Beverley Knights

Cloudy with a Chance of Cotswolds

Sunday, day three of the Knights tour of the Cotswolds. Unfortunately the day didn’t live up to its name as we were greeted in the morning by dark cloudy skies and a cooler temperature. Before the ride got underway there was a small matter of the prestigious “Awards” ceremony.

The “Mr Happy” 😃 award was unanimously presented to Michael in recognition of his entertaining ‘performance’ from the previous evening, while the “Mr Grumpy” 😠 award went to Neil for all his moaning about Michael’s route on Friday, much to the chagrin of Matty who is always in the running.

Leaving Poulton the group headed to Ampney St Mary before turning north towards Barnsley, “Barnsley?” we thought “No not that one”. The ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ one, I certainly didn’t see it. Next port of call was Coln Rogers, that name led to some schoolboy type humour at the expense of Colin.

We then followed the route of the Coln River to Coln St Dennis before arriving at Fossebridge. As we looked up the road ahead we were confronted with what appeared to be a 20% climb on the busy A429. “Just a little way then turn right” advised Neil after consulting his phone maps. With huge sighs of relief we set off turning right, continuing to follow the course of the river passing Stowell on the way to another coffee stop at Northleach.

On leaving Northleach we began to head south via Eastington and Aldsworth with some short steep climbs and quick downhills. “It should be mostly flat from here” said Neil confidently only to be caught out again as we faced more climbs on the way to Coln St Aldwyns. It did eventually flatten out as we cycled into Hatherop. Just as we came to the junction we were confronted by a convoy of Minis turning into the junction preventing our exit. After we’d watched car after car passing ahead of us, the convoy ground to a halt, allowing us to continue to Lechlade.

When we pulled into the town, Neil consulted his maps again before declaring “Left here!” We’d only gone a few yards when he then changed his mind “No that’s the wrong way” before turning around. Watching him continuously consult his maps at every junction was a bit “old school” compared to having a modern Satnav with turn by turn instructions.

Lechlade on Thames lies on the edge of the Cotswolds and is known to be an inland port at the highest navigable point on the Thames. Our choice for lunch was the Tea Chest cafe along the edge of the river. At this point we said goodbye to Michael who had to get back to catch a train.

After lunch we retraced out route into Lechlade then passed through the waterpark heading for Whelford. On the way past RAF Fairford we formed a chain gang as the speed hit 20mph. Soon we arrived at the Spotted Cow pub for some refreshments before the short journey back to the house.

Roller Coaster Cotswolds

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 27 0

Saturday, day two of our cycling weekend and after yesterday’s busy traffic roads through the outskirts of Swindon, Neil was determined to show us the “real” Cotswolds. The ride was due to set off at 0930 but as we started to get ready Michael appeared still shaking the sleep from his eyes and preparing to tuck into what looked like a ‘full English’. “Oh” he said “I thought it would be a more relaxed start this morning” as he continued attacking the beans and veggie sausages with gusto. “No Michael, the ride ‘always‘ leaves on time” we all advised him.

Someone didn’t get the meno, “Orange must be the new blue”

When we eventually got going, we started with a gentle climb northwards along a quiet country road called Bell Lane to a quaintly named place of Ready Token. Continuing north we were then faced with a gently undulating terrain. Our first real challenge came as we left Bibury. After a brief warm up of 7% we hit the steep double digit section, fortunately it didn’t last too long. In fact Matthew was enjoying it so much he continued past the turn off to Ablington before turning back. The route then continued north through Winston to the small village of Northleach where we stopped for a coffee break.

While at the cafe we noted that having covered around 15 miles we had only been passed by one car, unlike the previous day where we were surrounded on every road. The undulating terrain continued as we headed northeast with short steep bits interspersed with longer ups and downs and each downhill helped to build momentum into the next climb. Our next destination was Bourton-on-the-Water a very picturesque village described as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” which attracts many visitors as we found out when we arrived.

“We’ll head for Upper Slaughter next” said Neil as we set off on the climb out of Bourton. Half way up the hill we spotted a sign pointing to Upper Slaughter so turned off to regroup only for Neil to inform us “We’re going this way” he said pointing further up the hill. When we finally reached the top, we came upon a car accident with emergency services in attendance. Luckily we were able to continue as we did a “loop round” heading back downhill to Lower Slaughter.

