Cycling – Page 6

Hebridean Way Day 4

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

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 17

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

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 17

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

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 17

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

By Pugwash Leave a Comment May 17

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.

A Bowlful of Gruel

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Mar 25

“This Friday’s route is a little like school custard” suggested route master Mr Bumble “It’s lumpy but satisfying. Line up at the ‘Light Dragoon canteen’ at 10am if you want some”. After a few assented, one brave ‘boy’ ventured “Please sir, can we have some more?” he enquired tentatively before clarifying “.. more early. There’s a chance of rain in the afternoon and I wouldn’t want to dilute our custard.” Within minutes while most of us donned ‘tin hats’ and dived for cover, Matthew adopted his best Frankie Howard impression “Ooh er missus. Careful Melvin” he warned “You may getya assresized!” However “Mr Bumble” was in benevolent mood assuring us all that we should be home before the rain arrives.

The day dawned with bright sunshine but with a stubbornly strong wind from the south west. Eleven Knights turned up to sample Mr Bumble’s ‘lumpy custard’. However at the appointed hour, no-one seemed keen to be first ‘in the queue’. Eventually Norman took up the mantle leading us into the breeze, figuring that if he’s on the front everyone would have to go at his pace.

The first taste of the “gruel” on offer soon arrived as we turned towards South Dalton and headed upwards to Holme-on-the-Wolds. Maintaining our ‘sedentary’ pace we reached the top mostly together. “Well that wasn’t too bad” suggested some. The next course was a short ‘flattish’ aperitif but almost directly into the wind followed by some more ‘lumpy’ bits and a final ‘chaser’ into Middleton-on-the-Wolds.

“Are we ready for some more?” asked Mr Bumble as we continued to devour our way through to North Dalton. Now it was time for the “hor d’oevre” as we turned into the wind along Dalton Dale towards Warter. On reaching our turn off, Norman cried out “I want some Nunburnholme! Aren’t we going to Nunburnholme?” “Sorry sir, Nunburnholme hill is not on the menu today but we are going to the top of Nunburnholme”. “But I’ve brought my best ‘bib and tucker’ just for the occasion! This way is cheating” he cried.

After polishing off the “hor d’oevre” we felt on “top of the World”….well at least the top of Nunburnholme. The next appetiser saw us all heading downhill to Londesborough. The pleasure such a “cruise” was somewhat tempered by the continual barrage from the side wind. “Not often you have to peddle downhill” was one comment overheard. The “main course” soon arrived as we were presented with Intake Hill and a side of Market Weighton followed by “leg of Goodmanham”.

Finally it was time for a little breather as we headed for the Fiddle Drill. Having given our “digestive juices” a rest, Mr Bumble asked “Does anyone want some more?”. “Can we have our pudding now?” asked one speculatively. “Pudding!” bellowed Mr Bumble “How can you have any pudding when you haven’t finished your meat? There’s still a climb to the top of Cross Gate!” Setting off from the cafe there was the sound of gnashing teeth, either that or grinding gears as we finally came to the “sweet course”.

With the wind now firmly behind we began to “melt” downhill faster than an ice-cream in the desert. Indeed we enjoyed it so much we all cried out for MORE! so instead of turning off towards Kiplingcotes as planned we continued back to Holme-on-the-Wolds.

The “final course” was now ready as we headed back into the wind accompanied with a “dish of Etton Mess” followed by a cocktail with a Cherry Burton on top. “Anyone got room for more?” asked Mr Bumble “Oh go on then. Just a wafer thin mint” at which point we set off to tackle “Granny’s Hump”. Now at the end of the meal we could sit back and relax and reflect on the generosity of our “host” and can agree that indeed it was all rather satisfying.

Sergeant Pepper’s Cycle Club Band

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jan 7

“Message from Tracy Island” cried out Sergeant Pepper trying to drum up some company for a sedentary ride to Hutton Cranswick. “Sedentary?” asked one voice “Isn’t that some kind of rock?”. “No, it’s the stuff you find at the bottom of a glass of home brew” ventured another. “Well I prefer Indieous” said another. Speaking of which, after our recent spell of Arctic Monkeys and Cold Play it seems a long time since the last Friday group ride.

“Forgive that little intrusion, where was I? Oh yes, hallelujah it’s not ‘Raining Men’ and forecast looking good so Thunderbirds are Go! Meet at Manor House 0945”. Renditions of “I’ll be there” rang out from many quarters. However there is always one who wants to spoil the party. “We won’t be there, we’re cycling in sunny Tenerife” declared Neil, posting pictures just to add to our jealousy.

