(Apologies to Terry Pratchett) The “call to arms” was issued on Thursday night urging all those able to assemble at Market Cross for a sojourn to the far East. “The purpose of this trip is to demonstrate that our ‘disc’ can indeed be flat” mused Lord Vetinari. It was a cool morning with a bit of a breeze and the sun occasionally poking through.
“Right flat earthers, are we happy with the proposed route?” enquired Vetinari. Following on from his comments about “extra padding” for one member of the ‘watch’ turning out in shorts, instead of flat earthers he may have been thinking ‘fat arsers’.
Six ‘men of the watch’ departed from Market Cross transiting our usual route through town via Weel Bridge to Tickton where a further two members joined in. The journey east continued along the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout with wind coming from the side. The next section saw the pace picking up slightly as the wind gave a little assistance through Leven and Brandesburton and onwards to Bewholme.
“Decision time men” cried Vetinari “Shall we go via Skipsea or the shorter route via Beeford?” he asked. A few voices were happy with either choice but eventually one voice piped up “I need to get home earlier” so with that, the decision was made. With the wind now firmly behind us, progress was a little easier as we headed to Skipsea Brough.
The next segment took us through Beeford and on towards Foston-on-the-Wolds. Confusion reigned when we arrived at the junction of the B1249. First one “constable” set off directly across to take the ‘dead end’ road to Brigham while another shouted “Wrong way” before turning left and heading off the wrong way himself much to the amusement of everyone else. “Who was that?” I hear you ask. Suffice to say that they both had the same first name! 😂 There’s obviously something in a name.
Back on (right) track we headed to Wansford then to Skerne. From then it was into the wind until we thankfully arrived at the Farm Shop cafe at Hutton Cranswick. After we’d munched our way through our various choices while setting the world to rights, it was time to face the adverse wind on the way home. To make matters worse, the wind was now steadily increasing in strength ahead of the approaching weather front 🌬️☔ definitely not a welcome addition for anyone with tired legs.
The “watch” battled their way over Bracken and eventually into South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton regrouping at various junctions on the way.
“Well men” intoned Vetinari “Is the earth flat?” he asked. A few grunts of agreement ensued. It was noticeable however that the question was posed before we tackled “Granny’s Hump”, always a tough one when you’ve already got forty+ miles in your legs. Another enjoyable ride and back in plenty time to beat the forecast afternoon rain.