Just as we were about to leave the village, we encountered some heavy farm machinery negotiating their way along with a convoy of cars following behind so we ‘tagged’ on the back. As we followed behind, a car facing the opposite way decided to do a three point turn right in front of us, splitting our group in two. A few choice words followed as Michael let his feelings known about the hierarchy of road users and the appalling driving we had just witnessed. The message obviously didn’t sink in as the driver continued to try and overtake the leading part of our group despite there being no place ahead. The behaviour continued until we reached the junction of the main road where ‘parted the ways’ as we wished him a “nice day”. I don’t think the feeling was reciprocated.

Our route continued through Wyck Rissington and Upper Rissington. While heading south, Chad commented “There’s an airfield over there” unfortunately we couldn’t see anything beyond the hedges lining the road. By this time we were all looking forward the lunch stop but Neil seemed to have other ideas. “We could call in at a local shop and buy a few sandwiches” he suggested at which point Heather put her foot down “I want a cafe stop Neil” she stated forcefully and so we headed to Burford, the “Gateway to the Cotswolds” where we found a cafe on the busy high street.

While we were enjoying our lunch we were plagued by wasps. There was a wasp trap nearby but they seemed wise to it and preferred what we had on our plates. Soon enough it was time to return home. But…. before that we had planned to call in at the Spotted Cow 🐄 pub at Marston Meysey. While heading from Little Barrington to Coln St Aldwyns we had a call from Mrs Puggy to tell us the pub was closed but there was an alternative of the Masons Arms at Meysey Hampton where they served some lovely “big boy” beer.

The final journey back to the “digs” was quite short with a brief interlude before we headed out to the local Falcon Inn for “supper” (Dinner or Tea depending on where you come from). Following homemade “puddings” at “home” we had great fun and games before retiring for the night.

Cotswolds “A” Road Tour

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 26 0

The “eagles” have landed! 🎶Life in the Cotswolds, surely make you lose your mind🎶 Following a hectic journey from home through Friday traffic we finally arrived at our destination. The plan was to get here then head out for a short ride before a drink at the at the nearby pub then pizzas 🍕 at our weekend abode.

When we were all ready to set off, there was still no sign of Neil. Eventually Puggy went in search only to find him in the kitchen with a local map spread out over the table scouring for a route like Christopher Columbus in search of the New World. “We could go here then here then here” he said. Shortly Mrs Puggy entered “Come on Neil they’re all waiting for you”. At which point he packed the map in his pocket and joined the rest who were eager to “get going”.

Now we had a choice to make. “Which way are we going?” we asked looking at Neil for guidance. “Well I thought we could head for Ashton Keynes then see where we can go from there, make it up as we go along”. Michael then piped up convincingly like a secondhand car salesman “I’ve got a route ready to go on my wahoo” he said “It’s a flat 30 miler starting off this way and coming back that way”. Unfortunately impatience got the better of us as we agreed to follow Michael’s route. I say unfortunately as Michael has “form” when it comes to route planning.

It wasn’t the most auspicious start when “this way” turned out to be “that way” however it was soon forgotten as we headed south with the sun shining and a gentle breeze at our back speeding us toward Down Ampney with Michael and Colin taking the “lead”. Everything was still going swimmingly as we continued toward Cricklade. It was then that confusion reigned when we were confronted with the busy Cricklade bypass and no obvious way to cross over. After “tripping the light fantastic” around the roundabout with the “computer” determined to take us onto the main road we came across a cycle path which eventually led to the “other side”.

Once through Cricklade we continued south until we reached the outskirts of Swindon. At this point the comfortable country roads turned into the “jungle” of busy town roads dodging traffic and traffic lights. “It’s like a ride to Malton” was one comment made along the way. Traversing along Tadpole Lane, Michael then informed us that we were about to reach the first of three “climbs” on his flat route. “It’s no more than 3%” he said cheerily. Well my garmin would beg to differ as the “steep” bit touched on 10%. From Blunsdon we continued with a gentle climb northwards up to Highworth where we joined the busy A361 to Lechlade. On the approach to the town we crossed the River Thames over the Ha’penny Bridge with a rather picture postcard scenic view along the river.

