The invitations started arriving in the inbox early on Monday morning. “Anyone fancy a ride out to Sledmere on Tuesday? RSVP”. When the responses began rolling in, one of our number must have been mistaken on the type of event “What’s the dress code and which +1 should I bring?” he enquired. Cue for some ribald replies. “A bike with two wheels” was the first suggestion, “Top hat and Tails not needed, your plus one can be as naked as the day you bought it” thought others.
Ten Knights gathered at Manor House for the 0945 start. After the warmish weather of recent days it was back to long trews and sleeves as the temperature failed to reach double digits. After outlining the route, we all set off towards Cherry Burton and Etton. With the light wind coming from the east, it gave us a slight assistance as we waltzed our way up to Holme-on-the-Wolds.
With the first “dance” out of the way out was time to head for Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Next on the “dance card” was a lively foxtrot (slow, slow, quick, quick, slow) taking us to North Dalton.
Following a brief stop to regroup, we returned to the “dance floor” under the watchful “eye” of “David Bailey” 👁️ 📸 leading our partners on a “Vienese Waltz” up to Huggate to the melodic sounds 🎶 of “I hate that Hill” and the other classic “Here We Go Again”. Our progress was made a little easier however with the wind coming from behind instead of the usual headwind
When we’d all regrouped at the top and recovered, it was time for “the Jive” down to Wetwang. A fairly fast pace dance with a little ‘kick’ at the end. After weaving our way through the back road it was time for the main event, a “ballet” to the top of Life Hill. “Le Danseur Premier” on this occasion was Chad as he slowly and steadily put distance between himself and the “Coda”.
On the finale up to Claypits Wood, Captain Calamity managed to come a cropper once again when his chain snapped half way up the hill. Unable to unclip in time, toppled over landing ungracefully on his derriere. A slight bump on the bonce and scratches on hand and elbow to show for the effort. “You’re bleeding!” cried Neil “I’ll get you a plaster” he added helpfully. “Well what do we do now?” we thought “Anyone got a chain splitter?”. Seems we all have one but at home. Only thing left to do was call for international rescue.
Fortunately Heather spotted a white van parked near the top of the hill and used her wonderful charm to ask if the driver would mind transporting the captain along with bike the final mile to the cafe at Sledmere. A short time later as the remaining group set off to return home, the captain loaded his bike into the car to be driven home by his loving wife. 💕