The recent spate of sunshine continues to dominate our weather pattern, unfortunately the wind decided to put in an appearance as well. “Its all that hot air from the south don’t ya know”. “Anyone fancy a ride to Langlands Garden centre?” came the initial cry. Seven Knights met at Market Cross including Colin who was a whole two minutes early (just to prove he doesn’t hide round the corner to arrive exactly on the dot)! Although a cynic might say that he arrived at his normal time and just missed out the wait around the corner. 😉 However we’ll allow him the benefit of the doubt and marvel at his military precision in timing his arrival to perfection. ⌚
We set off initially to Molescroft then onto the cycle path to Cherry Burton where there was some “ducking and diving” to avoid overhanging branches and overgrown bushes. At the junction to Etton we were joined by Heather who was out for a short ride. Turning onto Etton main street we had our first taste of the head winds to come as we spun our way up to High Gardham.
Climbing to the top of Stoneknowle hill we spotted Zog in the distance waiting patiently having cycled up from Brough to join the ride. While the peloton continued through North Newbald, Heather peeled off to return ‘home alone’. At Hotham, the wind direction must have been firmly in Neil’s mind as we turned towards North Cave Wetlands instead of the shorter route down Common Hill, “to get the full benefit of the following wind 🌬️” he suggested.
Two groups set off in a chain gang along the Cliffe Road. One minute each on the front before peeling off to the rear. Starting at a reasonable 20mph the speed picked up, then a bit more and then a bit more again until we were hanging on at around 26mph 🥵. Needless to say everyone achieved PB’s 🥇on the various Strava segments along the way. Great effort chaps. The sight of the junction at Giant Bradley Way was a welcome relief that the “end was nigh”. The rest of the journey to the cafe was much more relaxed.
After the cafe stop, the group split with Brian and Colin wanting to complete a longer ride, while Zog headed off to face the now increasing wind strength back to Brough. The rest of us took the easier option to return home to Beverley via Kiplingcotes.