Freshly returned from his jaunt into foreign climes, our resident tuk-tuk rider outlined his theories on our outward route. “Everything is the same but different” he began in typical professor speak. What followed was a detailed synopsis of twists and turns that explained how to reach our destination.
When the various knightly species had gathered at Etton, chairman Neil gave a timely reminder regarding splitting into groups on busy roads. “The designated road captains for today are Raymond and Zog” he advised before adding “and everyone should stay behind your captain”. At this point a huge grin appeared on the face of Raymond. “Well that will be novel” he surmised. “OK Zog pick your team” continued Neil. As Zog looked around at the Knights someone commented “Ooh this is like being back at school waiting to be picked for the football team”. Eventually we decided that ‘natural selection’ would be a better way to go.
Setting out from Etton we headed to South Dalton before turning along Mere Lane passing a young family of ducklings on the way by the pond. After reaching Bracken lane we turned North once more before picking up the Neswick road to lead us into Bainton. On reaching the busy B1246 it was time to implement ‘natural selection’ policy. This turned out to be the first six to reach the junction went with Zog while the rest stayed with Raymond. “We’ll regroup at Middleton-on-the-Wolds” he advised.
The first group set off with Zog taking his duty seriously. Nobody was going to pass him. In fact he began to set such a strong pace that those behind struggled to hold the wheel. With a few shouts from behind he eventually eased up enough to keep the group together. From North Dalton we continued over the rolling hills into Middleton-on-the-Wolds. After regrouping we set off for the final leg to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham with some spots of rain threatening to dampen the proceedings.
The group ‘natural selection’ continued in the cafe as we were offered two separate tables on opposite sides of the room. Once we were all suitably refreshed it was time to head home. “Let’s head back the way we came and then at the top turn right, down the hill then turn left to head through Dalton Park” advised Raymond.
Things went well until heading ‘down the hill’. At the left turn junction, Neil and Heather had decided to take the shorter route home and continued over the junction. Unfortunately those immediately behind had failed to heed the instructions and followed on like sheep despite Raymond’s best effort to direct them to the ‘right’ track. On reaching the bottom, the ‘sheep’ bleated “but Neil and Heather went that way”. “We should have turned left at the previous junction” said Raymond “but we can take this left turn instead”. That would have been fine, but since the road had been recently resurfaced with grit stone it made progress somewhat precarious until we returned to South Dalton.
Thereafter we followed our usual route home through Etton and Cherry Burton. The rain that threatened earlier failed to materialise leaving everyone to enjoy the rest of the ride home.