“Well I’m off to ‘training camp’ this week” cried Raymond “Someone else will have to ‘step up to the plate’ to organise a ride”. Not sure what sort of training camp it is, but I suspect it will involve a lot of “hydration” training 😆
Pugwash was first to chip in with “Anyone fancy a trip to the seaside?” With overnight temperatures down to 3°c there would be less chance of icy patches nearer the coast…. or at least that was the thinking. Eventually six Knights turned out at Market Cross for the later start time of 10am. With the wind ‘filling the topsails’ and even the traffic lights turning in our favour, we ‘breezed’ through town and out towards Weel Bridge.
The swift pace continued through Tickton and onwards to Routh where we waited for a gap in the oncoming traffic to cross the road. When the first two riders made to cross, a lorry in the distance decided to make his presence known by blasting his horn. Not sure what he was ‘trying to say’, it’s not as if we could miss the sight of him thundering towards us. Once we were all safely across we headed south into the wind through Meaux to Kidhill Lane still maintaining a good tempo pace causing the peloton to become somewhat strung out. “Are you sure this is Friday?” asked one breathlessly “Where’s Raymond when you need him?”. Fortunately the ‘leadout’ backed off somewhat after that to a more conversational endurance pace.
In a change to our usual route we decided to head to Swine and Coniston then across to Sproatley where we picked up the road to Burton Constable and New Ellerby. With the wind again in our favour the pace crept up once more as we headed to Withernwick and on to Cowden and along the coast road through Mappleton into Hornsea. “Is it much further?” asked Barry “I could murder a scone right now”.
After a very pleasant stop at the Floral Hall it was time for the return journey. This time we followed our usual route back via Bewholme. Just as we were passing Catfoss, Michael got caught up in the thrill of the chase. “Tally Ho” he cried as he made his way to the front. His stint did not last long though, as his exhilaration deflated along with his rear tyre and he slowly trickled back through the pack like a Pooh Stick drifting downstream. “Carry on” he said as he stopped to inspect the damage. While Barry stayed to help out, the lead group unaware of what happened continued to the next junction before returning to see if help was needed.
Once repairs were completed it was time to hit the road again, unfortunately the ‘repair’ only lasted two minutes before going flat again. While making another tube replacement there was a lot of banter about the ‘dodgy shop keeper’ that sold him the tyres. “You’ll never have another puncture” he was told confidently. “Ooh look here, I’ve only got these left” 😂. It’s never any fun to suffer a puncture but…. four in two rides? 🤔
Once on our way again we returned to Beverley through Brandesburton, Leven and along the cycle path to Tickton. It was a chilly day but with the sun shining brightly it made for a pleasant outing with some great company.