Riding The Blues

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Blue skies complimenting the blue of the club kit greeted the Knights as a larger group than we’ve seen on recent Sundays gathered at Market Cross for a ride out to Withernsea and the Blue Light Weekend. Michael volunteered as ride leader for the day on our visit to his “old home town”.

Spirits were high as we followed our usual route out of town over the Weel bridge to Tickton where Jim joined us to make a round dozen. Following the cycle path to Routh we then turned south towards Meaux before picking up the road to Beningholme. So far so good but things took a different turn as we continued to Swine. As we came to a bend in the road, Michael suddenly veered off into what looked like a farmers field. Visions of taking their best Sunday bike through a ploughed field led to cries of consternation from the back of the pack, “Where’s he going?”. Fortunately, on the other side of the gate was a footpath leading to a segment of the Hornsea Rail Trail.

Emerging from the trail, we found ourselves riding past Ganstead golf club before heading through unfamiliar roads to Wyton and Preston. Always a bottleneck for traffic, it seemed even worse with the addition of traffic control for some road works. We did manage however to “wheedle” our way past and continued our journey to Burstwick and Withernsea.

After a look around on the sea front we set off again, this time heading northwest with a slight breeze in our favour towards Roos and Owstwick before reaching our cafe stop at the Spotted Duck in Fitling. The journey must have proved quite a trial for Ian as he ordered a stiff one. “Sorry sir we don’t have any cognac, but perhaps we have some whisky” he was informed. “Ooh that will do fine……. for medicinal purposes you understand” he intimated.

While seated around the outside tables enjoying the food and the company, Jim began to get itchy feet and decided to set off home ahead of the group. “I’ll come with you” declared Ian. Just as they were about to depart Neil piped up “Hey Jim, have you paid for your tea?”. After “sheepishly” settling their debts they set off, unfortunately neither having much idea of the route home, a case of the blind leading the blind. Checking afterwards, it would have been quicker if they’d waited for the peloton.

The homeward journey went well with the wind mostly behind us as we pedalled through Aldborough then turning to Withernwick, Rise and Long Riston where we picked up the main Hornsea road briefly to Whitecross roundabout and the cycle path back to Routh and Tickton. It was another wonderful day out on the bike, superb weather, great company and a good route despite the few ‘unusual’ aspects.

Over The Bridge

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“Meet at Etton 10am” declared our illustrious leader. “Route out of Etton, turn right to South Dalton, over the bridge and turn left…”. At this point we were all confused. “Bridge? What bridge?”

The “mystery” must have intrigued many of us with 15 Knights turning up at the start point. “Where’s this bridge then Neil?” we asked waiting patiently for the explanation. A few minutes later, still none the wiser, we set off towards South Dalton. As we came to the bottom of the hill on the approach to South Dalton where the road crosses Beck’s Drain, “There it is!” cried Neil triumphantly. Underwhelmed would probably describe all of our reactions as someone shouted out “Call that a bridge?!”

With the “mystery” cleared, we turned left towards Kiplingcotes passing Dalton Park before turning onto the Kiplingcotes Race Course road and the climb up to Cross Gate. Somewhere along the climb, Jim noticed his bike computer had fallen off and turned back to look for it. It was not until we reached North Dalton that we realised Jim and Colin were still not with us. “They’ve gone back to look for Jim’s computer” somebody informed us.

After waiting a few minutes, Neil started looking at his watch. “We can’t wait too long. We don’t want to miss the poached eggs” he claimed before continuing on to Bainton then adding “Anyway they know where we’re going”. At the same time Michael decided to go on a wild goose chase and headed back to look for Jim and Colin. He got back to Middleton-on-the-Wolds with no sign of the twosome before abandoning his “search”. Unfortunately for him the two “computer hunters” had gone back into Etton in their forlorn search for the missing device then taken a completely different route to the cafe.

