The “troops” gathered on the “parade ground” outside the Light Dragoon at Etton. The sun was shining and all was well with the world as we watched and waved to the many passing cyclists while waiting for the “roll call”. Today’s “action” would take place at the Farm Shop at Hutton Cranswick. “Before we set off” uttered Lord of the Cardigan “I have a confession to make….. I don’t have any mudguards today” he explained. A look of utter disbelief crept onto the face of Michael who had finally managed (after much cajoling) to arrive with mudguards attached. “AND the roads are wet!” he exclaimed indignantly.
“The table is booked for 11.30am” advised Cardigan “.. so no hanging around”. Setting off along Etton main street our platoon were immediately “bombarded with light flak” from the westerly wind. The blasts continued to hamper our progress as we “ducked and dived” our way through Kiplingcotes to Market Weighton, occasionally “taking cover” at the side of the road to allow some “enemy tanks” to pass.
At Market Weighton the reinforcements arrived in the form of Zog. “Wow another one ‘sans’ mudguard” observed Michael. “I’ll form the rearguard then shall I?”. The next stage of the “battle” was a long upwards slog. Starting with Intake Hill then onwards to the top of Nunburnholme. Not an overly steep climb but doesn’t it just “drag…oon”.
At the top, we took a chance for a brief respite to regroup. “We should have the wind behind us now… ” advised Lord of the Cardigan “and we’ve got 50 minutes to get there.. 49….48” he counted down as Heather vainly tried to get a photograph of us all before the platoon charged off. Taking no prisoners, Lord of the Cardigan led from the front ably assisted by Michael and James. By the time the platoon reached Dalton Dale the charge had turned into a full on gallop taking us through North Dalton and Bainton and onto Neswick Lane. At this point the platoon split into two with the “vanguard” heading through Southburn and Hutton while the “rearguard” took to Burnbutts Lane attacking the Farm shop from two sides. Our mission was accomplished with a few minutes to spare.
On the return journey it was straight back into the wind once more. As the platoon pushed forward, Pugwash began struggling at the back dropping further and further away. “Wow I must have used all my ammo in the earlier charge” he thought “why is this such hard work?”. When we’d regrouped someone spotted that there was a problem with my mudguard. The anchor point had come loose allowing it to rotate round the wheel and drag on the ground. “No wonder it was so difficult” said Pugwash as he rotated it back into position. Unfortunately it refused to remain in place and when a little further along the road at the top of Bracken it was necessary to make a better “fix”. Huge kudos to both Neil and James for the assistance which got me home.
The remainder of the journey followed our usual route back through South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton.