Cycling – Page 7

Cider Tour

DAY 1 – Hereford and Back

The day has finally arrived. The plan was to meet at “our house” about 1pm and have a short local ride before returning around 4pm. Route selected, loaded onto Garmin and off we go! “Oh wait a minute, my garmin is not giving directions” wailed Pugwash. “Never mind” said Heather “I have it on mine and it’s this way” as we turned left onto a gentle climb. No sooner than we’d set off a loud “BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP” was heard coming from our car park. “That sounds like my car” thought Pugwash. “I’ll head back and check” while the rest continued the climb. “We’ll wait for you at the top” they all assured me.

After regrouping we soon realised that we were on the correct route but heading in the opposite direction as the Garmin kept telling us to “make u-turn”. “Never mind” we thought “we’ll just continue in the opposite direction”. The undulating terrain continued as we rode along quiet single track country roads. The downside was that there was little opportunity to gain speed heading downhill due to state of the road surface, blind bends and virtually no passing places.

On reaching Hoarwithy we crossed the river Wye and were immediately faced with our first big climb of the day up to Little Dewchurch. A 2.4km hill averaging 5% but with a tough kick to the first 0.6km hitting 15% before easing to 7-8%. After recovering from that effort, Neil assured us that it would be “All downhill into Hereford”. “I’ve looked at the map” he added. He was nearly right, except for one final little climb peaking at around 8%.

Arriving into Hereford we tried to find the town centre and a suitable cafe to have lunch. Negotiating our way through the busy traffic proved somewhat difficult with some decent cycle paths spoiled when coming to a sudden end with no obvious way to go next. With the help of one local we found out way to the De Koffie Pot cafe where we ordered our drinks via an phone app. As we waited and waited with nothing appearing at the table, it was time to head inside to see if they had received our order. When eventually our drinks arrived, the owner came out to apologise for the delay and offered us a free cake 🍰each as compensation. Well, how could we refuse. Mark, having already eyed up the goodies on offer opted for the Lemon Drizzle cake. “That sounds nice” we all decided except for Heather. “We’ll have yours” suggested Neil, so the extra portion was shared out, even if you didn’t want it!

Shortly after we set off for the return journey, we hit another problem. The trouble with following routes in the reverse direction is that it doesn’t account for one-way streets. Thus we ended up pushing/scooting along the pavement against the flow of traffic. “You cyclists should be on the road!” shouted one irate woman as we tried to find our way out of town.

Eventually we escaped the melee heading downhill to Hampton Bishop and Mordiford. The “fun” was soon over as we hit the first of the climbs on the way home. Haugh Wood Hill climb averages 6.8% over 2km hitting 21% briefly near the bottom and frequently touching 15%. This was quickly followed by another similar but shorter climb up Nurdens. The final 0.2km kick up near the end averaged 15%.

The sight of our house at the end of a tough ride was very welcome as was the beer that greeted our arrival. The general consensus seemed to be that we did want to return to Hereford.

Windsday on Sunday

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Jun 27

The recent spate of sunshine continues to dominate our weather pattern, unfortunately the wind decided to put in an appearance as well. “Its all that hot air from the south don’t ya know”. “Anyone fancy a ride to Langlands Garden centre?” came the initial cry. Seven Knights met at Market Cross including Colin who was a whole two minutes early (just to prove he doesn’t hide round the corner to arrive exactly on the dot)! Although a cynic might say that he arrived at his normal time and just missed out the wait around the corner. 😉 However we’ll allow him the benefit of the doubt and marvel at his military precision in timing his arrival to perfection. ⌚

We set off initially to Molescroft then onto the cycle path to Cherry Burton where there was some “ducking and diving” to avoid overhanging branches and overgrown bushes. At the junction to Etton we were joined by Heather who was out for a short ride. Turning onto Etton main street we had our first taste of the head winds to come as we spun our way up to High Gardham.

Climbing to the top of Stoneknowle hill we spotted Zog in the distance waiting patiently having cycled up from Brough to join the ride. While the peloton continued through North Newbald, Heather peeled off to return ‘home alone’. At Hotham, the wind direction must have been firmly in Neil’s mind as we turned towards North Cave Wetlands instead of the shorter route down Common Hill, “to get the full benefit of the following wind 🌬️” he suggested.

Two groups set off in a chain gang along the Cliffe Road. One minute each on the front before peeling off to the rear. Starting at a reasonable 20mph the speed picked up, then a bit more and then a bit more again until we were hanging on at around 26mph 🥵. Needless to say everyone achieved PB’s 🥇on the various Strava segments along the way. Great effort chaps. The sight of the junction at Giant Bradley Way was a welcome relief that the “end was nigh”. The rest of the journey to the cafe was much more relaxed.

After the cafe stop, the group split with Brian and Colin wanting to complete a longer ride, while Zog headed off to face the now increasing wind strength back to Brough. The rest of us took the easier option to return home to Beverley via Kiplingcotes.

Freewheeling to Millington

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Apr 25

This Sunday’s ride saw the Knights heading to Millington and a chance to take part in the “Freewheel Challenge”. Twelve Knights set off from Market Cross picking up Brian on the way to Molescroft.

