Sunshine encourages flowers to come out in bloom, so it seems it may also apply to Beverley Knights. Light winds, sunshine and not too hot, perfect for cycling, brought many Knights out for today’s ride to Millington.
Michael suggested today’s route. Perhaps his middle name is “Torquemada” as I’m sure he intended to include both Nunburnholme and Trundlegate climbs. Nine Knights, including one “newbie” set off in two groups from Market Cross to meet up with four others at Manor House.
Once everyone was ready and the route agreed, separate groups headed along familiar roads towards Etton and up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. The clement weather had obviously encouraged many other cyclists out onto the roads, judging by the numerous groups we encountered along the way.
From Middleton-on-the-Wolds, we started the long slog up to Huggate passing through North Dalton. As the “lead” group stopped briefly at the Wetwang junction, the following group caught up prompting the “lead” to set off once more.
The run down Millington Dale was wonderful until we met a car heading in the opposite direction trying to overtake two cyclists on a blind corner. Luckily he stopped before the first of our group passed but was about to make another attempt until realising there were a few more cyclists behind.
A little further along, we came upon another car and Olivier decided this time to pull over to the side to let it pass, however just at the same moment the car pulled over into a passing place allowing the rest of the group to continue. Unfortunately for Olivier, as he unclipped ready to put his foot down, he found himself too close to edge of the bank and took a tumble into the field. Mark, having witnessed the “acrobatics” fell into hysterics. Fortunately no damage done.
Our arrival at the Ramblers Rest was quite timely as we occupied the few remaining tables while many other passing cyclists stopped but on seeing the “mob” decided to look for an alternative cafe. Grumpy Granny next door seemed to get a “bee in her bonnet”, coming out of her house to forcibly remove some bicycles that were innocuously leaning against her garage wall.
The thought of Nunburnholme Hill was a bit off-putting for some so Mark proposed a change to our return route to provide some flatter terrain. Heading away from Millington, the various groups set off towards Pocklington. I was glad James seemed to know the way through town, as he led our group flawlessly to Allerthorpe. After that it was back to familiar roads as we made our way through Bielby, Everingham and Harswell eventually arriving on the Cliffe Road.
Our “enjoyment” of the flat roads came to an abrupt end as we turned onto Common Hill with a shout from behind “Engage low gear Now!” Once through Hotham, we soon arrived at South Newbald where our group stopped to debate the merits of heading up Trundlegate. On reflection, we plumped for the “easy” hill out of North Newbald and home to Beverley. Another superb ride with something for everyone.