Ten Knights confirmed they would be out for Neil’s ride to the Ginger Cow at Everingham this morning. But what’s this, a late entry? Well I say ‘late’, but one could argue it was ‘early’ as it was posted at 03:42am. Who could be sending messages at that time of the morning you may ask. Could it possibly be a gentleman of a “certain age” woken in the middle of the night (again) or perhaps he’d been awake all night worrying whether to join us. “Can I join the ride at Elton?” he asked. These spell checkers are wonderful when they work but can create moments of hilarity. Quick as a flash Matty piped up “Are we meeting on the Yellow Brick Road?” “If you like, Tinny” came the cryptic reply.
Just as we were gathering at Market Cross a group of bikers turned up creating a right old racket as they assembled around the Cross. Fortunately it was time for us to set off. Unfortunately the ‘bang’ we heard was not from a back firing exhaust but from Barry’s rear end (tyre that is)! Seems as if there was some broken glass on the ground nearby and he was unlucky enough to have a visit from the ‘puncture fairy’. Sharrin, Heather and Stephen set off to meet up with Jim while the rest of us waited as Barry made necessary repairs.
Once on our way, “Bennie and the Jets” headed out to Cherry Burton then Elton where lo and behold there was no sign of “Scarecrow”. He’d obviously joined “Dorothy” and his new found friends and set off ahead. Still no sign of the ‘breakaway’ at High Gardham.
The “chase” then continued until we found “Scarecrow” along with his friends hanging around on the corner of a field at the top of Stoneknowle whistling “Sad Songs” while waiting impatiently. Right we’re off, off to see the wizard. Following the “Yellow Brick Road” we passed through Newbald and Hotham before taking the Cliffe Road north. Cruising along Sand Lane towards Harswell, we were blown along like a “Candle in the Wind” all the way to Everingham. It’s been a while since we called at the Ginger Cow so we can be forgiven for having doubts that we were following the correct route. Just follow the ‘Captain’ he’ll never lead you astray 😉🤔.
“Dorothy” and her travelling companions arrived at the “Ginger Cow” and marveled at the “wonders” on offer. The “tinman” polished off a sausage sandwich while the Scarecrow could only manage a coffee. “My body is a temple” he explained. “I’m a Tiny Dancer” he added “and wish to remain that way”. At the end of the meal we consulted the “wizard” regarding our route back to Kansas (aka Beverley). “Head back the way we came then turn left to Hayton” advised the wizard. Just as “Dorothy” and two of her friends set off, Toto her faithful dog exposed the error of the wizard who’d sent them in the wrong direction. When his feeble call for them to return fell on deaf ears, Toto volunteered to chase after them and bring them back to the “fold”.
If you wanted to get rid of your wife, I’m not sure that’s the way to go about it. Just as Toto caught up with them, Sharrin’s phone rang. None of this chasing after them for Stephen. Why waste all that effort when modern technology can achieve the same thing. “OK we’re on ‘The Retreat'” she purred down the phone while imaginary strains of “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” played in the air. When “Dorothy” and her band returned to “Emerald City” they spotted the rest of the group up in the distance, having left already in the right direction to Hayton. When we were all together again I’m sure we could hear the sound of “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”
The journey home then took us to Burnby where we then took the long climb up to Nunburnholme top. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” sprung to mind as we fought our way upwards. In some ways it felt like a tougher climb than Nunburnholme Hill so we were glad of a short break as we waited to regroup.
The “Lion” had clearly found his heart as he led us strongly into the wind. Taking the road down to Middleton-on-the-Wolds strains of “Crocodile Rock” would have been appropriate as we rattled our way over the bumps and lumps on the road surface. Back to “smoother waters” the group made their way to Lund before picking up the Bracken road.
Wait For Me! 
Scarecrow & Tinman 
Dorothy & Friends 
Barry left the group when the rest turned towards Holme-on-the-Wolds. In the “click of a heel” we were back at Elton where the Scarecrow went back to his “field” as we all sang “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. The final section of our journey included the Bishop Burton Hill sprint with the fastest time of the group being posted by “Rocket Man” Matty. “I’m Still Standing” on the pedals while a voice lamented “I hate that hill” wishing he had a pair of Ruby slippers that he could click to take him home.