This week has seen the return of group riding. Monday night heralded the first club ride of the year following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions. Right on cue, 🎶Here comes the Sun🎶 Two groups set off for a 25 mile loop around via Lund. Unfortunately with the pubs still closed they had to forgo the usual post-ride pint🍻.
Then on Tuesday, a further two groups were blessed with a “taste” of summer as the sun☀️ beamed down and temperatures🌡️soared. On this occasion they completed a 48 mile loop out to Ulrome and back with a cafe stop at Cranswick garden centre.
By the time of the Friday ride, the weather “Gods” had dialed back the thermostat and turned the “fan” 💨 back round to the north. 🥶 Olivier was first to propose a ride following the route of the “HTRC Big G 100km”. He was joined by Michael, James N, James G and Paul departing from Market Cross at the earlier time of 0830.
Meanwhile a second group with Pugwash, Heather, Sarah, Andy G and Colin met at Manor House for a shorter ride of around 60km. The first part of the route took us through Cherry Burton, Etton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and along Bracken Lane. Despite the cold head wind, it was a pleasure to be riding in a group once more where we can take turns on the front.
As we reached Bracken top, a shout went out “Hang on, wait for Sarah!” Turns out she’d got her “knickers” in a twist and were causing some chafing. While she stopped to adjust her wardrobe, there was a “blinding flash 📸” of brilliant white leg as she adjusted the leg warmers to a more comfortable position. Just at the same moment, a tractor 🚜 passed by so we could only imagine what “images” filled the farmers brain as he was confronted with such a sight.
Continuing our way towards Cranswick, the pace picked up as the wind was now more from the side. However, the respite did not last long. Turning onto Meggison’s Turnpike, once again we “battled” cold northerly. On reaching Skerne, we took the road to Wansford where finally, the wind was now generally behind us. (Oh yes it was Sarah). Hitting speeds of 20mph+ we soon arrived at North Frodingham.
After discussing our various clothing options to keep out the cold, we resumed our journey home through Brandesburton and Leven.
It was a pleasure to be out riding in a group again and hopefully soon all the cafes will reopen. Today was just too cold to sit outside for takeaway. Here’s looking forward to the next outing.