The mixed bag offered by the weather forecasters did not deter ten hardy knights from turning out at Market Cross. Winter hacks were much in evidence this morning and order of the day was for mudguards. There is always one however, that fails to heed the message, not naming any names MARK. The extra hour on the clocks proved invaluable, especially for Colin who managed to arrive with time to spare.
Suggested café stop for today was Langlands at Shiptonthorpe, a destination we have not visited recently and a shorter route than we’ve been used to, a definite sign that winter is on the way. Heading out of town via Molescroft and on to Cherry Burton, it was soon apparent why mudguards are now a necessity. It was bad enough that we may have to dodge showers from above but to also have the added hazard of dodging showers thrown up by the rear wheel of the rider in front (MARK) added insult to injury. It was also apparent that not all mudguards provide the same level of protection, a bit like other forms of prevention! Each time the road surface got a bit damp it was time to choose who to follow or change position in the group or best of all lead from the front.
Taking our familiar route from Etton along the Kiplingcotes road, the pace remained steady with the chilly northerly wind coming from the starboard quarter until reaching Goodmanham. It was around this time, the first shower appeared which encouraged the rear of the peloton to seek cover in a handy bus shelter in Market Weighton while the lead group continued on to the café. While it might have been tempting to jump on the next bus, the shower soon passed and le Lantern Rouge proceeded onwards to join the remainder of the group.
The return journey was full of promise for the cyclist’s dream of flat roads and tail winds, only downside, there was no way to avoid the busy traffic on the A614 as we made our way to Cliffe Lane. At North Cliffe, with the wind firmly behind us, the Twenty’s Plenty sprung to mind. However, like any unwritten rules, there are often exceptions as we found ourselves touching 25+mph on the way into North Cave. Making the most of the helpful wind we carried on into South Cave where the “fun” came to an abrupt end as we headed uphill over “the clump” and the wind off the bow once more.
At the bottom of Comberdale hill Matt and Mark headed directly back to Walkington, while the rest of us returned through Little Weighton and Risby road