And that’s when the confusion started. “I’ll be there” said Pugwash which heralded a tongue in cheek comment “What Tenerife? Good effort Capt”. The musing continued when Stephen suggested his ideal commute would be between skiing in the Alps and Tenerife on the bike. The ‘wag’ then responded with a strava picture of said commute showing 6 days 5 hours by bike. “I’ll be there” added Michael. “Ooh where are you staying Michael? We’re heading up Mt Teide tomorrow” enquired Heather. Must be all that sun going to their heads. 🤔😉

No such luck here, as the dark clouds continued to obscure the sun. Ten Knights eventually turned up at Manor House setting off at a gentle pace towards Cherry Burton and Etton. A great chance to catch up with tales of Christmas and New year adventures. Our route today took us past the duck pond at South Dalton onto the Bracken road to Southburn and looping round to the Cranswick Farm Shop.

For the return journey, Matt and Michael set off ahead of the rest to attend prior appointments. Just as the bunch were getting ready to leave the cafe, we were joined by Steve Guest. Unfortunately for him there was no time for a bacon sarnie or cake. The route home took us back down the Bracken road, retracing our ‘steps’ through South Dalton and Etton.

It was great to be back outside and in wonderful company once more for the first Friday ride of 2023. We look forward to many more.

Spurred on to Spurn

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 25

Six Knights, all booted and spurred, met at the earlier time of 0830 for a longer journey to Spurn Discovery Centre. Just in case the planned 100 miles was not enough, Mark decided to add a further 35 miles by cycling to and from home. Chapeau 🎩

The roads were still quiet at that time on a Sunday morning making it a breeze through town to Weel Bridge, Tickton and Routh. From there we turned south to Meaux and on to Skirlaugh. Considering that the ride was around 100 miles, the pace was quite high, especially when the main protagonists, Markus Vingegaard, Wout van Powers, Michael Pogacar, Matteo Ganna hit the front.

From Skirlaugh our route took us via Rise to New Ellerby. When we stopped briefly at a junction leading to New Ellerby Pugwash Voight took the opportunity to snack on an energy bar and in the process lost the back wheel of the group as Pogacar decided to attack up Lambwath Hill. Trying to chew a mouthful of energy bar while sprinting uphill to catch up is not recommended. Next up was Marton then on past Burton Constable. I couldn’t help thinking that this would often be our cafe stop. “How far have we to go?”

At Humbleton we turned onto pastures new for most of us, heading through Danthorpe, Owstwick and Rimswell eventually closing in on Withernsea. We knew we were getting close when a voice cried out “I can see the lighthouse!”

After a short refreshment stop, we were back in the saddle. Immediately, Pogacar went on the attack. “Has he got his live Strava segments on?” enquired Pugwash. “No he’s only racing ahead to get some photos”.

Leaving Withernsea we followed the coastal road through Holmpton and Out Newton into Easington and the final few miles past the eastern most village in Yorkshire at Kilnsea taking us to the Spurn Discovery Centre.

After a lovely lunch, it was time for the return journey. First passing back through Kilnsea and Easington we then took the Hull road through Skeffling and Welwick to Patrington. Turning towards Patrington Haven we faced various head and cross winds as we wound our way around the quiet roads of Sunk Island.

At Stone Creek we pulled over briefly to allow a car to pass. Mark took the opportunity to reapply some lube to his nether regions. As he rubbed away vigorously a blissful look appeared on his face. “Ah that’s better” he said “Anyone else want some?” obviously wishing others to share in this enjoyment. His offer was met by numerous “No thanks Mark” but in a final attempt at encouragement he added “You can apply it yourself!”

At this point in the ride we were actually closer to Immingham than Hull. The former we could see the cranes of Immingham Bulk Terminal across the river Humber. Starting off again Pugwash Voight took the lead with the wind now behind helping us all the way to Thorngumbald.

Shortly after passing Burstwick Sharrina Vos was feeling a little let down in the tyre department. Soigneur! S’il vous plais. Team Powers got set to change the inner tube. It didn’t quite go to F1 precision. When it came time for inflation a loud pssst was heard by the onlookers as the co2 cartridge lost its charge into the ether. Oh dear, more global warming. 😂

Our next stop was at Sproatley where we called into the local Post Office shop to top up with supplies before the final leg home. Taking the Park Road behind Burton Constable we were back on familiar roads to Coniston and Swine. On reaching the end of Beningholme Lane we turned south towards Wawne eventually passing through Kingswood to Dunswell. After taking a loop around Thearne we returned to Beverley via Long Lane.

Four Minsters Ride

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 18

The Four Minsters ride was originally proposed as a 100 mile flat ride calling at four of our regional Minsters……. “Eh excuse me, did you say four Minsters?” Well technically it was three Minsters and an Abbey but they all look pretty impressive and it rolls better off the tongue. “Hang on a minute, we only saw one Minster and an Abbey. Call the ombudsman, I want my money back!”

