To “spoil” the route? Raymond proposed the initial route plan to take in some hill climbing. Confusion reigned from the start as he kept referring to Barmby. Despite the references to the former Hull City player we all knew he actually meant Burnby, but why let that spoil a moment of fun.
Six Knights set off from Manor House to meet up with Chris at Etton. While we were waiting, conversation turned to the recent television program “Salisbury Poisonings”. This was followed by Raymond asking “What about Vera then?” With minds still in gogglebox mode everyone thought he was referring to Vera the TV detective only to realise he was actually talking about Dame Vera Lynn. Cue much hilarity as we realised our error.
Once Chris has joined our group, we split into smaller groups. 1-3-3, 4-2-1, 2-5 It was a bit like a football formation as natural selection took over. The first change of route came as Neil rushed forward to advise the two “strikers” Matt & Pugwash to keep heading up Kiplingcotes Race Course road. Heather then assumed her “Beryl Burton” mantle and left us all standing as she powered her way to the top bagging a cup for 2nd All-time(women). Michael made a valiant effort to stay on her wheel but could not quite match her pace.
The sun put in an appearance with corresponding increase in temperature and coupled with the recent effort led to Neil and Heather reviewing the level of clothing to wear. While Heather adjusted her wardrobe, four Knights set off towards Goodmanham eventually chased down by Pugwash as Neil remained to assist Heather.
Matt in “aero” position 
Ray working hard 
Chris ready for the next climb
Having reached the Londesborough roundabout we waited while the other two caught up. Raymond reconfirmed the route “first left at Londesborough and down to Barmby Burnby”. On this occasion, Pugwash reached the top first and turned up towards the Burnby turnoff only to hear shouts from behind “Left, Puggy Left!” Convinced of his decision, Neil sped off down the hill like a demon on fire leaving everyone else trailing in his wake. Arriving at Shiptonthorpe he realised his mistake and promptly went into hiding behind the nearest wall. “Well, what do we do now? Which way did he go?” thought the rest as we pulled up at the A1079 junction. With only a scintilla of remorse he reappeared behind us with a grin the size of a Cheshire cat. Raymond took charge once more, “There’s only one thing for it. We have to head back up that hill, only this time we will keep going to Nunburnholme top then on to Warter”
Resigned to the long 3 mile climb we all set off still in good spirits. While we were gasping for breath at the top, Karl appeared for the second time having just climbed Nunburnholme Hill with barely a sweat. After a brief chat he headed off to Londesborough as we continued our way to Warter.
Heather reaching the top 
Michael at the summit
Next on the agenda was Raymond’s “flat hill” to Huggate a 3 mile up and downer. “Beryl Burton” set the fastest pace of the day and collected another cup for 9th place All-time (women). Once more Michael tried to chase her down but failed to close the gap. At Huggate, we called into Walnut cafe but there was no sign of life. Fortunately the Wolds Inn pub was open and serving takeaway teas and coffees.
The first drops of rain started to fall as we stood outside having our drinks. Looking around for somewhere to dump our cups, Pugwash remembered a bin around the corner and was promptly handed all the empty cups for disposal much to the amusement of those around. I suppose it was only fair as Neil had paid for my coffee again!
For the return route it was decided to head for North Dalton and Middleton-on-the-Wolds and Lund. The toilets at the pub were off limits so it was every man and woman to their own hedgerow. The run down to North Dalton was a pleasure after all the climbing although the ominous dark clouds above did not bode well.
Sure enough, by the time we were on the road to Middleton-on-the-Wolds the rain started once more. It may have dampened the road (and our glasses) but not our spirits. At the main road junction, Matt introduced more confusion as he claimed we should have turned right further back.
Luckily the rain had eased off as we continued on the correct road to Lund. Matt then took over as route master as we returned via Lund, Holme-on-the-Wolds, South Dalton and Etton. The end of another wonderful and eventful ride.