We’re into November, another season of snot, but that’s no reason, why whatever the season, we shouldn’t give it a shot.
The early morning mist cleared quickly revealing an impressive turnout for a November ride. Fourteen Knights gathered to take advantage of the light winds and pleasant weather. In search of different routes, Neil came up with a “variation on a theme” for our ride to Hornsea Mere Cafe.
Splits in the peloton occurred almost immediately caused by traffic lights, as we tried to negotiate our way through town. A pause at the Weel Bridge to regroup gave cause for Sarah to comment that “everyone looks the same from behind” and went on to suggest we should perhaps have names or numbers on our back like footballers. As long as we don’t start diving around like footballers…… oh already done that!
On the initial part of our journey, we followed the usual route through to Leven and Brandesburton before turning off on the Bewholme road. The first “variation” came when we turned off to Nunkeeling and Dunnington. The “orchestra” was thrown into confusion just after passing Nunkeeling, when the conductor called for the lead group to keep straight on but soon realised the error of his way and had to call everyone back.
This next passage turned out to be “pianissimo” and given the state of the road surface the tempo was “larghetto” until reaching Skipsea Brough. Turning south and into the wind, we headed back towards Bewholme. The “2nd variation” commenced as we headed to Atwick then down the main coast road to Hornsea.
Having such a large “ensemble” we elected to dine al fresco at the Mere cafe. At least Sarah came prepared for the cold, as she unveiled an emergency foil blanket. She may have looked like an oven ready chicken, but at least she was warmer than anyone else.
Good service at the Mere Cafe 
A spaceman came calling 
Checking the mudguards
Setting off from Hornsea the next “movement” continued south towards Mappleton where we began the “3rd variation”. During this phase the tempo had been “vivace” until Chris decided to hit the front and raise things to “molto vivace”. This caused the orchestra to string out until reaching Cowden.
The next section to Withernwick provided a wonderfully smooth road surface. I’m sure we’ll be replaying this section again. The “opus” continued as we played through Rise and Long Riston before returning to familiar passages to Benningholme. The “piece” (or should that be peace) was constantly interrupted by an unusual volume of traffic heading in the opposite direction.
Once back on the Meaux Road there was a short respite from the head wind until turning home to Beverley at Routh. Another superb day in the saddle covering around 50 miles. Once again a huge thank you to all who helped me as the pace picked up.