🎶In the bleak midwinter…. 🎶 At least it felt it, as the cold easterly winds continue to blow our way. Thank you Scandinavia, but we’ve had enough now. Time for some proper spring weather. Our eight daughty Knights were joined by newbie “Chad” who turned up with military precision and was ready and waiting.
With Matt dreaming of the afternoon tea on offer at the Spotted Duck, we decided to fulfil his desires and head into the wind towards Fitling. No sooner had we set off and a light hail shower started. For a brief second, I’m sure we all thought about scuttling off home. Fortunately it was short lived and we continued our way along Weel road to Tickton.
With the wind whistling over the ears it made conversation difficult as we headed to Meaux and on to Skirlaugh. While heading along Skirlaugh Road to Old Ellerby an electric vehicle crept up behind the group. With no safe place to pass, the driver showed a lack of patience by mounting two wheels on the grass verge in an effort to force a way through. The sudden appearance of the passing car caused the group to brake quickly and in the confusion, a touch of wheels caused Jenny to hit the deck.
Some choice words were exchanged, pointing out the driver’s error and lack of consideration. Jenny, meantime was recovering from the shock and rueing the damage to her bib tights. As we were about to get underway once more, it became apparent that Jenny’s bike had suffered damage as well and she was unable to change gear forcing her to abandon and return home with Dave.
The rest of the group continued onwards, passing the front of Burton Constable as the “Captain’s compass” led unerringly to Humbleton and Fitling. Following the chill of the air outside, the temperature in the Spotted Duck felt like walking into an oven.
There were a number of patrons already ensconced inside and with the addition of our group followed shortly by the Bike Cave cycling group, the staff had their work cut out to keep everyone happy. Eventually, it was time to face the cold once more but with the consolation of the sun breaking through the clouds and a following wind to chase us on the way home.
James & Chris Leading off 
Chad following with Matt & Paul behind 
Bob with Mark in the distance
Initially retracing our route to Pasture Lane, we then turned towards Sproatley and round the back of Burton Constable. Along the way, Bob almost came a cropper as he got spooked by an agricultural vehicle coming in the opposite direction completely filling the whole road. Visions of becoming impaled on the forks sticking out the front probably flashed before his eyes as he suddenly veered off onto the verge. Impressive bike handling skills managed to keep him upright while the tractor driver showed quick reactions and pulled over onto the verge in time to allow us safely through.
The road home saw us passing through Coniston and following the back roads to Swine before retracing our steps to Routh where Chad left to head home to Leven while the rest returned to Beverley.