There was no sign of paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday 13th) this morning as 11 Knights turned up at Market Cross for a 50 mile ride with a cafe stop at Hutton Cranswick Farm Shop.
In fact there was more superstition surrounding Michael’s proclamation that he was riding his new bike which our recently departed friend Iain assured him had never suffered a puncture. Given Michael’s recent history in that department it was brave of him to “tempt fate”. Cue multiple mock expressions of disbelief along with promises to carry extra spare inner tubes.
No sooner had the ride set off when we ground to a halt at the railway crossing where we had a “double whammy” of trains passing before continuing our way towards Weel bridge and onwards to Tickton. Picking up the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout the ride meandered through Leven and Brandesburton before reaching the Bewholme road. Turning off on to the road to Dunnington we headed to Skipsea Brough. Along the way though, we got into a “dog fight” when a little “ankle biter” Jack Russel appeared on the road and made aggressive moves towards Pug. Fortunately his bark was worse than his bite and no harm was done (touch wood).
As we regrouped at Skipsea Brough someone suggested that the Wansford bridge was so closed but with a bit of luck (fingers crossed) we may find a way across. Up to that point we had enjoyed the light airs on our backs and the sun in our faces however once we started to head towards Beeford, the “light air” felt more like a breeze. After Beeford, the ride turned towards Foston-on-the-Wolds and on to Wansford where we found the bridge was definitely still closed. “Oh balderdash” cried our route master (or words to that effect). “Sorry men, we’ll have to head up to Driffield and back to Skerne”.
Splitting into two chain gangs we set off on our extended journey. Entering Driffield we were once again held up by a passing train. As we waited at the back of the queue, Dave 💧 🏠 shot off to the front. “He’s gone to ‘conduct’ the train out of the way” suggested one wag. The final leg of the outward journey took us through Skerne to Hutton Cranswick. Eight Knights stopped at the Farm Shop cafe while the other three continued home.
The homeward journey saw us taking our usual route over Bracken to South Dalton (except for Colin who headed to North Dalton) and Etton and Cherry Burton to complete another very enjoyable ride in great company.