Our route today was arranged to make best use of the wind direction. The first leg took us north east up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. A brief sojourn into the wind from Lund to the Bracken road before heading north to Southburn.

The next leg was a wind assisted long steady climb to Tibthorpe then onwards to Huggate. At this point the peloton slowly stretched out eventually regrouping at the top of Millington Dale. This was the start point for the “Freewheel Challenge”. The challenge is simple, set off down Millington Dale and without pedaling see how far you can get.

To ensure there is no cheating Neil had brought along a packet of cable ties to secure the pedals in place. One or two chose to do so but most of us did not feel comfortable so it was left to trust. Neil left first to set the initial bench mark and judge the overall outcome. One by one we all headed down hill. Speed picks up very quickly at the start however you soon reach a sharp right hand bend. To brake or not to brake? Depends how mad or brave you feel. A little further on just when you start to slow down along comes another downhill to speed you up again. On this occasion the wind was also a helpful factor leading us to manage about 2.2 miles.

So who won I hear you ask. Kudos on this occasion go to Stephen P who wins a breakfast of his choice. Some called for a “stewards inquiry” to determine if using a little “off-road” section near the end to gain a final boost should be allowed, not least because he won by around 30m.

After refreshments at the Ramblers Rest, the return journey took us on a lovely sweeping descent down “The Mile” into Pocklington. Thereafter we passed through Burnby, Londesborough and Market Weighton. It was then time to head into the wind while we made our way home via Kiplingcotes, Etton and Cherry Burton.

Quick March to Fitling

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Apr 22

“Right troops!” cried out the Sergeant Major “I’m looking for volunteers to head out to the mystical Eastern front. Sign here on the dotted line if you’re up for it”. Given the continuing sunny forecast, it was no surprise to see so many joining up.

Twelve Knights formed today’s squad meeting at Market Cross. “ATTENTION!” yelled our RSM, “Now you all know where we’re going, usual route to Weel Bridge and Tickton… Move it, move it, move it! Can’t have you hanging around here enjoying the sunshine and shooting the breeze!” “Shouldn’t we let them know we are coming?” ventured one helpful squaddie. “Oh yes, perhaps we should. Here’s the number”.

The thought of facing a constant cool head wind did not dampen the spirits as we set off in search of some “ducks🦆🦆”. Despite the breeze we still managed to make good progress using whatever hedge protection appeared around us. It wasn’t until we hit ‘Swine Lane’ that we felt the full force of the “barrage” from the east over the open fields.

“Right, Left, Right, Left, Right” rang out as we marched our way through Skirlaugh heading to Old Ellerby. “Right, Right, Left, Right” sounded in our ears as we passed Burton Constable eventually turning onto Moor Lane. Now on a lovely smooth surface and with the wind slightly behind the tempo increased “Quick March”. Unfortunately it was all too brief as we turned once more towards Humbleton and our final destination.

After restocking in the NAAFI it was time to be ‘🎶On the Road Again🎶’ with some heat canning down from the unbroken sunshine. Retracing our route back to Humbleton it was “Quick March” time once more as we now had the wind in our favour. From there, the squad passed through Sproatley around the back of Burton Constable eventually reaching Coniston.

Once we’d dodged the ‘convoy’ of ‘enemy tanks’ 🚙🚗🚚 on the Hull Road the squad ‘marched’ through Swine to return following our outward route.

After the “photo 📸 parade” the squad ‘yomped’ north to Routh where we again encountered a heavy bombardment as we fought our way over the main road and onto the cycle path. All too soon, Friday’s campaign came to an end and the squad headed back to barracks.

When I Were A Pro

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Apr 9

Ten Knights signed up for this Friday’s ride to Cranswick via Huggate and Tibthorpe however someone failed to get out of bed in time for the start at Manor House but managed to join us en-route at Cherry Burton. The unbroken sunshine was struggling to lift the temperature but helped maintain the spirits of the group as we headed into the cool North West wind towards Holme-on-the-Wolds.

While heading towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds we nearly lost Barry, who’d made a lone “breakaway” up front then started to take a wrong turn before a kindly shout brought him back to the peloton.

The next section was a bit of a roller coaster towards North Dalton. The “breakaway” this time was led by Pugwash along with Steve and Mike. We eventually stopped opposite the old Star Inn pub to regroup. We thought it strange when there was no sign of the rest. Turns out Colin managed to hit the deck while manoeuvring his water bottle on a downhill section. Fortunately he suffered only superficial wounds but had to abandon and was assisted home by Barry.

On the next leg up to Huggate the breakaway consisted of Steve and Iain while the rest of us sauntered in their wake. “This hill is not so bad at this speed” suggested the chairman of the “I Hate that Hill Club”. Finally we turned downwind as we dodged the potholes on the road down to Tibthorpe.