From Lechlade we turned West on the busy A417 through Fairford which looked a pretty place situated by the River Coln before returning to Poulton. By this time we were all desperately looking for a drink 🍻 unfortunately the “local” was closed. “Well what do we do now?” After reaching our house Neil looked up an alternative pub. “There’s one not far from here, just a few miles down the road” he told us “Are we all up for that?” So we set off again to the Wild Thyme & Honey pub at Ampney Crucis.

While we supped our drinks Colin googled the Falcon Inn to find it was opened at 5pm and if we’d waited another fifteen minutes….. ah well their loss. After a lively bit of banter around the table it was time to set off ‘home’ for more fun and games. A great start to our weekend away.

Fry Day Ride

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 12 0

How do you like your eggs? Sunnyside up would be appropriate today as the sun beamed down from a cloudless blue sky causing the ‘mercury’ to rise to levels you normally find on your holidays abroad. Accompanied by light winds, conditions were perfect for a day of cycling which is probably why there was such a good turn out this morning for our ride to Burton Constable. With Raymond relinquishing as ‘ride leader’, Heather “stepped up to the plate” to propose the route. Well I say Heather…but I suspect it was in name only with the ‘puppet master’ pulling the “strings from the wings”.

Seventeen Knights turned up at the meeting point at Tickton Grange setting off initially to Whitecross roundabout. Just after Routh, we encountered a tractor engaged in hedge cutting straddled completely across the cyclepath forcing us to join the main road for a short distance. 😬 After regrouping on the approach to Leven, the group continued towards Brandesburton.

Our next leg saw us heading towards Catfoss which involved a short sprint along the Bridlington road. As we approached the right turn junction we had to negotiate the oncoming traffic. While some waited for a clear road, others dashed across ahead of the traffic earning them a blast of the horn for their temerity. On this occasion with no shade near our usual regrouping spot there was no stopping as our main peloton continued onwards to Dunnington. Eventually we managed to find a lovely shaded area to wait for the “lanterne rouge”.

It seems that not everyone fully understood the route directions as two of the group went AWOL at Skipsea Brough. To be fair the instructions did mention “Skipsea, turn right to Seaton” so while everyone else turned right at Skipsea Brough the missing twosome were waiting around the corner out of sight ready to go to on to Skipsea. After waiting some time and nobody appearing they realised their error and set off on the “chase” to Bewholme.

If there was any doubt about who “created” the route it came clear as we approached the “straight on/ right turn” to Seaton when Heather sailed on past the “turn”. In her defence the road layout appears to continue round to the left becoming Mill Lane while Bewholme Lane is marked as a right turn junction. Fortunately some of us had checked the map against the “instructions” before setting off. On reaching Seaton we had another short ‘sprint’ along the main Hornsea road to Sigglesthorne before continuing south to Little Hatfield. As we rode our way through Whitedale to New Ellerby a familiar face appeared behind us having set off later, Colin caught up before immediately jumping on the front. With time getting tight to arrive at the cafe for 1130 Colin did a stirling job pulling us along.

Suitably refreshed the ‘peloton’ split into two groups for the return journey through Sproatley and onto the lovely new road surface of the Park road taking us to Coniston. After traversing our usual route through Swine and Beningholme we arrived back at Routh where we found the road traffic ‘nose to tail’ heading for the coast. Luckily a few drivers stopped to let us cross the road to the cyclepath and the final leg home. It was a great day for cycling with light winds creating a head wind whichever direction we were heading. A bit like having a personal punkah wallah wafting a fan in your face. Many thanks “Heather” for a good flat route! 😁

Now about those pints…… I believe the idea was first mooted when we passed the Crown & Anchor with Matty suggesting he might stop at the Foresters. As we approached Weel bridge I asked if he was still intending to stop? “I will if you will”. “Is anyone else stopping?” I enquired. “Well you could have a coffee” suggested Sharrin before turning off to Beckside along with Stephen. Despite Colin’s “beerometer” showing calories available there was no persuading him. On finding the Foresters closed we were about to head home when Matty spotted the Sloop. “That looks open” he said “Shall we?”. Cheers Matty!

