Poets Day

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“P Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday” though I don’t think it has the same significance for most of our “Friday Riders”. Early warning notice came from regular Friday route master Raymond “Sorry can’t make it this week, so someone else will have to lead”.

Iain was first to respond somewhat unsurely, 
only to say he had to be home prematurely. 
Karl was next "in to bat", 
with an eighty mile ride if you fancy that. 
Matty and Jon said that would be a treat, 
but where and when shall we meet. 
Then up spoke Neil with an alternative route, 
with start time and meeting place to boot. 

Etton was the place where our story unfolds, 
starting with a climb up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. 
Turning into the wind was quite the slog, 
with everyone trying to stay tucked in behind Seadog.
Middleton to North Dalton was a bit up and down, 
As we pedalled through from town to town. 
Continuing up to Huggate with the wind in our face,
We still managed to maintain a decent pace. 
 With the wind behind and mostly downhill to Tibthorpe,
We went up another gear making a bid for "Warp".
Kirkburn and Southburn went by in a flash, 
With personal bests we tried to smash.
With minutes to spare we reached our chosen venue, 
And were still able to choose from the breakfast menu. 

 After lunch there was a split in the "peloton",
While some returned by Bracken the others went by Watton.
Rolling through Kilnwick then onwards to Lockington, 
The "breakaway" returned to route on reaching South Dalton.
For the final leg home we reflected on a day without rain,
Vowing soon to do it all over again.

Coast & Castles Trip 2023 Day 3

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Melrose to Edinburgh

Today was a “Best dressed non club kit” day, unfortunately we forgot to ask our photographer to make the selection. Secretly though I think we all agreed it should go to Heather although Mark made a good impression of “Stylo Italiano”. Despite the copious amounts of wine followed by Disaronno in the “snug” by reception, there were no signs of any after effects. The profile for today’s section looked a little daunting with the first 25 miles uphill but then it was “all downhill from there”. 🤔

Our first objective was to get to Innerleithen where we planned to have our lunch stop. Although it came early in the ride, there was no alternative until reaching Dalkeith towards the end of the ride. Setting off from Melrose we picked up the “Black Path” cycleway (which was an old railway line running from Tweedbank to Galashiels), before heading along Boleside road, a virtually traffic free road following the River Tweed. On meeting the main A7 road we continued on the cycle path by the road before it deviated onto one of the best cycle paths we’ve seen.

On returning to the road, our route continued to follow the River Tweed before crossing to the south side over the Ashiestiel bridge near Caddonlee. Our route then carried on along the south side of the Tweed before recrossing to the north side again at Walkerburn.

When we arrived at Innerleithen the town was festooned with garlands. Turns out we arrived during the UCI World mountain bike championships.

It was only around 18 miles from Melrose to Innerleithen so not too long since our cooked breakfast so coffee and cake was the popular choice especially the Anzak biscuits which we managed to consume the complete supply.

After returning to our route, we headed north following the Leithen Water on a gentle upward incline. The terrain became somewhat steeper when we reached the confluence with the Glentress Water. We were a little dismayed to see another cyclist heading downhill with a rain jacket on and a misty looking cloud in the valley ahead. There was no need to worry though, by the time we reached the top the sun had returned.

The first “peak” came after about 6 miles climbing with a gradient of around 2-3% then followed a lovely downhill run for the next 3 miles. The second “peak” came after a further 3 miles of climbing and another 3 miles descent. I don’t think we saw a single car along the whole road and the stunning scenery made it one of the most enjoyable segments.

After regrouping, we resumed our epic journey towards Middleton. The road surface deteriorated and at one point Iain unfortunately hit a pothole causing a puncture and almost throwing him out of the saddle. We only found out when he didn’t appear at the next junction. Matt valiantly decided to head back up the hill to check he was OK. When they eventually returned we set off towards Cockpen and Bonnyrigg.

The final leg of the journey consisted mostly of varying types of cyclepath as we wended our way through the housing estates of the outskirt towns of the city. By this time many of us were running out of water and feeling a little hungry. “Let’s stop at the first shop we come to” we suggested. Eventually we spotted a Sainsbury store in Dalkeith and a chance for a refreshment stop.

Suitably refreshed we carried onto various cycleways which skirted the river Esk from Whitecraig into Musselburgh before picking up the “Innocent Cycle Path” which ran through numerous parks and woodland areas before becoming the “Innocent Railway” running past Arthur’s Seat. Along the way, we encountered a long tunnel which as we approached provided a welcome cooling blast of air. Leaving the warmth of the afternoon heat, it felt like we’d gone into a large fridge. Of course “boys will be boys” and couldn’t resist a holler (WOO HOO!) to check the “acoustics” in the tunnel.