To err is human but to make a complete mess of things you need a computer or a committee of divergent ideas. It started right from the off. “Anyone got a Wahoo? Anyone managed to download the route?” cried Steve as a form of pre-ride briefing. As one brave soul confirmed to have the route “locked and loaded” everyone else said “Right we’ll follow you”. Meanwhile Stephen and Sharrin decided to set off early to get a head start “up the hill”?? The rest of us set off to follow whoever was at the front 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 through North Bar and along Molescroft Road. “I’m sure Stephen and Sharrin turned up that alley” suggested someone as we all ignored him. By the time we’d reached the Molescroft Inn, we realised something had gone wrong. “The computer says we’re on the right road but heading in the wrong direction” said Chris. “Better call Stephen and Sharrin and let them know what’s happened”.

“Hi Stephen we’ve set off in the wrong direction. Where are you?” “We’re heading towards Bluestones, meet you at the top?” “Bluestones?…. But we’re supposed to be heading past the Minster to Walkington and High Hunsley down Trundlegate to Hotham and North Cave”. “Didn’t anyone review the route before setting off?” “Well, we always go that way to Howden”. Thus we missed our first port of call at Beverley Minster.

Regrouping at the top of Bluestone Bottoms

“Now we’re here, we may as well carry on over the hill to South Cave then pick up the correct route again at North Cave”. A blanket of cloud filled the sky keeping the temperature at around 21°c and with light winds it was perfect for cycling. Leaving North Cave back on track, we turned right at Newport towards Sandholme and Eastrington before making our way to Howden Minster.

After a brief pause and a photo shoot, the question was asked, “So Steve where is the first cafe stop?” “Chomp Chomp Chomp” came the reply. Soon all eyes were on Steve waiting with baited breath for the answer. “Chomp Chomp Chomp” he continued like a Pac-man on steroids. “Come on Steve, answer the man” they said laughingly as the “Chomp Chomp Chomp” continued apace. That’s the trouble with these energy bars, they can be quite chewy. Eventually he was able to swallow his bar and a little self consciousness to let us know there was a cafe near Naburn which was around 10-15 miles away.

Leaving Howden, we found ourselves in pastures new as we cycled through Knedlington and Asselby on our way to Barmby-on-the-Marsh where the river Derwent meets the river Ouse.

After crossing the Barmby Tidal Barrier we encountered our first taste of off-roading as we followed the NCR 65 to Hemingbrough. “Sorry guys, I didn’t realise it was going to be so rough” as we all surveyed out “pride and joys” for signs of damage.

Our return to tarmac was most welcome as we traversed the cycleway alongside the A63 turning off at Cliffe junction. As we approached the river Ouse, the road narrowed and then we were off-road again as the NCR 65 took us along the river bank into Selby. Bump, bump bumpity bump.

After our photo stop, it was back the way we came in, once again following NCR 65. Zooming along Bank Street there was the proverbial sound of screeching brakes (or in someone’s case for real) as “the computer says no”. “We need to head up that path along the river bank” said Chris to the sound of groans wafting on the ether. “Not more off-roading”. This segment required careful bike handling as we bumped, dodged and gazed longingly at the tarmac’d road below before eventually bringing us back onto said road and into Barlby. From there we picked up the cycle path alongside the A19 bringing us to Riccall.

It was at this point we picked up the “Solar System” cycle path which forms part of the NCR 65 and the Trans Pennine Way. The surface has been recently tarmac’d and made for a very pleasurable segment as we swooped through the traffic free, tree lined pathway. Unfortunately we seemed to be in too much of a rush to get to our cafe stop to admire the Planet sculptures along the way, passing Pluto, Neptune and Uranus before turning off the path at Naburn.

After a pleasant interlude 🎶messin’ about by the river🎶 it was time to head off to York for the next leg of the tour. Playing ‘follow the leader’ 🐑🐑 once more we found ourselves up a back alley in Naburn. “Sorry folks wrong way”. I did think we should be going back onto the cycle path the way we came down. However we did eventually return to the path having missed out Saturn. Rocketing our way past the remaining planets from Jupiter to Mercury we arrived at the Sun☀️. Unlike Icarus we managed to keep our wings so continued onwards through a series of on-road off-road segments including through part of York race course before crossing York’s Version of the Millennium Bridge.

Thereafter we followed what passes for cycle paths in this country, disjointed, poorly laid out alongside busy main roads as we negotiated Grimston Bar to reach Dunnington. Then it was just a short hop into Stamford Bridge. We were so busy concentrating in getting to the cafe no one noticed that the route did not pass York Minster.

