Given the weather forecast for this Friday a short route was planned to Folley Lake cafe. Initially there was no shortage of volunteers, although with caveats regarding weather. “Mudguards on everyone” suggested route master Raymond. Cue anguished wails from Michael “.. but, but, but I won’t have time to fit mudguards! 😔 before adding “💡I know, I’ll sit at the back”.
As dawn broke on Friday “Weather check folks” cried Raymond “It’s misty here and trying to rain…. Oh now its raining quite hard”. “Tipping it down in Driffield so will give it a miss” advised Martin. “Out with the dog and it’s raining so will give it a miss” added Neil. Then like Mr Spock of Star Trek a voice of reasoned argument, Russell put forth the possibility that the rain should clear by 0930 leaving the rest of us with a Clash of “🎶Should I Stay or Should I go🎶” Eventually seven Knights braved it to the start line at Manor House, however no amount of cajoling could persuade Ray to join us.
“Looks like we are all here, where are we going?” we asked ourselves. “Let’s follow Raymond’s route” was the general consensus. By the time we set off towards Cherry Burton and Etton the rain had indeed cleared. As we crested the bridge over the Hudson Way approaching Etton we were confronted by hedge clippings all over the road which a gent with a leaf blower was busy trying to clear. Fortunately, there was no oncoming traffic, allowing us to negotiate our way through the hazard safely.
Once through Etton we headed towards Kiplingcotes and the 4km climb up Arras Hill. To make matters worse it was also into a head wind. By the time we reached the top we were exposed to the full brunt of wind. (So that’s why there are so many wind turbines here). The downhill into Sancton then proved to be a bit precarious with puddles and gravel across the road.
Turning south from Sancton, we had a brief section along the main road into North Newbald. Then it was 🎶The only Way is Up🎶 but which way up shall we go? Everyone favoured Burgate which featured as last years hill climb challenge. On the way up, Michael had had enough of hanging around at the back and decided to “attack” off the front. Unfortunately for him, his “bubble” was burst half way to the top when he was visited by the “puncture fairy”. While he set about repairing the “damage” the rest of us welcomed the “break” from climbing. At least we had already covered the steepest section.
On reaching High Hunsley, we then had a 3.5km downhill into Little Weighton followed by the sharp ramp of Risby Hill then generally downhill along Dunflat Lane to Folly Lake cafe. “Cash only or Bank Transfer” advised the notice outside the door. Mathew was a picture in his attempt to obtain a mobile signal, waving his phone around towards the sky like neolithic man searching for a sign from God. “The money’s gone” he said “but its not confirmed so they won’t accept that I’ve paid”. At least he had a means to pay. Pugwash had forgotten to bring his wallet…. No it’s nothing to do with being Scottish. Luckily for him the old Seadog Dave came to his rescue.
After a very pleasant lunch with lots of laughter and banter it was time to get 🎶On the Road Again🎶. The journey home from the cafe stop took us directly back to Walkington. Being a much shorter distance than we’ve been used to during the summer months, it felt a bit strange to arrive home so quickly. Still, “the nights are fair drawin’ in” and it will be appreciated over the winter months as the temperature begins to drop.