Solstice Ride 2025

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 1 0

It’s that time of year again! No not Wimbledon but the summer solstice ride….. What? It’s not the solstice? Well yes, it’s a bit late this year. No.. not the solstice but the ride is late. Come on keep up at the back. Speaking of which, that could have been the theme for this ride. 🤔

Thirteen Knights gathered at Market Cross at an earlier start time of 6pm for our annual ride to Hornsea and back to Berts Pizzeria. Making our way through town towards Weel is never an easy affair and the group soon split due to cars and traffic lights. On reaching Tickton Grange the team was joined by DJ eager to get going. The “blue train” darted off towards Routh like a kingfisher in search of a new perch.

With hunger driving us onwards the pace remained high as we turned south towards Meaux. Along the way there were numerous shouts of “Car back!” before turning onto Kidhill lane heading for Benningholme. When we reached the junction with Swine Road Matty decided to have a little fun shouting from behind “HOLD ON! HOLD ON!” before ‘racing’ to the front with a massive grin 😁 on his face, as those at the front pulled over to see what had happened. Little boy cried wolf 🐺 sprung to mind.

The ‘Pizza Express’ continued to Long Riston before heading towards Great Hatfield and the last gasp into the wind for what passes as a road to Mappleton. With the wind now behind for the run into Hornsea Colin ‘lit up the afterburners’ encouraging everyone else to join in. Speed must be addictive as no sooner had you passed someone it would spur them on with “Ooh I want some of that” and almost everyone set new pb’s including a 3rd place overall for Sharrin.

After ‘posing’ for the annual photograph at the end of the Trans Pennine Trail we had around half an hour to get back to Berts for our 8pm pizza slot so no time to hang around. Luckily the ride through town was relatively straightforward without the usual traffic. With the wind continuing to assist, the pace remained high allowing Heather to set another pb and a 2nd place overall heading towards Bewholme.

As the ‘clock ticked on’ the pace picked up once more as DJ headed to the front before Colin took up the mantle to lead us through Catfoss and on to Brandesburton. At this point we said goodbye to Paul and Ash while the rest of us headed to the pizzeria like a ravenous ‘kettle’ of vultures. The heat of the day was also catching up as we’d all worked up quite a ‘drouth’ (thirst) none more than Mark who ordered TWO pints to start off with. I’m sure that first one didn’t touch the sides as he was on his second while everyone else still had almost full glasses.

Everyone really enjoyed their meal and the ‘rehydration’ but all too soon it was time to return home. With the light beginning to fade, it was time for lights on the bikes. The once ‘blue train’ was now lit up like a Christmas tree 🎄 as we set off to return to Beverley. The night was still young according to Neil who tried to rally the troops for one last drink in the Cornerhouse. In the end only four Knights called in just to find they’d already closed. Not to be outdone, the final three managed to ensconce themselves at Nellies for that final bit of rehydration. A superb pacy ride and brilliant service and food at Berts. What more could we ask for?

Knights Sweating in Mallorca

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jun 26

This years cycling trip abroad saw the Knights return to Mallorca for a week of “fun” in the sun. After a long day travelling, they reached their base at Cala Ferrera and set off on a short recce to quench a growing thirst.

The first full day saw the Knights wake to a bright blue sky unbroken by any cloud. After breakfast they set off for a round trip to Manacor covering around 50 miles with 750m ascent. With the mercury hitting 30°c and humidity of 70% it was a rather “warm” introduction.

Day 2 saw the temperature rising from “overly warm” to blistering hot 🔥 as the Knights set off on another circular route, this time to the monastery of Santuari de Cura situated on a mountaintop, passing through Santanyi, Ses Salines and Llucmajor enroute. After a pleasant lunch, the return leg took them through Porreres and Felanxt before returning to base having covered around 60 miles and an impressive 1000m of climbing.

Sunday, day three and the “oven” temperatures continue as the Knights take a coastal route to Porto Cristo. Following a relaxing lunch the group set off to return to base via Manacor and another climb of the Carr de Callas hill. A modest distance covered but with 800m of elevation gain and relentless heat 🥵 still made it a good challenge.

Day 4 and another early start to get back before the heat of the day. On this occasion the group set out to reach the southernmost point of the island and the lighthouse of Far del Cap de Ses Selines. The route was an almost “out and back” over undulating territory passing through the towns of Portopero, Santanyi and es Llombards along the way.