Given the amount of off-road segments we’d crossed, it was not surprising that someone should suffer a puncture. As he set to effecting a repair, he piped up “Hey Chris, you’re really good at this. You were really quick changing a tyre last time” he said praisingly, obviously hoping to hand the job over. As Chris got stuck in, the repair was soon mended. Just pump it up and away we go. Pssst, oh… not so fast. Let’s try again. Having used one inner tube it was time to make a repair instead as no-one had spare deep rim tubes. By now the clock was ticking. Chris tried to pass off this mishap with a typical engineering stock answer “A quality job takes time”. Not if you get it right the first time. 😂 Perhaps “Third time lucky” should be added to the list of engineering terms along with “if at first you don’t succeed… “.

By now the temperature was beginning to rise so the sooner we get back the better. The group all set off back up the hill except for Pugwash who’d got stuck at the cafe amid a constant stream of traffic. By the time it was safe to get on the road, the others were nowhere to be seen. After a short period the group realised there was someone missing. Eventually Chris, Stephen and James came back looking to see what had happened. As we started to make our way back to the group, Pugwash had a recurrence of leg cramps. While stopped to try and shake out the lactic, Stephen asked “Do you want m-mum-t-cum” Not quite hearing what he’d said, I thought he had some magic pill in his back pocket to cure the dreaded cramp. It suddenly dawned on me when he added “You could wait back at the cafe”. Anyway a huge thank you to Mrs P for providing the “broom wagon” and hope you enjoy the Pimms🍹.

While I sat nursing an ice-cream back at the cafe, the rest of the group continued, returning through Pocklington, Burnby, Londesborough and Market Weighton. Total ride distance of around 90 miles fell somewhat short of the 100 mile mark that was expected, though with the heat beginning to increase steadily it was probably just as well. I think everyone enjoyed the ride with some reservations over the off road segments. Should we choose to do this ride again, perhaps we could find quieter alternatives to some of the rougher segments and include York Minster on the route.

The Hills Are Alive in Herefordshire

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jul 5

Day 3 – Trip to Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth

Today’s journey was planned to visit the towns of Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. The forecast was good with only a 10% chance of rain. Setting off in lovely sunshine we turned towards Lyne Down and Fishpool. “Ooh that sounds interesting” somebody suggested as we entered the tiny hamlet consisting of only a few houses. The only sign of water though was the sweat from our brows as we faced a couple of short steep climbs on the way to Upton Bishop.

The “Hill Billies” then turned south on the B4224, an undulating road passing South Herefordshire Golf Club and dipping under the M50 to reach Bromsash. A gentle downhill then followed to Weston where we picked up the A40 into Ross-on-Wye. As this was also a “sightseeing” trip we had planned to look around the town centre, however those in the lead continued to follow the “sat-nav” and were heading out of town until shouts from behind brought them back. “We should have a look around the town centre, perhaps have a coffee break” suggested Neil. “What? It’s too soon. I’ve only just arrived at Market Cross” wailed Chad.

After cycling/wandering aimlessly through town looking for the riverside, we stopped near a car park. “It’s through here” said Neil as we followed him through the car park and onto a footpath along by the river. After dodging pedestrians along the way, we eventually found an outdoor cafe by the river.

When we’d finished our coffees, the dark clouds were gathering. “Right which way shall we go? Along the river path?” asked Neil hopefully wishing to avoid the 9% climb up to the town centre. It was not long before the heavens opened. “I hate getting wet” said Neil while Pugwash smugly donned his rain jacket. “I’m going to Mountain Warehouse to buy a jacket” said Neil, “I’ll come too” added James while the rest of us went to find shelter near the Ross Sports club.

Once on our way again, we cruised down to Walford so we could follow the river valley. The first section from Kerne Bridge to Lower Lydbrook was gently rolling but with the rain still falling we were unable to fully appreciate this designated AONB. On reaching Lower Lydbrook we found “Road Closed” across our intended passage. Undaunted we decided to carry on anyway thinking “There’s usually a way through for bikes and they won’t be working on a Sunday”. As we cleared the section under repair, the rain started to ease up while the road gradient did the opposite. The climb up to English Bicknor was 6.3km (4 miles for Old schoolers) with sections tipping up to 10-13%. At least we enjoyed the closed road.

From Staunton into Monmouth we had a lovely downhill section for 5km but with a wet road surface caution was required around the corners. In town we stopped at the Monnow Bridge before calling at Estero Lounge where we stopped for lunch.

After lunch we left Monmouth on the Hereford road before turning towards Osbaston where we immediately hit two short sharp climbs in a row while following the river Monnow. Over the border back into England we reached Trigate Bridge before the next climb over 2.6km starting with a 21% kick before easing to around 8% bringing us to Welsh Newton. The climbing did not end there as we hit another 8-9% on the way out. Finally we came to a descent into Llangarron. Unfortunately the single track lane was full of pot holes and hazards making progress tricky.

The final leg saw yet more climbing as we returned via Hoarwithy, King’s Caple and How Caple. At least the sun was starting to shine and when we came to Crossway, we were met by Alison who rode with us for the final few miles back to our house.

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