“Some people have got an itch. They think it’s all over!” Well not quite but at least we can form smaller groups and “buddy” rides until things change.
Five Knights assembled at Manor House. After Raymond outlined the proposed route, thoughts turned to possible cafe stops along the way. Following several suggestions, mention of Rachel’s cafe at Huggate saw Neil’s eyes light up like a pair of Belisha beacons. Visions of “buns” floated in his imagination as we set off towards Cherry Burton and Etton.
Heading onto the Kiplingcotes road, we faced the head wind all the way to Market Weighton. Luckily for us, Neil took up “rear gunner” position as it became apparent that the previous day’s intake was about to make a reappearance and add extra unwanted padding in his shorts. Cue a mad dash to the nearest loo!
Tesco’s in Market Weighton was his choice but his chin must have hit the floor when we were confronted with a huge queue to get into the store. By the time Neil returned looking rather sheepish, the rest of us were beginning to feel the chill of the North Westerly wind. To make matters worse, shortly after continuing on our way, we passed an “open” public toilet….. and no queue!
Instead of heading to Londesborough, we turned to Shiptonthorpe and Langlands garden centre to grab a coffee to help warm the insides. A makeshift cafe stall had been set up outside. In a generous atonement for the earlier delay, Neil took it on the chin and treated us all. Cheers Neil 🍻
Taking our coffee and cakes, we made use of the outside seating. It felt quite pleasant sheltered from the wind with the sun shining down as we chatted and caught up. Eventually we outstayed our welcome as the staff came to ask us to move on. A change of plan was now afoot as we thought about returning via Bielby and Hotham. The sight of heavy dark clouds in that direction then had us rethinking.
On reaching the turn off to Londesborough, everyone stopped to review the route, except for Raymond, who continued blithely along the busy road. Shouts in his direction were drowned out by the noise of the traffic. After eventually realising he was all alone, he returned to the fold. The quietness of the road leading up to Nunburnholme top was in sharp contrast to the noise of the main road we had just left.
Pugwash & Michael 
Neil at Nunburnholme Top 
Ray reaching the top 
Heather leading Ray to the top
With time getting on, we decided to miss out Huggate and proceed directly to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Cruising downhill on the Warter road, now with wind behind the pace picked up only spoiled by the condition of the road surface. Continuing through to Lund we made our way home along the Bracken road to Etton and Cherry Burton. A wonderful ride and a pleasure to be out in company again