Meanwhile the main group headed from Bainton to Hutton Cranswick and the farm shop cafe where we were due to meet up with Mel and Val. Sitting around the table Neil began to wonder where Mel was. “You told him 1145 it’s now only 1130”. It was not long before Michael arrived followed by Colin and Jim dripping in sweat to regale us with tales of the search.

After the cafe stop some of the group took a longer route home via Huggate while the rest followed our usual route home. Soon after leaving the cafe, Pugwash began to realise there was something wrong with his cleats. As we headed down to Bracken farm, Puggy was unable to release the left side cleat and had to resort to the unfamiliar right side. Arriving at Cherry Burton he took the opportunity to get some help to release the offending attachment. Turns out that two of the three holding screws had fallen out. “No problem” suggested someone “Just take one screw from the right side”. Well it was a great idea, until we found there was also one screw missing from the right as well. “Now what do we do?” In the end Puggy decided to try and ride home with no cleat on the left. After slipping off the pedal a number of times climbing “Grannies Hump”, off came the shoe finishing the ride with just a sock on one side.

Here endeth another memorable ride with the Beverley Knights.

Game Of Thrones July 2024

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My Lords & Ladies, welcome to the latest news on the “battle” for the EasterRiding “Triple Crown”. Sir Michael has his hands firmly gripped on the “Sprint” crown since April, “whipping” his steed into a sweaty lather to set a fantastic “olympian” target time of 52 secs giving an average speed of 60.1 km/hr. Coming close on his heels though Sir Chad set an equally impressive time of 55 secs giving him a speed of 56.8 km/hr. But hold onto your saddles my trusty nobles, who is that racing out of the stables to grab third place with a time of 59 sec? Why it’s Sir Jim, proving that age is no barrier, galloping along at 52.9 km/hr.

Meanwhile over in the challenge for the “High Castle” 17 knights have so far taken up the gauntlet. Sir Graham must have thought he’d set an unassailable lead but his hold on the “crown” didn’t last long however as just ten days later Sir Sean set the bar even higher with an impressive time of 5:37m. Creeping up behind those two is Sir Pugwash cantering up the hill to take third place. Fortunately for those three they are all in different “categories”.

The “battle” of the two heavyweights Sir Sean and Sir Graham continues on the “Shark’s Tooth” time trial course where only five knights have so far “taken to the field”.

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.

Ride to Castle Howard

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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.

The Cats at the Fiddle

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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.

🎶Nice ‘n’ Breezy…🎶

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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.

Game of Thrones 2024

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

KOM Challenge – Steep Hill to Comberdale

In the “Hall of the Mountain Goats” we have a tremendous face-off between two matched contenders with Sir Sean throwing down the initial gauntlet posting a time of 5:50. Matching the same time was Sir Graham, but as he prefers to remain incognito his achievement doesn’t show on the leaderboard.

Sprint Challenge – BK Sprint 2024

It’s hot at the top with Sir Michael determined to claim the “Green Pants” award by spurring his mighty steed onwards to post an impressive speed. A few seconds behind in 2nd place we have Sir Chad, leaving the rest to fight for the scraps.

Time Trial – Shark’s Tooth

Not much action on the “Shark’s Tooth” with much of the year missed due to road works on sections of the route. Now the route is clear it’s game on once more. Good luck everyone.

Solstice Ride 2024

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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.

A Winters Tale… In June?

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Well the forecasters were at it again, filling us with gloom and doom and trying to rain on our parade. What to wear with such a mixed forecast would have been on everyone’s mind before setting out. Some Knights arrived dressed for summer…. it is over half way through June after all, others dressed for autumnal weather while Neil must have been feeling the chill with winter gloves and jacket.

We’re going that way Puggy!
Honest I’m not cold!
Say that again!

