The past week has not provided us with the most clement conditions for cycling. Friday 23rd took four Knights on a journey out towards Huggate then Warter to Nunburnholme top before heading to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham. After some muttering about the long slog to Huggate (yes you Raymond) we were confronted by a “road closed” sign. Undaunted by such trivialities, Raymond picked his way through the obstacles to continue upwards. He loves it really. 🤔 ⛰️🐐
Russell Pugwash & Brian Raymond
Sunday’s ride proved a rather windy affair. Two groups set off following Neil’s suggestion to head for South Cave then Market Weighton before returning via the Fiddle Drill. “Mechanicals” proved to be the theme for group 2 as first Pugwash suffered that sinking feeling as the air escaped from the front tyre caused by a tiny piece of flint. Further complications arose when the gas canister blew the seal on the connection when trying to re-inflate. Fortunately Andy had another spare. Meanwhile, Neil Z who’d just joined us at South Cave found that he’d snapped a gear cable and had to abandon and limp home. On the way home, Pugwash found the going tough eventually realising the same tyre had deflated once more. That’ll teach you to repair inner tubes 😂
Heavy rain forecast put paid to our regular Tuesday ride, however five Knights were able to turn out on Wednesday for Heather’s round route to Skerne, Wansford, North Frodingham and Brandesburton. Although another windy day, the sun shone and it was pleasant enough to sit outside at Bert’s.
This Friday’s ride turned out to be a rather wet affair. Five Knights braved the conditions and set out from Manor House to the Bike Cave at Driffield. Although it was dry to begin with, ominous dark clouds lurked over the northern skyline. Sure enough by the time we’d reached South Dalton the first few drops started falling prompting a stop to don rain jackets. None of this “pro” stuff for us, trying to zip up while still cycling.
After a pleasant stay at the Bike Cave we decided to follow the same route home. Just as we were about to set off the heavens opened forcing us to retreat back into the shop for a few moments until it eased. At our second attempt, a bedraggled looking Michael arrived having suffered punctures on the way to meet us.
The short heavy downpour coupled with mud on the road created quite a quagmire on the road home. 🎶Mud glorious mud, nothing quite like it for spraying about🎶 Despite the use of mudguards, it proved impossible to remain clean, unless like Matthew you stay on the front the whole time. By the time we returned home you’d be forgiven for thinking we’d been off-roading. Still it was great to be out.