Away Day

Sojourn to the South Side

This Friday was pencilled in as an “Away Day” with a chance to ride in an area we don’t normally visit. On this occasion we decided to meet at the Humber Bridge car park before heading “o’er the water”. Six Knights took up the challenge for a sixty miler down to Caistor and back however Michael and Graham decided to add a few extra miles by cycling to and from the meet point. Chapeau 🎩 guys for your century rides.

The day began with a slight fog but soon cleared to leave some lovely sunshine. While waiting for Jon to appear we took the opportunity to admire Chads new bike. As Chad reeled off the bullet points, Michael began to salivate. Eventually Chad offered him the chance to have a trial run. “I thought you’d never ask” he said excitedly as he climbed aboard and began cycling round the car park. He was like a kid opening a Xmas present with a grin from ear to ear while Chad started to worry he’d never get his bike back.

Meanwhile, as we continued to wait for Jon, he was actually waiting for us in another area of the car park but as the 10am deadline approached he suddenly appeared looking for us. After crossing the bridge we made our way through Barton-upon-Humber to pick up the Horkstow road with a gentle climb of around 5km averaging first 1.2%.

The final section of this road features a very steep downhill run with twists, turns and gravel. We were so concentrated on avoiding any mishaps that we missed our turn onto Middlegate Lane. When we gathered at the bottom, Michael asked “Did you not see that junction?” Looking blankly at him, “Junction? What junction?” we responded. Having realised our error we decided to continue on the main road through Horkstow to Saxby. At this point, Michael suggested we take the next left which would bring us back on track. Unfortunately this turned out to be Saxby Hill, a short but very steep 9% climb.

The next part of the route took us over very pleasant slightly undulating roads south east towards Melton Ross, Croxton and Kirmington before skirting round Humberside Airport to Grasby then arriving in Caistor. Our cafe of choice was the Rock Foundation sitting on top of the hill outside Caistor with fantastic views of the surrounding area. As our drinks were brought to our table, one lady (the local version of the governess from the Chase) began to complain. “Why didn’t you say you all wanted tea?” she asked indignantly “I could have made you a big pot”. “Oh is there a shortage of teapots?” asked one brave knight. “There will be if there’s anymore like you” she claimed before muttering “MEN!” as she returned inside. We tried our best not to laugh until Pug suggested “Perhaps we should put our helmets back on!” “Don’t look at me” said Michael “She’s already had a go at me”. Still we had no complaints over the food.

While we were at the cafe Melvin, who’d been having trouble with his electronic gears, was unable to continue and arranged to be picked up by his wife. The first leg of the return journey took us a short way along the rather busy Riby road so it was a relief when we turned off to Fonaby Top. Thereafter we had lovely long slightly downhill run to Great Limber, Brocklesby and Ulceby.

After following the roads around Thornton Abbey we were cruising along the road towards Barrow with Jon on the front when suddenly he spotted a cyclist up ahead. Well that was like red rag to a bull. Immediately his demeanour changed as his head dropped and the pace increased as we all thought “We know what he’s doing”. Unfortunately for him he was not aware of the impending right turn to Goxhill. With the wind in his ears and the ‘bit between his teeth’ he failed to hear the shouts from behind as he continued the ‘chase’ like a greyhound after the hare, forcing Michael to chase after him to bring him back to the fold.

The final leg of the route took us through Barrow-upon-Humber and back into Barton before returning over the Bridge. It turned out to be an extremely pleasant day out with light winds and sunshine along some great cycling territory.

A Ride of Three Thirds

By Michael Kerrigan Leave a Comment May 22

The old adage “it’s hard to please everyone, so just please yourself” has never been more apt. According to Strava, at least 15 Knights took advantage of the clear blue skies and beautiful sunshine to venture out to a whole host of agreeable destinations, although just four hardy souls joined this month’s BK Away Day.

With a proposed 8am Beverley set off by car and a 9am kick off at the meeting place just North of York for a 68 miler, this was never gonna suit everyone. And so it proved. Too early for some, too late for others. Too far for some. Perhaps not far enough for others. And judging by the recent comments on slack regarding ride starting times over the weekend (all in good humour of course) it’s difficult to get the balance right for all. Just as well we have a top notch voice of reason chairman to keep us all in check!

Anyway, back to the Fab Four of Chad, Mark, Stephen and myself (Michael). We arrive at our meeting place on time (well, two of us do) and by the time we’ve unloaded our bikes from the cars, we set off only ten mins later than scheduled – not bad.

In truth, it’s an inauspicious start for me as route leader for the day. Having taken my duties very seriously, I’d meticulously planned this ride – or should I say I rode to find a suitable meeting place only a week earlier. And I’d spotted that immediately after coming out of the designated car park, the route clearly directed us across a level crossing. I forget this and decide to set off in the other direction, only to be reminded by a more eagle eyed Mark that I’d messed up already and hopefully this wasn’t a sign of things to come!

