Monday saw our best turn out this year for our traditional annual solstice ride to Hornsea and back. 22 Knights took part setting off in two groups. The “Pensioner” (apologies to the ‘younger’ interlopers 😁) train leaving Market Cross at 6pm followed by the “Young Guns” train at 6:30pm.
Now you may be wondering what was the attraction to entice so many Knights out on a cold windy evening for a blast to the seaside. Most likely it was the promise of pizza🍕 and beer🍻 at Berts on the way back. It certainly wasn’t the “summery” conditions with the North easterly wind lowering the temperatures to an almost autumnal feel. Never mind, the pace of the ride kept us warm.
Negotiating our way through town, the “Pensioners” suffered frequent delays with traffic lights and a zebra crossing conspiring against our smooth passage. This led to speculation about the possibility of the “Young Guns” catching up, but with a 30 minute start, it was highly unlikely, prompting one of our gents to comment “If they catch us, I’m going to join a ‘girls’ group”.
At Tickton, the “Pensioners” were joined by AndyG then by Rachel and Chad at Routh. From there, we had a brief respite from the wind as we headed south towards Meaux. Thereafter it was almost continuous adverse winds as we made our way to Mappleton via Long Riston. After regrouping, Matty took the lead as we headed directly into the wind to reach the seafront at Hornsea.
The “Pensioners” 
The “Young Guns”
Neil took his life in his hands as he ‘dodged’ the traffic in an attempt to get our photograph. “Right” he said when the deed was done “We’re about 17 mins behind schedule, so let’s not delay further”. Once clear of Hornsea, the pace picked up led by Chad and Mark as we continued north towards Bewholme. Finally the wind turned in our favour as we cruised to Brandesburton and a well anticipated feed stop at Bert’s Pizzeria. Two of the “Pensioners”, Steve G and Mike, opted not to join in the feast and continued home while the rest went to the restaurant. By the time the “Young Guns” arrived we were already on ’round 2′
Excellent organisation and service coupled with enjoyable food managed to ‘warm the cockles’ and put a smile on all our faces (it was either that or the effects of alcohol🍷🍻🥃🥂). Soon however, it was time to head home in the fading light of the evening. With all the flashing lights on our bikes, we must have looked like a moving Xmas tree making our way through Leven and home via Tickton.