Pancake day saw seven chefs turn out at the Bike Off tent (aka Manor House) to show off their skills. The opening challenge saw the bikers warming through led by chefs Bob and Heather as we headed to Walkington and on towards Bluestone Bottoms.
After regrouping at the top, chefs Russell and Pugwash took up the spatulas to lead the bikers up Comberdale Hill. On reaching the top, chef Alan seized his chance to turn up the gas on a solo challenge down into South Cave. When everyone had completed the initial task, it was time to prepare for the signature challenge .
On the Cliffe Road it was the turn of chef Raymond Le Blanc to step up to demonstrate what was required. Turning up the gas, he got to the front bringing the speed up to 20mph. After a few minutes he decided to take a “back seat” with a cheery “now that’s the way to do it”. Next on the front was chef Pugwash with the pace increasing to 23mph before peeling off to allow chef Bob to set the pan on fire and touching 26mph. Nearing the end of the challenge, chef Matt decided to show off his new found form and jumped to the front.
Next up was the “technical” challenge, as we had to find a way across Giant Bradley Way and into Market Weighton. Spotting a gap in the traffic, we made a dash to safety on the opposite side. Our efforts however, were greeted with hoots of derision from one irate motorist. Chef Heather had some slight technical issues which took a few minutes to sort out before the chefs proceeded to the final showstopper challenge.
Chefs Bob and Pugwash led the way as we took the Spring Road towards Kiplingcotes. Approaching the “ramp” chef Matt once again turned up the gas on a solo venture of the front. He was quickly chased down by chef Bob. Chefs Steve and Pugwash managed to maintain the pace but couldn’t close the gap.
The final section saw the bikers head through Etton to Cherry where Alan left the “tent” while the rest continued to the Newbald Road over the Westwood. Another chance for Matt to show off his descending skills before we all headed to cafe Velo.