An earlier than normal meet of 9am at Humber Bridge car park saw 13 Knights turning out on what looked to be a glorious day for a jaunt to Market Rasen, for this month’s away day. Whilst some of the riders waited for others to turn up (with all of their equipment…) some light refreshments were to be had from the convenient breakfast van open for business when we got there. Although we had to share the meeting place with Cottingham Road Club the roll out wasn’t too chaotic and before we knew it we were out on the road in the sunshine. Some of the knights had chosen to ride to the bridge from Beverley so had already clocked up a few miles and were suitably warmed up.
The Lincolnshire Wolds had so much to offer alongside clear blue sky and baking sun as we rolled up and down the countryside there couldn’t have been a better way to spend a Sunday morning. But the smooth rolling roads were short lived as the route we were following suddenly ran out of road? Despite reassurance before the ride the route had gone ‘off road’ Barnetby Wold to be exact. Using some of the best Cyclo-cross skills I’ve ever seen we somehow, miraculously managed to all ride through without any puncture or incident – although everyone’s bike was now filthy, thanks Neil!
Next followed a gravel road for around 4 miles which was almost as delightful as the cyclo-cross we had just endured however apart from one dismount (I raise my hand in shame) we all managed to get across with no punctures – lucky. As we pushed on we saw a lone cyclist pass us a few times, we never managed to catch his name however he recommended a cafe for us to stop at in Market Rasen called Jossels (pictured). What a recommendation! It’s not often a small cafe gets the order absolutely spot on when an influx of hungry cyclists walk in on a Sunday morning but Chapeau to the staff, top grub and top service!
After we were all suitably refuelled it was time to hit the road again, a more direct route back saw us stick to roads and despite one incident with a male in a white Lexus who was incredibly keen to give us a wave, we all headed back towards the bridge enjoying the sun and the hills! Some of the knights who had ridden from Beverley were steadily approaching 100 miles so it was a group consensus to keep going until this was reached (some before others) I ended up going around the block twice and down to the end of the street just to tip it over 100 miles however for most of us it was the first 100 miler of the year which was a fantastic achievement and bodes well for those of us doing the Prudential Ride London.
All in all another fantastic well organised away day for the Beverley Knights and as summer approaches we look forward to many more miles with smiles!
