Two crews set off for a cruise by the Ouse destined for the Cheese Shop at Howden. In the Market Cross crew there was James N, Colin, Brian, Mark, Paul + guest Alex. Starting from Manor House we had Neil, Heather, Pugwash, Karl, James G and Michael. Both crews set off at 0930.
The MH crew followed the Middlehowe road climb to High Hunsley, while the MC crew took on Bluestone Bottoms climb on the way to Riplingham. Neil Z, joined the MH crew at Brantingham (just in time to save him climbing the hill to meet us 😉). Continuing on to Ellerker there was another “parting of the ways” with the MH crew taking Common Road to Broomfleet while the MC crew went via Ings Lane.
With few hedgerows in this area, we were exposed to the adverse westerly wind. Fortunately it was not too strong and we managed to maintain a good tempo as we took turns on the front. After passing through Faxfleet and Blacktoft we stopped at Yokefleet to phone ahead to confirm our arrival time at the cafe in around 15-20 minutes.
Shortly after our arrival the MC crew arrived as we all “commandeered” the Market Place outside of the Cheese Shop. Having preordered our requirements, it did not take long before the service arrived. Initially, it was quite pleasant sitting in the sun providing a little heat, however once the sun disappeared, the temperature dropped and the skies looked somewhat daunting. We took that as our cue to set off home.
This time the MC crew set off first followed a few minutes later by the MH crew. Departing from Howden we headed for Eastrington and Sandholme. With the wind 🌬️now assisting our progress the prospects of a “chain gang” fizzled out as our crew spread out with the stronger riders upping the pace opening a gap to those behind.
From Newport we followed the main road back to North Cave. Here there was another parting of the ways. The MC crew decided to ride through Hotham Park while the MH crew took the main road to Hotham. On reaching South Newbald, Michael decided to follow two of the MC crew, which had been spotted earlier in Hotham, up Trundlegate leaving Pugwash, Heather and Neil to return home on the Beverley Road.