Well that was a right “carry on”. It started before it had even begun with (Carry on Regardless) Pugwash coming a cropper (yes again) on the way to Market Cross. Having caught up with (Carry on Doctor) Sharrin near Wednesday Market, she stopped at a zebra crossing, where a gentleman was about to begin crossing, unfortunately Pugwash didn’t and ran into her rear end and lost balance. In the process of the less than elegant swan dive, Pugwash suffered a twisted ankle. After a few minutes recovery, like a pro cyclist, he decided to carry on rather than return home with tail between legs. Sharrin suggested that Pugwash had orchestrated the whole affair just to get a cuddle, but throwing oneself to the floor like that, is not likely to earn many “brownie points”.
Six knights gathered at the start. Lacking the requisite map and compass, (Carry on Columbus) Raymond decided to stick to familiar routes and head for the Mere café at Hornsea. Following a quick run through of the route, we set off into the mist with all lights blazing, lit up like a moving Xmas tree. (Carry on Sergeant) Dave was quick onto the front, leading the hapless band out to Weel and Tickton. Pugwash then took to the front as we continued along the cycle path to Meaux lane. Carry on Sergeant returned to the front to Kidhill lane where the next mishap occurred as he rounded the corner over the Riston-Arnold drain. The dampness on the ground proving somewhat slippery, caused Dave to hit the deck. Fortunately the only damage appeared to be to his ego.
Continuing on a little more gingerly, the route took us to Long Riston and along Whins lane leading through Great Hatfield and on to Mappleton. After a brief pause, it was off with the wind at our backs all the way to Hornsea where we turned into the Mere Café. Some discussion ensued regarding Carry on Columbus’s forthcoming BIG birthday party and what might be in store. Suitably refuelled it was time to face the cool dampness as we headed out of town towards the Honeysuckle Farm.
Turning off the main road it was time for Carry on Doctor to suffer a mechanical as her chain dropped off and jammed between the cassette and the spokes. Luckily she managed to unclip in time to save her from further indignity. Her knight in shining armour turned out to be (Carry on Camping) Russel as he stopped to help her sort out the problem. The chain however was well and truly stuck leading to Carry on Doctor to call for a “taxi” home. Carry on Columbus flagged down a passing motorist….. well flagged down was not quite how to describe him waving his arms and standing in the middle of the narrow road. Fortunately the helpful motorist happened to have a box of tools in his pick-up. Just as we were about to give up and rely on the “taxi”, Carry on Columbus put his previous engineering knowledge (AKA brute strength and ignorance) to finally release the chain. With assistance from Carry on Sergeant and Carry on Camping, Carry on Doctor was soon on her way again.
The return route took us through to Bewholme then via Catwick to Brandesburton and Leven. Our next mishap came when (Carry on Matron) Lesley announced a visit from the “puncture fairy”. Ably assisted by “Carry on Sergeant and Carry on Camping” the replacement tube was fitted and we set off for the final leg of our journey with Carry on Matron contemplating the expense of a new spare tube and gas canister.
An eventful ride and memorable for all the wrong reasons. Looking forward to the next one!!!!!