Day 5 The final day of the “Knights Tour de Mallorca” and yet another scorcher. Todays circular route covered around 43 miles with 510m of ascent. The opening section followed a similar route to the the previous day heading west to Ses Selines before turning northwards to Campos. After passing through the town the group turned inland heading generally northeast to the town of Felanitx. On the the third leg the group headed south once more to stop at a cafe in s’Horta before the final downhill run back to bar and a well earned chill by the pool.

Chariots On Fire! 🔥

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jun 1

Ten ‘Gladiators’ assembled at the Aqua Walkintonia ‘arena’ ready for the challenges of the day. The course for todays ‘game’ was proposed by Gregorius Scaevus, having been influenced by the rainy forecast of gloom and doom, he suggested keeping it short and local with a refreshment stop at Lacus Risbianus. The group was joined by a potential new ‘gladiator’ Andros Vindicta. At the ‘drop of the flag’, the ‘chariots’ set off up Northgate onto Manorhouse Lane at a leisurely pace led initially by Carolina Virudis, opting for her ‘two horse chariot’ instead of her previous ‘three horse chariot’.

On reaching the memorial pond the ‘charioteers’ swung round to the right onto Wold road towards Walkington Heads road. The pace began to pick up with Pugvax Navalis and Mateus Maximus hitting the front supported by Heathra Bellatrix on the undulating terrain leading into North Newbald.

After regrouping, the ‘charioteers’ continued to South Newbald and through to Hotham with Heathra Bellatrix setting the pace before turning towards North Cave. With the wind now coming from behind, the pace picked up another ‘notch’ as Colinus Draco dragged the ‘charioteers’ past the Carcer Humerensis and into South Cave. The ‘course’ then took the ‘competitors’ through Ellerker into Elloughton. At this point we waved ‘goodbye’ to Carolina Virudis as she took her ‘horses’ back to the ‘stable’ in Brough while the ‘course’ continued into the hills.

The hill of ‘choice’ on this occasion was Welton dale. Leading the way was Heathra Bellatrix along with Michaelius Nocturnus. Unfortunately for them, they missed the Dale Road turn off and rode blithely on until a yell of “Hold your horses” from behind brought them back on track. The hard work soon began as we hit the High Road with a 5% climb. Approaching the top, Pugvax Navalis having set a PB, heard the ‘whinny’ of ‘horses’ closing from behind. Drawing up alongside was Gramus Ferrum hardly breaking sweat while posting the best time of the day.

With the ‘warm up’ over, it was time for the longer but shallower climb up Welton Dale.

The climbing was not complete when the slope started to ’tilt’ downhill to the Elloughton Dale exit but continued upwards again before a final roller-coaster to Riplingham. Spurring his ‘horses’ on for this final segment, the best time of the day was set by Ricardus Brutus closely followed by Heathra Bellatrix and Michaelius Nocturnus. While regrouping at Riplingham, ‘discussion’ was held regarding the cafe stop and the route while bearing in mind the weather forecast. Gregorius Scaevus decided “unanimously” that we should forgo the Lacus Risbianus in favour of the Skidbia Ventorum.

Following the hard work of climbing from Elloughton, the ‘charioteers’ were overjoyed with the prospect of the long ‘charge’ downhill to Raywell followed by a flat wind assisted sprint along Raywell road. Making the most of their Maximus Gluteus, Michaelius Nocturnus, Gregorius Scaevus, Gramus Ferrum, Colinus Draco and Stefanus Potens raced wheel to wheel like gladiatorial sprinters at the Giro.

The sun shone bright as we pulled into the cafe, so opted to dine al fresco, however by the time we were ready to leave, the clouds were gathering and the wind had picked up so there was no hanging about and we set off for the shortest route home.

Cloudy With A Chance of Getting Wet

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 28

Well that’s not quite the way Matty put it when he proposed our route for today although there was a sense of urgency intimated in his “thinking of a quick easy ride“. Is that not an oxymoron? ‘Quick’ and ‘easy’ don’t quite seem to fit together in cycling terms. Ten Knights rallied to the meeting point at Etton.

