… Well at least the sun was shining and it was actually dry for a change. Unfortunately the pesky wind from the North East made it feel like someone had left the fridge door open. Seven Knights gathered at Market Cross along with a lovely group of WOW ladies.
After setting off through town our small group were soon split by traffic lights but regrouped after passing the Weel Bridge. “Big Engine” Colin jumped to the front with the rest of us content to sit on his wheel as we made our way into the wind to Tickton. Despite the breeze in our faces we continued to cruise along about 17mph along the relatively flat route out to Leven and Brandesburton. From there, we picked up the ‘never ending road’ to North Frodingham. With everyone taking turns at the front the pace remained relatively steady through to Wansford, Skerne and Driffield.
Well that was the easy bit. Now came the ‘lumpy’ bit. “One lump or two?” Still heading into the wind we began the gentle ‘upwardly mobile’ route along Spellowgate towards Cowlam. The further we travelled along this road the rougher the road surface became making it very difficult to find a smooth path. Just before reaching Cowlam we were faced a short sharp climb averaging 8.8% but touching 12% at the steepest point. Not that we’d know it watching Graham, legs spinning away like a turbine rotor, disappearing off into the distance. There was a little chance for recovery as the gradient eased off until reaching the junction of the B1253 Bridlington road.
After regrouping there was much rejoicing with the wind now at our backs and downhill run into Sledmere.
Approaching the counter at Sledmere House cafe to place our order we were informed “Sorry the breakfast menu stopped at 11.30” It was 11:33. “I’ll ask if they can do you a bacon sandwich”. “Yes that’s fine and an Americano? … That’ll be ten pounds please.” “But I only want one!” “Cash or Card?” asked the girl responding with a smile on her face.
We all looked forward to the return journey with the wind mostly behind us. There was still a few ‘lumps’ along the way with the steepest coming very quickly after the cafe stop at Keeper’s Hill. Averaging over 7% gradient for 0.45km but reaching 12-14% in places. Pacing was important if you didn’t wish to see your lunch again! 😆 Once ‘over the top’ we had a lovely long downhill run into Wetwang.
From Wetwang we headed towards Huggate, a gentle climb made much easier with the sun and the breeze on our backs. Thereafter we followed our usual route home to North Dalton, Middleton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and Etton. It was a route we don’t take very often but everyone enjoyed the change of scenery and the mixture of flat and hilly roads.