Our planned route today was to stay local in case the threatened rain put in an appearance. Initially we set off along the Molescroft road towards Cherry Burton before turning back to Bishop Burton. It was a welcome change coming to “Granny’s Hump” at the beginning of the ride instead of near the end. By the time we reached the main road though, Neil realised he’d overdressed and decided to return home to change and then join us later. From Bishop Burton the rest of the group headed past the pond and along Dale Gate to reach Walkington heads leading us into North Newbald.

Our route then took us to South Newbald and Hotham before ending up in North Cave. Finally the wind was now behind us, we continued to South Cave. At this point, two knights James and Graham decided to add extra miles and left the group to head off towards Gilberdyke while Puggy, Matty and Heather set off to tackle this year’s KOM challenge up Beverley Road.

Waiting at the top cheering encouragement was Neil along with Mrs Puggy. “Can’t stop” cried Puggy “My garmin says I’m not at the end yet” before continuing past the junction. After regrouping Neil asked “I thought the segment ended at the junction”. “Well yes so did I, but my garmin had other ideas” replied Puggy. “It better have ended at the junction” said Heather as she scowled threateningly in Puggy’s direction making him feel somewhat protective of the “wedding tackle area”. Her demeanour was not improved when Matty suggested with an impish grin “You can always go back down and do it again”. Luckily all was well as it turned out Puggy’s garmin was showing the wrong segment.

After zooming down to Raywell then along Eppleworth road we arrived at the Sails cafe at Skidby. With the sun still shining we opted to sit outside. Eventually the cakes began to arrive but with no sign of our drinks. Neil must have begun to feel restless and trooped inside to “gee things along”. The drinks did then arrive but minus Neil’s. 😂 A little later some darker clouds appeared in the sky making us wonder if we should move to a table inside. However Puggy looked around at the sky and predicted that the sun would return shortly. Sure enough, we were soon bathed once again in sunshine, however any bubble of smuggishness he may have felt was soon burst as Neil pointed out “Hey Puggy, you’ve got your socks on inside out”. On that note it was time to head home to end another enjoyable ride with great company.

Knights Landing

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“Weather looking good tomorrow” announced ‘Squadron Leader’ Raymond “Perfect for a ‘low level’ assault on the beaches of the Eastern front. ‘Take off’ will begin at 0945 from Market Cross.”

A total of fourteen Knights gathered ‘on the runway’ at the appointed hour to be greeted with grey skies and a light breeze. “Jings it’s cauld” was the general consensus as the temperature gauges barely registered double figures. Our refuelling point was the next topic to be discussed with the ‘Mere Cafe’ being cited as an option.

When the ‘green light’ was given the ‘echelon’ set off through Beverley. There was not too much ‘turbulence’ in the area so passage to Weel Bridge proceeded smoothly. Our eastwards ‘flight’ was assisted with a light southwesterly wind as the phalanx of Knights passed through Tickton and along the ‘flight path’ to White Cross roundabout. At this point the ‘Squadron’ ‘banked left’ towards Leven and Brandesburton eventually reaching the road to Catfoss.

At this point it was decided due the number of ‘pilots’, to change our refuelling stop to the Floral Hall. ‘Banking left’ again took the Squad to Dunnington and northwards to Skipsea Brough. After swinging round to the south, we faced our first ‘taste’ of head winds as each ‘pilot’ tried to maintain position in the slipstream of the one in front. Arriving in Hornsea we were confronted by a local ‘barrage’ of cars and traffic lights impeding our progress until a quick thinking Neil suggested a left turn on to Mount Pleasant giving us an open road to our destination on Hornsea beach.

After refuelling it was time for the return ‘flight’. The first leg took the ‘Echelon’ further south towards Cowden before turning west directly into a now strengthening wind. While some fired up the turbo chargers others tucked in the slipstream as best they could until reaching Withernwick. The next segment led the Knights ‘echelon’ to Rise and Skirlaugh. From there we continued along Kidhill Lane

On reaching the Meaux Road, there was a brief respite from the adverse wind as we turned North towards Routh before returning ‘to base’ following our outward route to complete another successful ‘mission’. 1