…. Till May is out, as the old expression goes. Well this is the last day of May, though a little dull this morning, there was definitely a little more warmth in the south westerly air than we’ve had of late. Eight Knights reported for duty at Market Cross including Karl, a potential newbie and Sarah out for a maiden Friday ride.
“It will not be a day for the sprinters” he said. “Just saying” he said. Who could he possibly be referring to? Mindful of the unspoken instruction, we headed out over the Westwood at a leisurely pace. Even passing the “2019 Sprint section” on Finchcroft Lane did not stir anyone into a big effort.
After passing through Etton, the familiar “out of the saddle” riding style of Bob appeared ahead of us on Etton ramp. Just to confirm, Dave 🌊🏠 “sprinted” ahead to catch him up after which Bob joined us for the rest of the ride.
At Middleton-on-the-Wolds, we took the Warter Lane route to Nunburnholme top. After huffing and puffing our way six miles uphill into a head wind, further exacerbated by the condition of the road surface, it was enough to remind us why we do not use this road very often.
On reaching the top, it was time to regroup and a photo opportunity. In their eagerness to jockey for position, Sarah decided to head to ground, hitting the deck like a felled tree. Chris, like any kind caring husband immediately leaped…….. into paroxisms of laughter. No sympathy there then! Luckily there was little damage, indeed Sarah seemed more concerned that the blood from a scratch on her leg would mark her socks.
Sarah’s faux pas 
Yes Chris, the bike is ok 
Ready for the off 
Well, nearly
“At least it’s all downhill from here” he said. Well apart from Intake Hill…. oh and the climb to the Fiddle Drill cafe at Goodmanham. The weather was warm enough to sit outside, so we all managed to squash around one table. Our jolly banter however, was interrupted by a seemingly grumpy lady who advised with an accusatory tone “One of your bikes has fallen onto mine”. Inspired by her glaring look, Russ immediately leaped into action to help extricate his bike so the lady could continue her journey.
Our return route saw us traversing another seldom used road through South Dalton Park, before resuming our usual pass through Etton and Cherry Burton and home. A very pleasant 40 mile ride and positively no sprinting. 😉