… and the Knights are drawing in….. to Market Cross. “And lo, a star 🌟appeared in the east to indicate our direction of travel” said Santa Claus🎅. “Give over” cried the elves and reindeer🦌 “You’ve been playing with that magic dust again haven’t you?” they cried. “No really, we need to make a beeline to Cranswick Farm Shop…. Brandesburton, Bewholme, Beeford Back By Bracken”
Five reindeer set off first, leaving Santa and four elves to follow behind. “Prancer” (Matt) led the way through town to Weel Bridge whereupon “Dasher” (Mike) began to lift the pace as we made our way to Tickton. After a brief stop at the Grange we were joined by “Donner” (Andy). Once again “Dasher” set off like a man on a mission, and aided by a favourable wind we soon arrived at Brandesburton.
The road to Bewholme was reportedly “closed” to traffic 🚧 but undeterred by such trivialities, the reindeer pressed ahead and were able to pass safely through. Meanwhile, Santa and his elves took the slightly shorter route directly to North Frodingham. Soon it was time for “Comet” (Mark) to “take the reins” as we flew onwards to Bewholme.
Our first taste of adverse winds🌬️ came as we turned towards Beeford with only a brief respite when we headed north through Foston-on-the-Wolds then Wansford. The three leading reindeer continued to set a strong pace from Skerne, while “Cupid” (Colin), “Blitzen” (Pugwash) and “Donner” tried their best to cling onto their tails.
On reaching the Farm Shop, it was clear that “there was no room at the Inn”. “You’ll have to shed a tier or two before we can accommodate you within” the innkeeper informed us. “But we have come bearing presence” wailed the reindeer “Cold, Frankly-no-sense and Brrr”. Dasher took this as his cue to continue home alone and was shortly followed by “Cupid” while the other four reindeer shivered their way through coffee ☕ and cake🍰 hiding in the “stable” behind the building like schoolkids lurking by the Bike shed. Just as we were finishing up, Santa and his elves arrived, no doubt looking for some mince pies and wee dram🥃 to warm themselves.
The return journey was hampered by the increasing wind strength with only the thought of getting home before the forecast rain, driving us onwards and so here endeth the last Friday ride for 2020. Well done “Santa” Raymond for organising the routes throughout this exceptional year. Look forward to seeing you all next year.