Today’s route took the Knights to the Eastern front with cafe stop at the historic Burton Constable Hall. Ten Knights plus two guests gathered at Market Cross. “Are we all here now?” enquired Neil. “Just Michael to come” came the reply. Right on cue, he appeared around the corner. Checking his watch as he pulled up, he made an impromptu poetic effort with “I’m on time. It’s only Nine Twenty Nine!”
Pugwash set the initial pace leading the group out of Beverley via Weel road to Tickton where we were joined by Andy G. Did you know that Tickton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book? I couldn’t possibly comment on the fossils that can be found there. 🤐🤔 Steve G then took to the front, leading us along the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout.
Next to jump on the front was Michael taking us through the even older village of Leven. Evidence of bronze age settlements have been found in the area. Not much chance of “bronzing” today though, as the sun stubbornly refused to poke through the blanket cloud cover. After leaving Brandesburton we cruised along the road to Nunkeeling and Dunnington. This road has been recently resurfaced leaving many loose stone chippings particularly along the middle. Rounding one corner, while Pugwash 🐱 slowed down, Barry fearlessly zoomed past seemingly oblivious to any danger of gravel.
On reaching Skipsea Brough, it was time to head south once more passing through Bewholme and onwards to Seaton. This is not a road that we travel on often, in fact it was the first time for me. The downside of this section is that it brings us out on the main Hornsea road where we need to dodge the traffic for about half a mile until reaching Sigglesthorne. Normal service was then resumed as we continued to Great Hatfield and Whitedale. Barry needing to be home early left the group at New Ellerby while the rest of us carried on through Marton to reach our cafe stop at Burton Constable Hall.
Despite the lack of sunshine, it was warm enough to dine al fresco. Good service and good food managed to ensure we all left with happy smiles and satisfied stomachs. “Look at those dark clouds” cried Neil “Which way are they going Puggy?” he asked expectantly, not wishing to miss an opportunity to remind me of previous predictions! “Better get going before it turns to rain”. “That wasn’t in the forecast” were the general sentiments.
With the threat of rain, the return pace picked up somewhat as we headed for Sproatley then Coniston. After Swine the lead riders were so busy with heads down that they missed the turn to Beningholme. “LEFT, LEFT” came the yell from behind. Back on track, we followed familiar roads to Meaux and back to Routh where we picked up the cycle path back to Tickton. Crossing the main road at Tickton Grange, a song by Stealers Wheel sprung to mind as we struggled to dodge the traffic.
Fortunately for us, we managed to stay dry (mostly) with just a few light drops of rain as we made our final approaches home, signaling the end of another very pleasant ride