“Anyone fancy a ride to Millington on Tuesday?” came the first shout out. Within minutes the ‘Head of the Flat Earth Society’ responded with “Millington closed Tuesdays, suggest a ride to Burton Constable”. Ten Knights took part in the ride, with six departing from Market Cross to meet the others at Tickton Grange.
The meeting time of 0945 at Tickton Grange came and went with still no sign of Heather who’d messaged that she was ‘running late’. “How long shall we give her?” came one voice while looking closely at his watch. “Let’s just have look down the road to see if she’s in view yet.” suggested another. Just at that moment, we spotted her in the distance. As she rolled up to join us full of apologies, Pinocchio 🤥 chipped in with “I made them wait Heather, they all wanted to set off without you”. Any more of that and you’ll be tripping on your nose thought everyone else.
The initial part of the journey went smoothly with the light wind generally assisting as we made our way out to Bewholme. The skies may have been grey but the camaraderie created another type of warmth. On reaching New Ellerby, we found ‘Road Closed’ signs at the junction to Marton. “What do we do now?” we all asked each other. “We can usually find a way through, even if we have to walk a short distance” said one voice reassuringly. When we eventually reached the road works, one of the workmen was sat comfortably in his truck and was quick to advise “There’s no safe way through, the work covers the whole road”. Despite the ‘dead end’ sign on the road leading to West Newton he advised that we could find a way through. As we set off to see where the road would lead us, I’m sure there was a slight chuckle coming from the workman.
It was not long before we came to the “dead end” with signs advising “Private Road, No Public Access”. As we discussed our options, a farm worker with a face like a boiled beetroot appeared driving a flatbed type truck. “We’re trying to get to Burton Constable Hall” we explained “Is there a way through?”. “Follow me” he said, then led us along a rough farm track and eventually back onto the main road.
After a pleasant interlude at the Burton Constable, it was time to head home. As we set off, it felt as if the temperature had dropped while we were inside. Either that or we got too comfortable in the cafe. The road home took us via Sproatley, Coniston and Swine before returning to Tickton and home. Looking forward already to Friday’s ride.