Todays ride was described as somewhat “lumpy like school custard” however this did not deter the dozen Knights who turned up for ‘assembly’ at Etton. ‘Headmaster’ Ray outlined the curriculum for the day starting with a ‘geography lesson’. “Do we all know the location of ‘Grannies Attic’ as we’ll be heading past there, then along the valley to Market Weighton”. When the ‘bell tolled’ 10am, the ‘class’ set off, ‘compass and map’ firmly established in mind, and headed for Kiplingcotes. With a gentle wind behind us, progress was relatively easy as we continued to Goodmanham.



The ‘first lesson’ ended when we reached the A614 roundabout. It was at this point that Heather ‘raised her hand’ to ask “Please sir, may I be excused? I need to get home”. While the rest of us prepared ourselves mentally for the upcoming ‘double maths’, Heather went to ‘revise’ the ‘geography’ course.
The next ‘lesson’ began almost immediately as we contemplated with enthusiasm the challenge ahead. We raced down the initial part of Intake Hill however things soon began to get tough as we wrestled with ‘logistics’ of ‘power’, ‘weight’ and ‘velocity’. The ‘class’ passed the ‘first test’ by reaching Londesborough before the ‘endurance factor’ crept into play as we continued up to the top of Nunburnholme. Just as Jim was about to complete his ‘task’ a ‘school bully’ in a ‘four wheeler’ almost sideswiped him by pulling out from a junction right into his path. If looks could kill…..








The first ‘maths lesson’ came to an end as we approached Bailey Lane. “It’s now time for a little break” advised the headmaster. While the we headed downhill on the ‘playground’, Paul W made his excuses and ‘ducked out of class’ to head home via Middleton-on-the-Wolds. At the same time Martin ‘snuck in the back door’ having played ‘catch up’. ‘Playtime’ however soon ended when we reached Warter and were then faced with the ‘grind’ up Mill Lane. ‘Percentages’ were the main ‘theme’ of the second ‘math lesson’ as we struggled with the ‘plusses’ and ‘minuses’ of the terrain. Matty earned a ‘gold star’ 🌟 as he led the ‘class’ into Huggate. The final ‘thesis’ before the lunch break involved the effects of ‘resistance’ as we turned into the wind towards Field Farm Cafe where Sharrin showed an impressive burst of speed ‘out of the classroom’ quickly followed by Matty.
With the temperature being a little cooler than last week the class opted to dine in the canteen, however there was a slight draft which saw many of the pupils grabbing the nearby blankets to keep warm. As we tucked into our ‘lunchboxes’ Colin and Michael turned up. “Sorry we’re late sir….” they whispered “but we’d like to join you for the next lesson”. It wasn’t long before the beginning of the afternoon ‘session’.
The first afternoon ‘lesson’ proved to be ‘religious instruction’. In the ‘beginning’ there was an ‘Exodus’ from the cafe then we all prayed for shelter from the wind while heading to Tibthorpe. Fortunately we had the ‘Numbers’ with the ‘Colossians’ taking to the front on the way to Bracken Lane. The last ‘lesson’ of the day consisted of ‘homework’ as we followed our usual route via South Dalton and Etton. Finally the ‘marks’ for the days ride gave a solid ten out of ten with gold stars 🌟 all round.