Did someone say Pizza! Yes I’m in, and me, and me, me too. Coupled with a pleasant sunny evening it seems it doesn’t take much to persuade us Knights to turn out in force. In previous years, the aim of the Solstice Ride was to get to Hornsea and back to the Corner House pub inside two hours. On this occasion it was decided to change things a little and stop at Berts Pizzeria before returning home.
Fourteen Knights gathered at Market Cross for the prompt 1830 start. Right from the off, the pace was hot, like a pizza straight from the oven as we wound our way through town to the Weel Bridge and out to Tickton. The main road had been recently resurfaced with an abundance of loose gravel making passage across a little dodgy. Additionally, where the cycle path runs close to the road it is now littered with loose stones thrown up by passing traffic so it was a relief to get back on the road to Meaux.
Just as we were approaching the turn to Benningholme a car passed by tooting the horn in support of our impressive “train”, either that or they were annoyed at being held up for a few seconds.
A split in the pack occurred as the pace set by the lead group proved too hot for all to maintain. Despite calls to regroup, the shouts fell on deaf ears as the five super heroes continued merrily onwards. Unfortunately for them they took a wrong turn at Great Hatfield taking the much longer route through Withernwick instead of heading directly to Mappleton.
The bulk of the group continued on for the photo opportunity at the Pennine Trail Gateway. With no sign of the errant super heroes, we decided to keep going, placating ourselves with the fact that they know where we’re headed and will join us at Berts……. eventually.
Further confusion arose shortly after leaving Hornsea when Neil suffered a puncture. While some stayed to “help out”, John was sent ahead to meet up with the rest waiting up the road. Unfortunately for him he missed the turn up towards Bewholme and continued along the main road. When we realised his error, Matt made a valiant effort to catch him but soon gave up when there was no sight of him.
The sun was beginning to get very low in the sky and caused some difficulty in setting the wheel in front. Despite this and the slight head wind, Matt, Brian, Chad, Mark and Stephen set a brisk pace at the front to get us to the Pizzeria in short order where we met up again with John and…….. Kevin? “What are you doing here?” Seems Kevin tagged on to the back of our train at Routh but was unable to maintain the pace so took his own route to the cafe. A little while later we were joined by the “lost boys”, “supergirl” having continued home without supper.
First thing on the agenda was a show of hands for beer. Hands shot up in the air quicker than Dick Turpin could say “stick em up”. As we savoured our drinks the pizzas started coming out. Pulled Pork, Crispy Duck, Calzone and er……. Tagliatelle? Having had ones heart set on a Pizza with Tiger prawns, chilli & anchovies the confusion and disappointment must have shown on my face. However one cannot let good food go to waste and it was enjoyed just the same.
Just as well it was the longest day, there was still some light in the sky even if the temperature was dropping quickly as we departed the cafe. I’m sure there was some initial reluctance to climb back on the bike but was soon dissipated as we set off “hot foot” once more back to Beverley. Another successful and eventful ride.