Eventually we emerged onto the busy Edinburgh City streets made even busier due to the ongoing Festival. It was an amazing feat to find ourselves so close to the city centre using mainly off road tracks and trails. Coming off the Mound onto Princes Street we had to dodge taxis, buses and trams to reach our pick up point and the end of an absolutely fabulous three days of cycling.

The Long and The Short of It

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🎶You tak’ the long road and I’ll tak’ the short road, and I’ll be in Farmshop afore ye🎶. Fresh back from his exploits at “training camp” and hedging his bets Raymond announced two different route options. One short and one a bit longer to his favourite cafe stop. “We’ll decide who wants to go which way when we get to Skipsea Brough” he suggested. The weather was kind, light winds and a smattering of sunshine not too hot, perfect for cycling. Seems many others had the same thought as we had a good turnout at Market Cross.

Our fifteen strong group set off to wend their way through the town traffic and traffic lights eventually reaching Weel Bridge. From there we cruised alongside the Hull river, where we only encountered the occasional passing car before bringing our gang into Tickton. Crossing the road at Tickton Grange, we were joined by Chad. Continuing along the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout the pace remained a steady 16-17mph. Raymond’s “training camp” must have done him the world of good. 🤔

From the roundabout, the pace picked up a little more 18, 19, 20mph as we raced through “Brands Hatch”. Boy, that’s some serious training Ray’s been having. Once we’d reached the relatively quieter road to Bewholme, the pace eased off a little but still managed to maintain 17 mph through to Dunnington and up to Skipsea Brough. “Right folks, who wants to go via Beeford and who wants to go via Ulrome?” enquired Raymond as we stopped at the junction near Skipsea Brough. The general consensus was that we were all enjoying the ride and the clement weather so we’ll all “tak’ the long road”. “Ulrome it is then”.

Following the road through Skipsea, we joined the main coast road from Hornsea to Lisset. Once again the pace remained brisk with a light following wind. After crossing the main Bridlington road, things calmed down somewhat as we adopted the more normal “Friday sedate” pace to Gransmoor then left to Great Kelk and Foston-on-the-Wolds. The calm didn’t last long though. Once we hit the road to Wansford, the pace picked up again led initially by Mark and Pugwash maintaining a reasonable 20mph until Karl and Martin overtook and upped the pace to 24-25mph. “Right I’ll have some of that” thought pugwash as we both tucked on their wheel. Needless to say that split the group somewhat.

Crossing Wansford Bridge

After the “mad dash” things eased off once more as we cruised into Skerne. Determined to reestablish a semblance of order, Raymond led from the front as we continued at a normal “Friday pace” to Hutton Cranswick for a well earned cafe stop. While walking our bikes round to the outdoor seating area, Matt lost his balance and tried to grab a nearby wooden box to steady himself. Unfortunately the side of the box was not properly secured causing him to crash land on the ground in an ungainly fashion. To add to his embarrassment, his faux-pas was witnessed by two passing young girls who giggled at the spectacle. Luckily, only his pride was injured.

Following our refreshments, it was time to make our way home. Mounting the bikes to restart the ride there was a chorus of groans as tired muscles were forced to resume action. “Ooh, aah, ouch, I’ve siezed up” said someone as we set off towards Bracken. At least the pace home would be a bit more genteel as the efforts of the first 30 miles began to take effect.

Our way home followed our usual route through South Dalton to Etton and Cherry Burton. As we regrouped at the junction in Cherry Burton, the chatter and banter among the group kept us all entertained with nobody willing to begin the final leg home until Matty piped up “Come on, we can chatter while we pedal”. Spurred on by the “call to arms”, Karl made the first move and set off to cross the road accompanied by a warning SHOUT from Matt “CAR LEFT” which sent us all into giggles as we realised that he could also have meant “KARL LEFT”.

Overall it was an excellent ride over a good route with great company and great “craich”. Covering around 50 miles from Beverley and back or little extra for those living in the Eastern “sticks” and a special shout out to Mark who completed a massive century ride by riding in from Driffield and back as well.

Game Of Thrones Season 2023

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The 2023 season is still young but many Knights have been out and “nailed their colours to the mast” in a bid to be “crowned” champion. In the battle for Stoneknowle Hill we have Colin setting the early benchmark with a time 6:18 beating Iain and Pugwash into 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the “Charge of Burton Gates” Michael took full advantage of a helpful wind and set a blistering pace completing the course in only 44s to give a speed of 51.8km/hr (32.4mph). You can almost see the scorch marks he left behind as set fire to the tarmac. Currently in 2nd place is Barry with a very respectable time of 48sec by Colin and Heather both on 58s.