We go over the level crossing and are greeted with a bumpy gravel track. I start to panic inside – oh b***** – I do hope the route I copied from cycling plus magazine wasn’t a gravel route! My riding colleagues are quite rightly quick off the mark in the gentle ribbing department – “did you get this from mountain bike weekly?” jokes Stephen. I’m beginning to wonder, I must admit, but after about a mile we hit glorious pave. Phew!

Today’s ride can roughly be spilt into three thirds, with each third very different from the other. The first third – Howardian Hills -is gentle rolling terrain, not too dissimilar from our usual routes across the Yorkshire Wolds. We soon enter the picturesque grounds of Castle Howard before making our way onto the road into Helmsley. This is the one section of the route that I had been a little concerned about as it’s coloured orange on Komoot – which means it’s a main road. “We should have a rule that all away day route masters have to ride the full route the week before” jokes Chad. To be fair, I had thought about it, but given my ‘car park reccie’ the previous week was a 70 mile round trip and that the route itself would effectively double that, I reined myself in and told myself that as the main Helmsley Road was prefixed by B it can’t be that bad. And so it proved, as we all safely arrive into Helmsley for our first pit stop.

Bladders emptied, water bottles filled, we set off for the second leg – the North Yorkshire Moors. Clearly not having studied the route as much as I should, I’d naively thought that we would be nowhere near the major climbs and descents of the infamously bleak Moors. I’m soon put right though because as soon as we reach the top of a long gradual incline out of Helmsley, we spot a sign for a 33% descent. There’s a tight bend at the bottom too and a van greets us just as we try and negotiate it. How inconvenient – cos we slow down to avoid said van and immediately around the corner spot another sign of 25%, but this time it’s up. And so sets the scene for a muscle wearing, lung busting second third.

We arrive at the foot of white horse bank. We again see a 25% upwards sign, only this time the climb goes on and on and on and…. We all just about survive and, although we are 1,000 feet above sea level, we very strangely arrive at beautifully flat countryside more reminiscent of Norfolk than the North Yorkshire Moors. Our plateaud respite is soon forgotten though as we arrive at the descent from hell. It’s very steep and very windy, with a near 180 degree switchback on the steepest part with added gravel for good measure. At least three of us feel our back wheels lock. It is absolutely treacherous. At the foot, Chad asks would we rather go up it than down it. Stephen, a very fine technical descender says “definitely down” whilst I’m tempted to turn around to prove that would definitely not be my choice, but that would be just plain stupid!

With would be nasty accidents avoided, the rest is plain sailing with only a couple of so-so hills to negotiate before we glide into the pretty village of Easingwold for our much needed cafe stop.

Bodies replenished, we set off for our final third and it could not have been more different to the preceding one. That’s because we are back in the Vale of York and we make solid progress on the glorious flat for the last 20 miles. We quickly make our way back to the car park with our bodies slightly more burnt than they had been 6 hours earlier when we set off. I mean who brings sun cream with them in May? Ah well, thanks for the marvellous company and great ride :+1:

Hebridean Way Day 4

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 19

Stornoway to Butt of Lewis

Today was the final 56 mile leg of our journey, leaving Stornoway to reach the Butt of Lewis the most northerly point on the island. Once there, we had two options. For those who were up for it they could cycle back to Stornoway or make use of the laid on transport. Andy V, Mike, Matt and Helen decided to go the whole hog and set off early while the rest left shortly after. Disappointingly the morning was rather damp but did clear up as the day went on.

The first section saw us heading west along the Pentland road starting with a steady incline averaging 1-2% over 4 miles. The day was dull with a moderate breeze from the south. After only 12 miles we came to the Callanish Stones where we stopped for some sight seeing and a coffee break.

Mike posted a beautiful ‘picture’ of the Callanish Stones and tried to claim he was up early enough to catch the sunrise, however he was very soon rumbled when the same ‘picture’ was spotted in the visitor centre. Just as we were about to leave, Simon noticed he had a puncture. Fortunately for him AndyB happily served as ‘domestique’ and set about replacing the inner tube for him. When it came to inflating the tyre, Andy opted for the manual approach, but as his hand pumped up and down like a piston on overdrive, it led to some rather lewd comments.

Having ‘communed with nature’ at the Stones, it was now time to focus on the final leg of our epic journey. Joy oh joy, the wind was mostly from behind. The road ran along the North West edge of the island and was gently undulating giving enough momentum on the downhills to cruise to the top of the next ramp. On reaching Barvas our small group stopped briefly to stock up on any food we were carrying.

Continuing north through Borve we eventually arrived at Port of Ness. However this was not the end as we turned onto a single track road leading to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse some 2-3 miles further on. Around half way there we came across the ‘leading bunch’ already making their way back. None of us envied their task of the 56 mile route back into a head wind and cheered them on the way as they passed by. Shortly after, we also reached our target so the celebrations could begin.