The ‘fleet’ set off towards Holme-on-the-Wolds with the wind slightly ‘abaft the port beam’ led by Capt Pugwash alongside Lieutenant ‘Hawkwind’. The initial ‘passage’ was relatively benign until the fleet ‘hardened up’ onto a ‘close haul’ towards the west. “The deck is all yours Mr Hawkwind” said the captain as he dropped astern into the ‘wake’. The rest of the fleet followed suit until reaching the Goodmanham ‘strait’. After tacking downwind towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds the big guns of Battleship ‘HMS Colvin’ and Cruiser ‘HMS Gramor’ made their way to the front.

The next leg of the journey saw the fleet return to a ‘broad reach’ as we continued north towards North Dalton where we regrouped at the ‘anchorage’ near the Star Inn.

When the fleet ‘weighed anchor’ the Admiral and Vice Admiral headed towards Bainton while the main fleet continued on a ‘broad reach’ north towards Huggate. At the next waypoint HMS Matelot was first to ‘hoist full sail’ as the fleet ‘gybed’ through the wind heading towards Tibthorpe. With the fleet now ‘scudding’ along in a following wind some care had to be taken to avoid the ‘shoals’ in the turbulent surface. Continuing with the following wind, the ‘flotilla’ soon arrived at their ‘port of call’ in Hutton Cranswick.

The ‘mariners’ disembarked to enjoy a brief period of ‘liberty’ except for HMS Gramor who decided to keep a ‘weather eye’ on the gathering dark clouds and head directly back to home port. Meanwhile in the local ‘hostelry’ waiting patiently to rejoin the fleet were the Admiral and Vice Admiral along with HMS Greybeard. While the crews were enjoying their ‘grog’ and ‘hard tack’ another ‘ship’, the HMS Chadley ‘hove into view’ to further ‘bolster’ the fleet. Mindful of the gloomy weather forecast the fleet set off on the return leg.

While ‘tacking close-hauled’ along the ‘Burnbutts strait’ HMS Careen used her hidden power to jump into ‘point position’ with HMS Marwal scrabbling behind searching for a tow rope while HMS Russage moved up and down the ‘line’ keeping the fleet together. The closer the fleet came to home, the darker the clouds became. The impending doom was too much for Lt Hawkwind who hoisted full sail and scuttled off to make his way home alone.

After sailing by the ports of South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton the fleet began to feel the first drops of the wet stuff. It was not much more than a little spray over the bow to begin with but by the time we reached the home port of Beverley it was becoming a little more persistent. Fortunately for most of us we returned home before the rain got heavier, those who lived out of town were not so lucky. Despite the wind and threat of rain, today’s ride was most enjoyable.

Three Flats and a Packet of Wisps

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 19

Dawn broke with dull grey skies and a cool northerly wind prompting a return to winter dress….well at least for most of us! For today’s ride to Shiptonthorpe we had a welcome return to to our normal meeting place at Market Cross.

The ride set off on time, unfortunately James was unable to make the start due to suffering a “flat” tyre and would try to join us at Etton. Matty set the early pace like a great steam engine leading the group of eleven Knights through North Bar to Molescroft and onwards to Cherry Burton. As we came into Etton, we found Caroline sheltering from the wind in the bus shelter while anxiously peering out waiting our arrival….either that or she was hoping for the next bus home. While some of the group continued to get a head start on the Gardham climb, it was not long before James joined us and the rest set off to catch up.

Unusually for the ascent to High Gardham, we had a following wind which helped several of the group achieve personal bests. James buoyed by his newly inflated tyres, soared to top like a hot air balloon setting the best time of the day on both Low and High Gardham.This was followed by a speedy downhill into North Newbald. After regrouping at South Newbald, we were just about to cruise through to Hotham when Mark had that feeling of “deflation”.

While he set about making repairs ably assisted by a few others, the rest of us were thoroughly entertained by the proceedings and the witty badinage. Just as the repairs were completed the sun put in a brief appearance. 🎶Hallelujah🎶 however we only got the “chorus” as it promptly pulled the blanket of cloud over its face and went back to sleep. Eventually we set off again through Hotham towards North Cave. On reaching the Cliffe Road we split into two groups as we headed directly into the wind towards Market Weighton. Our attempts to create a “professional” style chain gang worked up to a point managing to maintain a decent 18mph pace.

From Market Weighton, it was just a short “hop” to Langlands garden centre including negotiating the tricky five ways roundabout with each branch having an exit and an in lane with an island in between. Oh how the Dutch would laugh at our cyclepath designers. No wonder Colin opted to go on the road on the way back.

