Six Knights assembled at Market Cross before setting off over the Westwood to meet up with another four at Manor House. Today’s route was proposed by Heather, however the North Dalton proposal was kicked into touch as a step too far for a cold winter’s day, instead we decided to follow a similar route to Friday’s ride but with a few variations thrown in.
The hunt set off towards Cherry Burton and Etton under a dull grey sky. The scent led us on to South Dalton where the first quarry was spotted darting up the hill towards the church. The chase was on, as the lead group soon ran the three foxes down, leaving them trailing in their wake. The burst of pace however caused a split in the hunt so a re-mustering was required at Holme-on-the-Wolds.
It was during this brief stop that the three foxes passed by again with a cheery hello. Never let it be said that cyclists are not competitive, as Jim replied with “We’ll get you again”. When we were all together, it was off on the chase once more. The leading group eventually passing the three foxes from Brough on the long climb towards Goodmanham however the pace again causing a spilt, forcing another stop at the junction to Enthorpe where the foxes passed by a second time eventually giving the hunt the slip as they went to ground at the Fiddle Drill.
After passing through Market Weighton, it was onto the Cliffe Road when another fox was spotted. This time wearing a Cliff-Pratt racing shirt. It was just too much for Brett who set off in hot pursuit hoping to gain some kudos with the catch. Tucking in behind him were Andy, Pugwash and Heather who managed to cling onto Brett’s wheel until one by one dropped off the pace. Brett did eventually make the catch before turning off onto Common Hill.
At the top of the hill, Heather used the regrouping as an opportunity to investigate what was rubbing on her wheel. While we waited for the tail enders to catch up, however it seems they did not read the script and missed the turning and continued on to North Cave before heading for Hotham. Realising the error of their ways, we soon received a message from Matt saying they’d meet us at the cafe.
Next challenge for the depleted hunt was the climb up Trundlegate and a chance for Jim to show age is no barrier as he posted the 3rd best time of the day on Strava for the full climb.
After the final regrouping at High Hunsley it was nearly all downhill to Little Weighton where we were briefly held up by a tractor who’d slowed down while passing a group of horses in a nearby courtyard. The sight of the Folly Lake café was welcome, as hunger and cold needed to be assuaged. The tail enders joined shortly after as we settled down for refreshments before the final journey home.
