… and what better place to go than the seaside. As the eighteen Knights gathered at Market Cross Raymond must have thought “Is it my birthday or are you all just pleased to see me back?”
Splitting into smaller groups, we set off through town to the Weel Bridge with Colin leading the “breakaway” group. At Tickton Grange we regrouped after trying to cross the busy road. “PEEEEEP!!!” Oops who was that we wondered incurring the wrath of an impatient driver. “He was going too fast” explained Neil sheepishly as he joined those already waiting. Once we were all safely across there seemed a reluctance to set off again as everyone was enjoying the blazing 🌞 and general chit chat. Eventually Chris took up the lead in the “breakaway” group until taking up “lollipop duties” at the junction to High Farm. Karl then took up pace setting at the front until the next regroup approaching Leven.
After a short breather Pugwash took off as front runner. Honest I was only trying to get ahead to take some “action shots”. Turns out there was a drama unfolding behind as DJ came off the worse following an “argument” with the pavement kerb. Luckily the only damage was to his pride as he was able to continue the ride.
After passing through Brandesburton we headed for the quieter road via Nunkeeling and Dunnington to Skipsea Brough where we paused once more to regroup.
Turning south we carried on to Bewholme along quiet single track country roads, enjoying the light breeze on our back and the sun in our face, eventually leading us past the Honeysuckle Farm and into Hornsea. Our cafe of choice for today was the Floral Hall where they coped well with the sudden arrival of horde of hungry cyclists.
Having devoured our refreshments, thoughts turned to the route home. “Which way are we going Ray?” we asked our route master. “We have two choices today” he declared. “First option is go to Mappleton and turn right towards Great Hatfield. Second is for anyone wanting a slightly longer route to carry on to Cowden and Withernwick. I’m turning off at Mappleton!” When it came to “decision time” it looked like everyone was going to follow suit but at the last minute four Knights opted for the longer route and better road surface offered by going via Cowden.
By this time the wind had changed direction, blowing lightly from the east helping us along the way. While the main “peloton” passed through Great and Little Hatfield to Long Riston, the breakaway group arrived at the same point via Withernwick and Rise. The final leg home took both groups through Arnold to Beningholme before reaching the Meaux road leading to Routh and back along the cycle path Tickton. It was another great day out with perfect cycling conditions and wonderful to see so many Knights turn out.