Stepping out of the door this morning there was a distinct chill in the air compared to the previous few days. Cue heading back inside to don another layer plus arm warmers. Well perhaps it was just me as everyone else seemed dressed for summer.
Four Knights set off from Market Cross to meet up with Matty at Manor House. On arrival there we were also joined by Steve G who would tag along until Huggate. Things were fairly uneventful as we followed familiar roads through Etton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and Middleton-on-the-Wolds.
At North Dalton, Matthew decided to try and fool those following by taking a side road round the Village Hall only to be met at the “main” road by Steve (now ahead of us) giving a quizzical look as if to say “Why did you go that way?” Next up was the climb that everyone loves to hate, the long slog up to Huggate. Initially the “Pug Tug” led the way but eventually had to give way to James, Matthew and Steve to finish the job.
While stopping for a breather, Stephen took the opportunity to investigate what was draining his garmin battery. While he was still “playing around” Sharrin decided it was time to continue our journey. By the time we reached the turn off to Millington Dale there was still no sign of Stephen so James went back to look for him while Pugwash waited at the junction. However both Matthew and Sharrin continued onwards, obviously confident that Stephen would soon catch up.
Catch up we did at the “switchback” where we found a number of cars in between us. It felt a bit like being in the pro tour with support cars all around. Eventually the group pulled over into a lay-by to allow them to pass. The Ramblers Rest proved very popular with many different cycling groups calling in.
For the return journey we planned to head to Nunburnholme then decide from there which way to go. On arrival we were greeted by a “road closed” sign. “Well that’s made the decision for us” we thought gleefully until a DPD delivery van passed from the direction of Nunburnholme Hill. “It’s OK, you can pass that way if you want” he informed us. Talk about bursting someone’s bubble.
“Reluctantly” we all agreed to “give it a go”. Kudos went to James on this occasion with a time of 7:30 with Pugwash 2nd at 8:00.
With every effort ‘up’ comes a rewarding ‘down’ as we swept towards Londesborough. Approaching the corner with Pugwash on the front reducing speed to round the corner safely, unfortunately immediately around the corner, the whole road was strewn with gravel washed out by a recent rainstorm. While able to warn those following, Pugwash’s wheel skidded out on the gravel sending him and his bike across the road like a curling stone on ice. Fortunately the bike damage was only superficial and able to ride on. 😁 Meanwhile I felt like I’d been attacked by a cheese grater! More cheese Gromit? Still had stones in my Jersey when I got home. The things people will do to get new kit. 🤔
After a little patching up, courtesy of James 1st Aid kit, we continued our way home through Market Weighton, Goodmanham and Etton.