Meanwhile over on the Little Weighton “race track” you can see the tumbleweed rolling around the course as very few Knights have made an attempt so far. Perhaps now the weather is a little more conducive there will be many more taking part. Setting the early benchmark here we have Tom with a time of 22:55 knocking Colin into 2nd place with 24:16 and 3rd place going to Michael on 25:55.

A Ride of Three Thirds

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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

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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.

Hebridean Way Day 3

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Part 1 Lochmaddy to Beneray

First objective for the day was to reach the ferry terminal on Beneray Island in good time. It was only 11 miles and with a following wind but the next ferry was not until 2 hours later thus we all set off relatively early. The morning was cloudy and dry with a moderate breeze from the south-south-east.

Heading northwest from Lochmaddy with the wind filling the ‘spinnaker’ we made quick progress as we retraced our steps from the previous day to Minish and Blashaval before turning north to reach the Beneray causeway and the ferry terminal.

Part 2 Leverburgh to Stornoway

Landing at Leverburgh we loaded the bags onto the taxi and set off to tackle the 56 mile route to Stornoway starting with the ominous looking climb to Rodel. This took us to our southernmost point of the island before heading northeast on narrow single track roads. The terrain was rather rugged with granite type rock covered sparsely with wild grass interspersed with occasional glimpses of the sea. The road to Manish zig-zagged and undulated with tight bends and the narrowness of the road along with the amount of gravel in the centre, made manoeuvring round the corners a little tricky not to mention the number of sheep wandering across the road.

The plan for today was to lunch in Tarbert where we were to be joined by Matthew’s wife Catherine. On arrival we stopped so he could find out where she was. It turned out that there has been a mix up in communication and she wasn’t arriving until the following day. Meanwhile Neil had been completing ‘laps’ in the local fire station forecourt. It must have given him ESP as he announced that everything was closed in Tarbert and we should carry on and find something along the way. “D’ye nae ken laddie, we dinnae wurk on the sabbath”. Less than convinced, Matthew pleaded “What if we don’t find anything open?”. Despite his protestations we continued, eventually coming across the Arisaig Filling station where we discovered an outside tap so at least we could top up water bottles.

As the time went on and the gradient headed upwards into the clouds making the temperature feel rather cold. Turns out what separates Harris from Lewis is a lumpy mountainous region. Once over the top our little band stopped briefly at Clisham car park and chance to use up any energy bars we had. “I get hangry when I don’t get to eat” declared Mr Grumpy fixing Neil with a withering stare.

After leaving the car park the terrain was a bit more undulating skirting the edge of Loch Seaforth from Scaladale to Balallan and offering some stunning scenery. With the wind mostly on the ‘ starboard quarter’ our progress was relatively swift. Which was fortunate as we were beginning to feel like a hungry bear emerging from hibernation. Luckily our small group were able to check in immediately to the Crown Hotel and made straight for the bar. “Any food available?” we enquired. “Sorry the kitchen is closed but there’s free peanuts”. Well beggars can’t be choosers.

While we rehydrated, Simon had found a curry house nearby which (a) was open and (b) didn’t need booking so off we went in search of well earned sustenance. The service didn’t fill us with confidence but the curry was well worth the wait. As an added bonus, Simon picked up the ‘tab’ and wouldn’t let us settle up so a huge thank you Simon.

Hebridean Way Day 2 Uist

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Daliburgh to Lochmaddy

Today was the first big challenge for our band of adventurers with a 64 mile ride including 2030ft of climbing from South to North Uist. Luckily the wind had now “backed” to south-south-east so would mostly be assisting us. Unluckily it was rather ‘driech’ as they say in Scotland with grey skies and a light drizzle. “Let’s have a later start” suggested Helen hopefully “The forecast is to improve a little then”. With dinner at 7pm and no ferries to catch we all agreed. Breakfast was a simple affair this morning, no ‘Full Scottish’ here. Scavenge what you can find. 

Once the bags were loaded into the taxi it was a case of “Well, what do we do now?” as we huddled in the shelter of the bike shed. “I don’t like cycling in the rain” grumbled one voice followed by a low murmur of assent. Eventually one brave optimist piped up “It’s easing off a bit now. I’m up for it”. Reluctantly the others agreed and got ready to mount up buoyed by the thought of the wind from behind. No, not that kind Matthew! 

The route North from Daliburgh to the turn off at Bornish was lightly undulating, passing on the way Flora McDonald’s house. At this point we turned towards the west to hug the coastline through Ormacleit returning to the main road after Howbeg. Continuing north through the lovely countryside surrounded by numerous lochs and moorland type landscape we reached the statue of The Lady of the Isles which stands on the side of Ben Ruabhal.

