The northerly wind continues to blow and Michael decided which way to go! Out towards Huggate then to Wetwang we’d leg it, before heading south riding the wave, all the way to Driffield and the Bike Cave. Well no-one said he was a poet, but it appears his skills as route master were also called into question immediately as his proposed route was taking us down a busy main road. It was not long before other Knights jumped to his assistance to make some slight adjustments.
Nine Knights volunteered to brave the elements, five setting off from Market Cross and four leaving from Manor House. The MC group set off heading out along the Malton road to Cherry Burton with Stephen leading the way. The “starters” course took us through Etton up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. Following a brief respite from the head wind we arrived at Middleton-on-the-Wolds where it was time for the “main course” the long drag to North Dalton and Huggate.
“Cometh the hour cometh the man” as we settled in to “enjoy” the challenge. Eventually Sam stepped up to the plate to prove his mettle by taking to the front. Unfortunately the rest of us couldn’t hold his wheel as he inched his way ahead. Is that thunder I hear?… or is it Michael muttering between breaths “I hate this stretch of road”. Sympathy was in short supply though as he’d suggested the route!
Once we’d all regrouped at the Wetwang junction, it was now time for the “dessert” course as we turned away from the wind and headed down to Tibthorpe, Southburn and Hutton Cranswick before facing the wind once more as we made our way to through Skerne to Driffield.
Arriving at the Bike Cave, we were “pipped at the post” by another group of cyclists who were in the process of “parking” their bikes. Well at least we managed to get there before the MH group of Chris, James, Matthew & Neil’Z. It was not long before our coffees arrived followed by bacon sandwiches. It was about this point we began to realise that we’d ordered the same as the other group and that they were still waiting. Oops, sorry guys, it would have been rude not to accept when “your” order is presented in front of you.
While Paul tucked into a stack of pancakes, green eyes of envy peered across the table as Michael polished off his poached eggs desperately hoping the calories would help to warm him up and stop his teeth from chattering.
On leaving the cafe we noted a slight increase in temperature as the sun made an appearance. For the “afters course” we returned through Driffield and headed towards Wansford where Michael, like a late blossoming flower, burst forth to take to the front. He was eventually superceded by Sam who dragged us all the way to North Frodingham creating many new pb’s along the way.
Continuing southwards to Brandesburton, there was no let up in the pace. Assisted by the following wind, everyone took turns on the front until passing through Leven and onto the cycle path taking us back to Tickton then home. Another smorgasbord meal thoroughly enjoyed by all.