Bottom. Continuing upwards, the ‘cats’ reached High Hunsley along Westoby Lane. Next up was a super wizz down into North Newbald putting smiles on the faces of the ‘cats’ as they ‘creamed’ it downhill. Soon it was time to start climbing again as the group set off to tackle Stoneknowle Hill.

After reaching High Gardham there was a brief “paws” as the ‘cats’ took time to admire the view before “licking” downhill to Low Gardham towards Etton. It was back to climbing as we turned towards Holme-on-the-Wolds, fortunately assisted by a slight following wind. The final leg saw the ‘cats’ sidling along the Middleton road before turning into the wind towards Goodmanham and the Fiddle Drill Cafe.

Suitably refreshed, the ‘cats’ began to return home. With the wind now behind, progress was relatively swift as they ‘slinked’ (is that a word?) along the Spring road. On reaching Etton West wood DaveH decided to ‘pounce’ and came ‘screeching’ past everyone like he was a cat in chase of a mouse. Caught up in the fervour of the chase, SteveG jumped on his tail following him like a GC contender protecting his time gap.

As we regrouped, Matt noted we were still one cat short. “Where’s Jonathan?” he asked. “Perhaps he’s got ‘stranded'” suggested one cat ‘amewsingly’. Eventually we realised he hadn’t left the cafe with us when someone suggested he’d gone to the loo while we’d set off. After waiting a while with no sign of him, Brian decided to return in search. As the rest waited and waited we began to think we’d lost Brian as well. With the hot sun burning down we decided it was too hot to hang around and continued on home through Etton and Cherry Burton.

Ships are queasy, it’s Raymond’s ride of joy🎶 Ha ha got you…. Bet you thought it was one of those naughty rugby songs. Well hello peeps, sorry its been a while since the last blog. It’s been a bit busy on the “Black Pig” of late.

Captain Greybeard “hoisted the flags” calling the “fleet” to action. “Meet at Market Cross 0945”. “There be treasure in the Eastern seas for which the citizens need relieving” he advised. The excitement was palpable as the “captains” gathered at the appointed hour…..but “Who’s the jester on a race bike, dressed in t-shirt and sweat pants sporting a can of Tesco’s finest…?” At least he kept us entertained before moving off to his next “target”.

The “fleet set sail” navigating their way through the “Straits of Beverley” heading eastwards via Weel Bridge to Tickton. After traversing the “A1035 rapids” progress was steady with the North westerly wind until reaching Routh. At this point, the “fleet tacked” southwards under full “press of sail” on Meaux Road until turning onto the Kidhill “strait”. On reaching Skirlaugh, captain Greybeard relinquished control of the fleet declaring “I’ve reached the limit of my charts. You’ll have to navigate your own way from now.”

The next leg saw the fleet on the “port tack” through Rise to Withernwick and on to Cowlam. At this point, the fleet split up into the separate groups to tackle the breezy head wind on the main road through Mappleton to Hornsea with the “Clipper Ships” in the lead convoy followed by the “Cruisers” and the “Battle Ships” bringing up the rear.

Arriving at the Floral Hall the “captains” began their “raid on the local treasures”. “Ooh I’ve worked up a right thirst” declared Ian, our newest “ship off the blocks” as he decided to start a new trend by raiding the beer fridge. “A BEER!?” queried some “But the sun is still well above the yardarm! Well that makes a change from the ‘rum ration'”.

As we returned to our “ships” we were greeted by a light spray over the bow prompting some to don sou’westers ready for an anticipated downpour which failed to materialise. After navigating our way out of Hornsea we turned North into the wind towards Bewholme. Michael took up the “flagship” position with everyone else happy to trail in his “wake” as we sailed close-hauled on the port tack.

Turning onto a broad reach, the pace picked up with Chris in front as the blue fleet skimmed along the “reach” like a Kingfisher seeking a new hunting ground. Brandesburton soon “hauled into view” where after regrouping the fleet continued onwards to Leven and back to home port of Beverley to complete another successful raid ride.

The “battle” for superiority is already well under way despite the inclement weather of recent months.

KOM Challenge – Steep Hill to Comberdale

Sprint Challenge – BK Sprint 2024

Time Trial – Shark’s Tooth

Thursday 20th June the Knights held their annual solstice ride from Beverley to Hornsea and back stopping off at Berts Pizzeria at Brandesburton. With almost perfect cycling conditions we had a good turn out.

Setting out from Market Cross the pace was high right from the go. The route we followed took us firstly to Tickton and Routh where we picked up Meaux Lane and onto Kidhill Lane. After arriving at Long Riston we continued along to Mappleton reaching the coast road into Hornsea.

Following a brief stop for photographs it was off again to Bewholme arriving in Brandesburton on time 8pm.

This year’s foreign adventure saw seven Knights heading to the popular cycling destination of Mallorca. Day one consisted of a shortish 43km route but included over 1000m of climbing as they set out from “base camp” in Port de Pollenca to the most northerly point of Cape Formentor and back.

On day 2 the group awoke to find perfect cycling conditions and followed a circular route of 83km heading along the coast through Alcúdia to Can Picafort before turning inland to Santa Margalida for a spot of lunch. The return leg took them back through Muro, Sa Pebla and Campanet.

Day 3 was a tough day in the saddle with 105km route including 1771m of climbing including the infamous Sa Colabra. The first “warm up” climb came at Col de Femenia, a 7.2km climb averaging almost 6%. After fortifying themselves with lunch at Lluc, the group set off to tackle the iconic climb, a mecca for many cyclists from around the world.

Day 4 was a short recovery day ride with lunch at Pollensa.

Day 5 was a flattish ride south west through Campanet to Inca before returning North East through Sa Pobla and Alcúdia.

Day 6 was a short spin to Pollenca before returning home to wet and miserable conditions at home.