The early morning forecast was predicting temperatures to rise and a sunnier outlook as the day progressed. Indeed as Pugwash arrived at Manor House along with Colin there did appear to some “brightness” in the area. Turned out it wasn’t the sun after all but the the reflection from the brilliantly polished “guns” on display as everyone had opted for shorts for the first time this year…. well apart from a few hardier souls where such attire is ‘de rigueur’ unless the temperatures are near freezing.
Ten Knights set off from Manor House destined for Sledmere but we hadn’t got very far when Matty suffered a puncture (the third in two rides) and decided to abandon and head home to fit a new tyre. A little later as we passed Bishop Burton, we spotted another two Knights lurking in the bushes. Turns out it was Barry and Mark waiting to join us.
Today’s route took us initially through Etton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and on to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. It was at this point Neil, Heather and AndyG left the ride to return for an “early bath” while the rest continued up the long slog to North Dalton and Huggate. We noted that Mark had zoomed on ahead and was now nowhere in sight. No-one felt in the mood to “chase him down” however he appeared a little later emerging from the bushes with a “relieved” look on his face.
While waiting to regroup at Huggate, Pugwash decided to find similar relief in the nearby bushes. Just at that moment a frightened hare 🐰 went scurrying through the field causing great hilarity while the group speculated what may have caused its distress. Once all together again, it was time for us to scurry off to Wetwang.
At Sledmere, Mark and Colin continued home while the rest of us headed for the cafe. Having had twelve Knights join the ride we were now down to just six. Was it something you said Ray? It couldn’t possibly be anything to do with all the hills you’ve “thrown our way.” Never mind it’s all downhill from here… well apart from……..
The cafe was operating a limited menu choice with only breakfast, luncheon or afternoon tea. (Note for Chris, there was an option for a side order of chips!) If that wasn’t enough of a dampener, the clouds decided to release a few droplets in our direction. Come on forecasters, get your act together! Russell tried his best to persuade the waitress to conjure up a bacon banjo but she was having none of it. At least there was an impressive range of cakes and traybakes available. The faces of Iain and Barry lighting up as she read out Vanilla Slice as one of the options.
Once we’d put the World to rights, it was time to head for home. After the “battle” of Limekiln Hill we were looking forward to the lovely long sweep down towards Garton-on-the-Wolds but this road was recently resurfaced with stone chippings and a temporary 20mph limit advisory. It didn’t stop one self-important know-it-all in a 4 x 4 towing a trailer and blasting his horn as he passed us doing around +45mph
Iain 
Seadog 
Russel, Ray & Barry
By now the temperature was beginning to rise, 22°c according to Seadog. Not sure if it was ever that warm but there were glimpses of blue sky in the distance and it certainly made for pleasant riding as we headed homeward by Bracken.