While in the Farm Shop cafe at Cranswick the conversation turned to Pro cycling, “What sort of speed do the pro’s reach on downhill sections?” asked one. At which point, the experienced voice of Raymond piped up “Well, when I was a pro…” There was a brief pause before the whole table erupted in laughter. “Was it something I said” he thought before continuing to to suggest speeds reaching 95mph. 🤔

When we eventually returned to the road, the temperature felt as if it had dropped a couple of degrees as we once again faced the head wind on the way along Burnbutts. A little later as we reached the next junction, Raymond took up “policeman” duties to guide us across. Just as he set off to follow us there was a load groan “aaaaah” “You in the wrong gear Raymond?” we asked. “Yes” he responded then added “When I was a pro… my coach always used to tell me to check the gear before setting off”.

We then continued along the Bracken road returning to South Dalton along Mere Lane. On the hill south bound to Etton, Michael decided to make a break for it closely followed by Matt. Head down with a following wind, Michael looked like a man on a mission, even Matt gave up the “chase”. “I’ve got ‘live’ Strava segments” he explained later when we’d all regrouped at Etton.

On the final climb at Bishop Burton Matt made a break for the front. No one else had the inclination 😒 to tackle the inclination to chase him down and just tootled up, well at least that’s our excuse and we’re sticking to it.

Men At Arms

By Pugwash Leave a Comment Mar 11

(Apologies to Terry Pratchett) The “call to arms” was issued on Thursday night urging all those able to assemble at Market Cross for a sojourn to the far East. “The purpose of this trip is to demonstrate that our ‘disc’ can indeed be flat” mused Lord Vetinari. It was a cool morning with a bit of a breeze and the sun occasionally poking through.

“Right flat earthers, are we happy with the proposed route?” enquired Vetinari. Following on from his comments about “extra padding” for one member of the ‘watch’ turning out in shorts, instead of flat earthers he may have been thinking ‘fat arsers’.

Six ‘men of the watch’ departed from Market Cross transiting our usual route through town via Weel Bridge to Tickton where a further two members joined in. The journey east continued along the cycle path to Whitecross roundabout with wind coming from the side. The next section saw the pace picking up slightly as the wind gave a little assistance through Leven and Brandesburton and onwards to Bewholme.

“Decision time men” cried Vetinari “Shall we go via Skipsea or the shorter route via Beeford?” he asked. A few voices were happy with either choice but eventually one voice piped up “I need to get home earlier” so with that, the decision was made. With the wind now firmly behind us, progress was a little easier as we headed to Skipsea Brough.

The next segment took us through Beeford and on towards Foston-on-the-Wolds. Confusion reigned when we arrived at the junction of the B1249. First one “constable” set off directly across to take the ‘dead end’ road to Brigham while another shouted “Wrong way” before turning left and heading off the wrong way himself much to the amusement of everyone else. “Who was that?” I hear you ask. Suffice to say that they both had the same first name! 😂 There’s obviously something in a name.

Back on (right) track we headed to Wansford then to Skerne. From then it was into the wind until we thankfully arrived at the Farm Shop cafe at Hutton Cranswick. After we’d munched our way through our various choices while setting the world to rights, it was time to face the adverse wind on the way home. To make matters worse, the wind was now steadily increasing in strength ahead of the approaching weather front 🌬️☔ definitely not a welcome addition for anyone with tired legs.

The “watch” battled their way over Bracken and eventually into South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton regrouping at various junctions on the way.

“Well men” intoned Vetinari “Is the earth flat?” he asked. A few grunts of agreement ensued. It was noticeable however that the question was posed before we tackled “Granny’s Hump”, always a tough one when you’ve already got forty+ miles in your legs. Another enjoyable ride and back in plenty time to beat the forecast afternoon rain.

A Perfect Day

By admin Leave a Comment Jul 16

Sunday the 12th July saw the Beverley Cycling club the Knights meet for the usual club ride at 9.30am. The weather report looked great and a few riders turned up at the band stand in anticipation of the day ahead in the saddle. The ride planned was to Howden on a flat route round to a golf club for a lunch stop and a flat second half back home. The day started slightly cloudy and cooler than anticipated and the element of rain seemed imminent. However no sooner had we set off the clouds parted and the sun beamed down in all its glory.

As we set off and grouped in to a bunch everyone began to find their rhythm, before long we were enjoying the flat flood plains around the River Humber cruising along nicely. Plenty of friendly chat exchanged between the riders as we rode through the countryside taking in some of the beautiful scenery East Yorkshire has to offer. Before we knew it we were in Howden and the smell of bacon sandwiches definitely picked the pace of the bunch up a little.

Upon arrival at the golf course we were met with some strange looks as you can imagine however the staff and regular golfers were friendly and welcoming. Some light refreshment and a bit of food (half a cow burger for Andy & Neil) and we were back in the saddle. With more flat countryside the chat began to diminish and the cadence grew quicker stretching the bunch out a little. But as on any club ride, nobody gets left behind so we were all grouped together ready for the run in to Beverley.

Some of the Knights decided one pint wasn’t enough and headed to The Barrel in Walkington to continue the ‘light’ refreshments. A kind soul even let Stephen rev his Audi R8, and that’s not a euphemism…..

We genuinely couldn’t have asked for better conditions; still wind, bright sunshine and a flat route – Average Speed 18mph, Total Elevation 1,028ft, Distance 68.7 miles.

The cycling tan lines were strong after this one!

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