With the ride leader and his copilot out of service this weekend it was open season to organise a ride . Michael commented he had heard chat of a Howden trip and immediately he was promoted (press-ganged) to ride leader for the day.
Then it was a stop the clock game on the chat with various start times being suggested . Poor Michael debated bing tucked up early on Saturday night with an early start time . “Just chose a time, I want to come along but when ?!!“ cried Steve . Soon it was compromised with 9 am start and a long route via Howden to Allerthorpe planned.
It was a hot start to the day that saw 10 Knights gather at the Market Cross . All were suitably pre-warned by Sarah to bring suncream and water as it was set to be a scorcher .
A steady ride out toward South cave with drag up Bluestones hill to remind everyone that even a flat ride can have hills . Michael debated his route planning skills when his Garmin beeped to tell him to turn right but the sight of no entry signs put him off . Turns out the no entry signs were for the other road but we had headed on and took an alternate route into Ellerker . Then it was the big engines on front to take us along the sun baked roads toward Broomfleet and Yokefleet. Keeping Matthew at a pace we could all keep up was like holding back a racehorse ready to gallop but he and Chris kept us moving at a brisk pace. At some points the numerous shouts for potholes brought Mark out in a sweat remembering the roads in Hereford but at least it wasn’t matched with the hills . Soon we reached Howden and passed the usual coffee stop in the square . By the end of the road that was a step too far in the heat so a halt was called outside a supermarket. Mark and Stephen popped in for a refill and Mark supplied the group a 5 litre bottle of water to refill everyone’s water . Much appreciated.
Refilled and refreshed (ish) we were off again this time heading towards Allerthorpe. Brian took the lead pulling us along until Michael went in front in anticipation of a right turn that comes with the pressure of ride leader ! All directions worked well and we soon were pulling up at a very busy Allerthorpe. At this point Steve headed on leaving the other 9 to make their way though the crowds to find a table . Sharrin was given the responsibility to watch the bikes and grab a table for everyone whilst the rest queued for food . There wasn’t a rush as the crowds meant we had to chill , relax and catch up whilst waiting for food . By the time we left the temperature in the sun was 34C but even on the move it didn’t drop below 29C
After lunch it was home via Pocklington and the pleasure of fresh tarmac and less pleasure of Intake hill . The remainder of the route home saw the group split at Cherry Burton and all head home having all enjoyed a very warm but an enjoyable route . Thanks Michael – early night I think !
