Ding! East Riding?… “Tis the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” according to Keats. “And lo it came to pass” as we woke to a fine mist coating the rising sun like a shimmering negligee….oh excuse me where was I? Following in the wake of the Tour of Britain visit to our area, Raymond decided for this Friday’s ride we needed to “showcase” some of the hills the tour could have done. “Meet at Etton 10am prompt for a lumpy ride” he suggested.
Well it seems that it’s not just the season of mists etc but the season of “tardiness” as four of our attendees shouted out “I’m running late see you en-route”. Our first “objective” was the climb up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. The “peloton” set off at the usual Friday “genteel” pace. There was not much wind to speak of and the sun remained stubbornly behind the morning mists making it almost perfect weather for cycling.
On our way to Middleton-on-the-Wolds on the Goodmanham road the “peloton” was spread across the road dodging pot-holes and rough surfaces when with a moments inattention Raymond found himself off-road on the grass verge like Tom Pidcock making an overtaking manoeuvre. “Ooh are you alright?” we asked. By the time he’d returned to “terrà-Firma” and his “heart had left his mouth” he was able to assure us that all was well.
Next climb on the “agenda” was the lumpy rollercoaster to North Dalton followed by everyone’s favourite, the long drag up to Huggate. Once we’d all recovered from our efforts the next section to Warter was mostly a joyful downhill. After regrouping in Warter, we set off up Bailey Lane to Nunburnholme top. “Ooh are we going up Nunburnholme Hill?” asked Jim excitedly. Well sorry to disappoint you but….. No! Instead we have a “little kicker” averaging 6% over 1 mile starting with a 10% ramp followed by a gentle drag uphill to the top of Nunburnholme Hill.
From there we have a brief respite as we had downhill to Londesborough before the next climb up Intake Hill eventually leading towards Market Weighton before our final climb up to Goodmanham and the cafe stop at the Fiddle Drill.
The season of mellow fruitfulness also includes the pesky attention of wasps. We were thus entertained by Mark’s defence of his fruit scone during our lunch as well as some fruity banter. Soon enough it was time to complete our journey home. After continuing the climb along Crossgates we turned down Kiplingcotes Race Course before eventually returning via Etton and Cherry Burton and the final little “kicker” of “Granny’s Hump”. An excellent route enjoyed by all and enhanced by some lovely weather conditions.