Thirteen Knights, including one guest, gathered at Market Cross for a proposed ride to the Ginger Cow cafe near Everingham. “Bring your credit cards” said Neil. Well what could he mean? Is he going to have a collection, or is it a vague reference to the tarrif at the cafe?
After outlining the route to our destination, we set off along the Molescroft road towards Cherry Burton. The group were soon scattered to “the four corners” as we tried a variety of ways to transfer from the cycle path over the busy road leading to Cherry. Once reassembled, we then ran the gauntlet of parked cars and people gathering for the morning service.
Pleased to be out of the melee, the troops continued at a leisurely pace towards Etton, spreading out across the road. Approaching the blind crest over the railway bridge, some of the flankers were still over the centre of the road when a car suddenly appeared over the brow, forcing a quick reaction from the driver to avoid a catastrophe. If looks could speak, I’m sure the driver’s face was x-rated.
Just shortly after, on the way downhill into Etton, the troops slowed as we encountered a screening of War Horse heading in the opposite direction. Unfortunately the horse proved to be somewhat skittish when faced with our large group, turning its rear end towards us. With visions of flying hooves giving a side swipe, we all stopped until the horse was under control again, some taking the “rest” stop to the extreme. 😉
Leaving Etton, we turned into the northerly wind and generally uphill to Holme-on-the-Wolds before turning to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Stephen left on a solo mission as the rest turned along the Warter road. Another long slog uphill only spoiled by the road surface pitted with potholes and strewn with mud and leaves. Eventually we all reached Nunburnholme top where we stopped to regroup.
Our guest rider (Miles) was said to be feeling the worst for wear, but seemed to receive little commiserations for what was termed a “self inflicted” condition (Aka Too much wine the previous night). It’s all downhill from here said Neil reassuringly after he was given the option of returning directly to Beverley with Michael, who left the group at this point.
The lure of a bacon sandwich however, proved the decisive factor as he continued to the cafe. On reaching the Ginger Cow and all the bikes “parked” it was time to hold our own two minute silence in remembrance of those who laid down their lives. As we stood with bowed heads, the waitress must have taken the opportunity to check numbers as we were greeted with “I counted eleven of you, is that right? Here’s your table”.
For our return journey, Neil suggested a “variation” to our normal route home taking us instead to Thorpe-le-Street and Pocklington before reaching Market Weighton. It was a combination of “wide gutter” and cycle path. Fortunately it was a quiet Sunday and not too much traffic. The final part of our ride saw us taking familiar roads to Kiplingcotes, Etton, Cherry Burton and back home to Beverley.