With an hour or so to spare for the ‘pickup’ we arranged to meet at the Breakwater cafe in Port of Ness where we all enjoyed a lovely lunch before the transfer back to Stornoway. Later in the evening we all gathered at the Boathouse restaurant to celebrate and reminisce about our great achievement before returning to the hotel and a little sing-song in the lounge before bed.

All in all it was a wonderful experience in excellent company, creating memories which will last a lifetime and we were somewhat fortunate with the weather mostly in our favour. All too soon it was time for the return ferry to Ullapool where we were then transported back to Oban. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this such an enjoyable trip. Hope to see you all again soon.

Cross Country To Market Rasen!

By admin Leave a Comment May 30

An earlier than normal meet of 9am at Humber Bridge car park saw 13 Knights turning out on what looked to be a glorious day for a jaunt to Market Rasen, for this month’s away day. Whilst some of the riders waited for others to turn up (with all of their equipment…) some light refreshments were to be had from the convenient breakfast van open for business when we got there. Although we had to share the meeting place with Cottingham Road Club the roll out wasn’t too chaotic and before we knew it we were out on the road in the sunshine. Some of the knights had chosen to ride to the bridge from Beverley so had already clocked up a few miles and were suitably warmed up.

The Lincolnshire Wolds had so much to offer alongside clear blue sky and baking sun as we rolled up and down the countryside there couldn’t have been a better way to spend a Sunday morning. But the smooth rolling roads were short lived as the route we were following suddenly ran out of road? Despite reassurance before the ride the route had gone ‘off road’ Barnetby Wold to be exact. Using some of the best Cyclo-cross skills I’ve ever seen we somehow, miraculously managed to all ride through without any puncture or incident – although everyone’s bike was now filthy, thanks Neil!

Next followed a gravel road for around 4 miles which was almost as delightful as the cyclo-cross we had just endured however apart from one dismount (I raise my hand in shame) we all managed to get across with no punctures – lucky. As we pushed on we saw a lone cyclist pass us a few times, we never managed to catch his name however he recommended a cafe for us to stop at in Market Rasen called Jossels (pictured). What a recommendation! It’s not often a small cafe gets the order absolutely spot on when an influx of hungry cyclists walk in on a Sunday morning but Chapeau to the staff, top grub and top service!

After we were all suitably refuelled it was time to hit the road again, a more direct route back saw us stick to roads and despite one incident with a male in a white Lexus who was incredibly keen to give us a wave, we all headed back towards the bridge enjoying the sun and the hills! Some of the knights who had ridden from Beverley were steadily approaching 100 miles so it was a group consensus to keep going until this was reached (some before others) I ended up going around the block twice and down to the end of the street just to tip it over 100 miles however for most of us it was the first 100 miler of the year which was a fantastic achievement and bodes well for those of us doing the Prudential Ride London.

All in all another fantastic well organised away day for the Beverley Knights and as summer approaches we look forward to many more miles with smiles!

Churn to Spurn!

By admin Leave a Comment Apr 23

The 17th April marked the first away day for the Beverley Knights Cycling Club. The chosen destination was Spurn Point with a wonderfully flat 82 mile loop. The weather gods gave us their blessing and although it was chilly the sun was shining with hardly a cloud in site!

As is customary with Sunday Club Rides we met at 9am (slightly earlier than normal time 9.30am) at the market cross in Beverley Town Centre. A group of 10 rolled into town centre ready for a day of riding. Usual club rules applied ‘twenties (mph) plenty’ and off we went.’Hang on! Wheres Mike?’ A quick detour to pick up a sleepy Mike from his house who thought the usual time of 9.30am applied (we’ve all been there).

Heading out the back towards the village of Tickton it felt great to be back on the away days after a long cold winter, you could almost get a sniff of summer coming! Despite the use of GPS the good trusty map was called in to action somewhere just outside of Sproatley. Thanks to James & Neil for planning the route, the effort that goes in to planning the rides is often underestimated so thanks to all involved week in week out. A quick check from navigator Neil and we were back rolling along in the sun .

As we rolled in to Spurn a welcome site of the Crown & Anchor pub awaited us. When we pulled in to the car park – disaster! A closed sign on the door. We faced the option of waiting half an hour or finding a cafe, luckily the Spurn Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Cafe came to the rescue with the recognisable face of my old school teacher running the Cafe (many hours spent in detention so kept my head down and got my coffee order in). Some top grub, good coffee and highly recommended.

For the CX riders amongst us an attempt was made to ride to the end of Spurn Point itself however the water and sand was not a combination to be messed with so that attempt unfortunately was unsuccessful. Another group photo and we were on our way.

The way pack was tough in places and at times pacey (apologies on behalf of myself and Stephen O) with a severe head wind and some busy main roads to navigate we managed to regroup nearer to Leven and roll back to Tickton. All in all a fantastic ride out and look forward to many more this year.

Some photos of the day are attached. Look closely at the water behind in a couple of the pictures and see if you can spot a spooky cloaked lady…..