Lunch for today was to be at the Kirkibost cafe on Benbecula, however when we arrived it appeared to be closed. “Let’s keep going there’s bound to be something else along the way” was the general consensus.

Finally the drizzle eased off as we came across Richard parked up with his campervan ‘observing the birds’ at what came to be known as ‘Stinky Beach’. “Why would you stop here?” enquired one rider. “I’m looking at Sanderlings, Oystercatchers and Greylags” informed Richard. “I’m surprised he can identify them from here” muttered Matty. “Yes, but have you seen the size of his ‘lens'” someone commented saucily.

Eventually after passing Benbecula airport we stumbled upon McClean’s bakery shop where sandwiches, pies and drinks were on sale so we set up a makeshift cafe in the lee of the shop.

With the shop about to close at 1pm and the ‘rearguard’ still 30 mins away, Neil asked if the shop would remain open until they arrived, however the response was less than encouraging. Instead he bought up some supplies and left them with Richard in the campervan, a gesture that was really appreciated later.

Leaving Benbecula we crossed several causeways linking the islands of Grimsay and North Uist where we again hugged the west and North coastlines eventually reaching Lochmaddy via Malaclate and Minish. At the sign indicating the outskirts of the town a voice cried out “Boy am I pleased to see that”.

Hebridean Way Day 1 Part 2

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Eriskay to Daliburgh

The ferry trip from Barra took only 40 minutes. The “clansmen” made landfall on the island of Eriskay following in the footsteps of bonnie prince Charlie who landed here in 1745. Eriskay is also famous for being the original Whisky Galore Island when in 1941 the SS Politician ran aground with a cargo of whisky. 

After loading the bags onto the taxi we set off to continue our quest. Once again we faced strong defences in the form of a 5% average climb around Ben Cracabhaig with gradients touching 16% in places. Our time on Eriskay however soon came to an end as we reached the causeway leading across to South Uist after only a few miles.

Once on the other side we “docked” at the Kilbride Cafe for some well needed sustenance. It seemed like the whole world had the same idea with all tables soon occupied and no one wishing to sit outside in the chilly wind. 

Suitably fed, we resumed our northward trek passing North Smerclete and the Lady of our Sorrows. An apt name for such an incongruous structure and quite the ugliest church I’ve ever seen. Leaving the church behind we turned to the coast road where the ‘clans’ continued to ‘make way’ north through North Boisdale and Kilpheder eventually reaching Daliburgh West. From here we started to “tack” inland with a full on head wind towards the main town of Lochboisdale in search of a suitable ‘watering hole’ to pass the time until we could check into our lodgings. The Lochboisdale Hotel provided just the right setting for our ‘pit stop’ where Simon and Andy showed they had a thirst equivalent to a formula 1 car.

A short while later we all returned to base camp at Uist Travel Accommodation leaving Simon & Andy to continue ‘rehydrating’. Dinner for this evening was arranged at the Borrodale Hotel a short walk from the digs. As we all assembled around the table there was still no sign of our ‘formula 1 drivers’. Speculation began to fly around “Perhaps they are still at the hotel or maybe fallen asleep”. Such fears were unfounded though as they waltzed in the door to join us.

Hebridean Way Day 1

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Part 1 – Vatersay to Ardmore

The day dawned with grey skies and a cool moderate breeze from the East. First objective was to reach the official start of the Hebridean Way towards the southern end of Vatersay Island. This was easier said than done as the locals had strong defences in place. Before we’d had a chance to warm up we faced a stiff climb from Nask to the War Memorial reaching gradients of 8-12%. On making it over the top, among all the gasps for air, a comment was heard “Well that’s warmed things up a bit”. We were rewarded for all that effort with a lovely sweeping winding downhill to the southern tip of Barra which is then linked to Vatersay by a causeway.

The road then followed the Eastern coast of the island where there is a memorial to the crew members of a catalina which crashed on Vatersay in 1944. With heads bowed our group raced on until reaching Vatersay village. “Now where do we go?” we asked looking round at each other and for some indication of the ‘start point’. Just then, a breathless Neil came up behind us yelling some colourful language “Hoi you numpties, (or words to that effect) you’ve already passed the start. It’s about mile further back”. With sheepish faces, the ‘flock’ about turned to follow Neil back to the official start.

Photo op completed, it was time to retrace our route back towards Castlebay including the steep climb back to Nask. From there our route headed up the west coast of Barra through Borve and hugging the beach to Allasdale before heading inland to the ferry terminal at Ardmore.