Well we all know the way don’t we? Yes yes, just follow the signs for Lisset and Gransmoor, can’t possibly go wrong…….. or could we? A total of eighteen Knights turned out at Market Cross for today’s ride including two “newbies” on their first trial run.
Group 1 
Group 2 
Group 3
“Mr Organiser” had prearranged the group selection. In the lead group were Neil Z, Chris, Mark, James G, Michael K & Chad. Once they were on their way the second group with Andy S, Brian, Stephen, Matty, Paul & Jose lined up ready to follow leaving Neil, Heather, Matthew H, Sharron, Mike & Pugwash to bring up the rear.
We had not gone far when Sharron, on her inaugural Sunday ride, suffered a “mechanical”. Fortunately Neil was her “knight in shining armour” and was able to assist getting her back on track as we rode our way through Etton then up to South Dalton.
Stopping on the Lockington road junction, Neil phoned in the “food order” only to find no-one answering. “OK we will try a little later” he said as we continued onwards. At the top of Bracken hill, Neil finally managed to get through. We could “hear” the sound of the till ringing as he passed the food requirements for the fourteen Knights who were calling in.
At Skerne, we were met by “Road Closed” signs, however we knew it was possible to get through on foot or by bike. On reaching the damaged bridge, one could imagine the Wurzels in the corner singing 🎶 “I’ve got a brand new combine-harvester, and I’m going to squeeze through here” 🎶😂 It was at this point Mike left our group to head home for an “early bath” while the remainder turned left to play “follow my leader” as Neil led us literally “up the garden path”.
As we meandered along Carr Lane, the realisation suddenly dawned on us that this was not the way we should have come. In fact it was the road we normally take to Burton Agnes. Never mind, when we reach the “main” road we should be able to get back on track. When we arrived at Little Kelk, we paused to check the map once more. Mathew was reminded of his earlier comment “I’m glad we are in Neil’s group”🤔 perhaps he’ll have second thoughts next time. 😉 Now back on track, we made swift progress to Gransmoor and Lissett and the final dash down to Ulrome where the first two groups were patiently waiting.
It was quite a pleasant interlude “shooting the breeze” while we munched our way through lunch at the Granary with the sun bringing some warmth and adding to the general ambience. Eventually when it came time to leave, we decided as the original numbers were now depleted, we should form up two groups for the return home. “Pugwash you go in the lead group” said Neil. “What Me?” Sprung to mind as I looked round at the “Young” things I’d have for company. “Oh well, here goes”
Setting off towards Skipsea, Pugwash took the initial lead but then settled in behind as first Brian then Michael upped the pace. It was with some relief when we were held up briefly by a tractor on the way to Dunnington occupying the whole road. A chance for a quick breather before the previous pace was resumed.
On one corner, a moments lapse in concentration saw Michael taking the “off-road” route. Fortunately he displayed impressive bike handling to recover and get back on the road. A bit shaken by the ordeal, he dropped back for a while until his confidence returned. There was no let up in the pace as Stephen took to the front to lead us through Brandesburton at 25-26mph with Brian and Michael taking over through Leven.
A gentler pace ensued once we reached the cycle path back to Tickton and home. A superb turn out today for what proved to be another wonderful ride, even if some of us went the wrong way.