After a pleasant lunch break, it was time to make our way back to Market Weighton before heading to Goodmanham.

At the top of the climb up Red Lane, three of us stopped while Matty checked his shifter batteries which seemed to be playing up. Meanwhile a kindly old gentleman emerged from his car and engaged us in conversation about his days as a cyclist…..Eventually we managed to “extract” ourselves, wishing him a pleasant day before continuing on towards Etton to catch the rest of the group. Once again we seemed to have a headwind making progress difficult.

Finally we found some relief from the wind as we turned for home through Etton to Cherry Burton. Running down the “final strait” with the “finishing line” in sight and visions of our chosen “refreshment” chilling at home, there was a “pop” as Mark suffered another “flat”.

“Seconds out! Round two….”. While Mark set about his troublesome tyre he suggested we should all just carry on and leave him to it. We were having none of that and like the Brownlie brothers were determined to see him safely home. It was a shorter ride than usual for a Sunday but none the less enjoyable.

Toy Story

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 12

Michael gathered his ‘toys’ in his makeshift ‘den’ at Etton (aka bus shelter). As he surveyed the assembled ‘crew’ he noted there was one missing. Just as he was about to begin a search party the final ‘toy’ ‘Roboto’ arrived. “Just before we go” said Michael “I’d like to introduce you all to the newest ‘toy’ ‘Teela'”. He then went on to outline the ‘activities’ for the day including an ‘assault on Bagpuss’. (He’s a very ‘naughty cat’)

The bunch set off towards Holme-on-the-Wolds with ‘HotWheels’ setting the early pace closely followed by ‘Han Solo’ and ‘Teela’. While negotiating our way through Lund ‘Skeletor’ got overexcited and managed to ‘throw a chain’. With no damage done, the lively bunch of toys continued to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. The going got a bit rough as we turned onto the climb up Warter road. Having jostled, bumped and shoogled around the numerous potholes the toys finally arrived at the top. “Come on!” cried Michael excitedly as we headed downhill to Dalton Dale.

Following a short break in the sunshine, the ‘toys’ set off at pace with a generally downhill run towards Warter with ‘Buzz Lightyear’ turning on his rocket boosters to post a fantastic top speed of 75.7 km/hr (47mph). Things calmed down somewhat when the gradient changed through Warter and the ‘toys’ faced a steady climb towards Kilnwick Percy. Michael once again couldn’t contain his excitement and started to push on before he’d reached the ‘real’ climb. Soon enough though Baggaby hill appeared in front of us looming like the sight of huge beer belly. 🍺 Cheers Michael! Taking the climb at our own pace, there were some who sounded like Darth Vader before eventually regrouping at the top. “Well I’d like to say I enjoyed that” said Skeletor with a rictus grin firmly across his face.

The pace picked up again as we headed down towards Pocklington. While working our way through the town there was a brief confusion about which way to go with some having a dance all the way round a roundabout. Once onto the Allerthorpe road, Barbie and Ken put in a superb performance to grab a QOM for Barbie.

Arriving at the cafe we found it was crawling with cyclists like ants around a termite mound. The queue snaked around so far it was difficult to find the end. Despite the long wait to order, the service was still very quick.

Leaving the cafe behind, we headed for Everingham and Harswell. Along this section there is the club time trial. Once again, Michael full of energy, tried to muster up some support for the TT effort. Unfortunately with the wind against nobody else was interested. “Well I’m doing it anyway” he declared joyfully. As we approached the start at Everingham Michael shot off leaving his ‘toys’ behind. There was a brief call of “Wait for me” as ‘Han Solo’ and ‘Hotwheels’ chased after in vain. Wind? What wind, Michael managed to post a very impressive time of 7:57 giving a speed of 37.7 km/hr (23.6 mph) and secure the overall best time this year. What might he achieve with the wind assisting?

Things began to settle down after that when the ‘toys’ adopted a more gentle pace as we continued to the Cliffe road. At this point ‘Johnny Seven’ left the group to return home via Sancton while the rest split into smaller groups for the dash to Common hill. Further splits in the group occurred at South Newbald with some opting to return home via Walkington heads while others took on the final frontier of Trundlegate. Overall we had a great day out with beautiful sunshine and light winds. What’s not to like?