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.