The word was out, a Ginger Cow had been reported as openly wandering about somewhere near Everingham. Time to rustle up the cowhands to head out there and check the quality of the “meat”. Eight cowhands mounted their steeds to follow the trail to the west, passing through the one-horse town of Etton before making our way to Goodmanham and Market Weighton.
Heading up to the high ground towards Goodmanham, the cowhands were left wondering if it was the right decision as we came under attack by a forceful wind. A little further along the trail, greenhorn Ricky the kid’s steed suffered a thrown shoe. Unfortunately for him, he’d forgotten to pack his saddle bag and had no means to effect repairs, so had to rely on supplies from the other cowhands.
At Market Weighton, “Lone Rider” Andy returned home to attend a prior engagement while the rest continued to Londesborough. Taking the trail to Burnby the cowhands found the normally rough dirt track had been replaced by a lovely smooth surface. After the wonderful downhill ride, we headed for Hayton then towards Everingham where the Ginger Cow cafe sign came into view to provide a welcome break from the head wind.
With the steeds safely secured, the cowhands headed to the “camp fire” to place their order. Unluckily for some there had been a “run” on eggs so had to settle for second choices. While waiting for our food to arrive, “Trigger Finger” Neil produced a number of colouring in pages to keep us amused.
I’m sure the additional copies were brought in the hope someone else would join in to make him feel less conspicuous. The game was up however, as there was nearly tears and tantrums when told he could not have a lolly.
On leaving the cafe, it was noted that “Moonshine” James had suffered a wardrobe malfunction. Don’t look Heather “the Feather”…… oh too late. It appears that in order to combat the head wind, he’d decided to engage turbo-charger, assisted by the plate full of beans he’d consumed, and blew a hole in his backside. It made for much amusement on the return journey.
The expected helping wind on the return trail did not fully materialise, as it changed from westerly to South westerly. From Everingham, we turned to Harswell where we felt the first few drops of rain. The black clouds hanging over Beverley did not look promising but luckily the rain moved away ahead of us.
On the Cliffe Road, we headed to Hotham then South Newbald where it was decision time, to Trundle or not to Trundle. Sighs of pain sang out when “Tracker” Pugwash confirmed we’d be taking a “Trundle” up the high road. The final “trail” saw the cowhands taking full advantage of the following wind, galloping down Middlehowe Road towards Walkington.
“Tracker” Pug 
Ricky “the Kid” 
“Hellrider” Matt 
“Merciless” Mark & “Moonshine” James 
Heather “the Feather”
On returning home there were many puddles on the road giving evidence of the earlier downpours. Another superb Sunday club ride with a mixture of hills and flats….. and the rain stayed away.