Ladies and gentlemen welcome to this months running of the Hutton Cranswick Hurdles. It was touch and go whether todays meet would go ahead, however the early morning rain fizzled out leaving the course wet but rideable. It’s approaching 10am and the jockeys and their mounts are assembling at the start line by the Light Dragoon in Etton. Hold on, here’s one jockey arriving with his head almost hanging on his mounts head. Looks like Iain. “Well that was ***** hard going” he said in some sort of Anglo Saxon vernacular referring to the head wind he faced on the way to the start.

And they’re off! Raymond makes a quick getaway for an early lead as the riders approach the first hurdle in the climb up to Holme-on-the-Wolds. Luckily the wind is slightly behind and all the riders make it safely over.

Rounding the next turn, the riders were faced with an adverse wind heading along the ‘back straight’ towards the Goodmanham road hurdle where the riders can build up momentum on the slight downhill before trying to maintain the impetus for the short climb that follows. Once all the riders were safely over the obstacle they arrived at the Middleton-on-the-Wolds turn.

It was not long before the riders were confronted by the next few hurdles on the way to North Dalton. Finally, on reaching the ‘top end of the course’, with a following wind there was a bunch sprint along the main road to Bainton. It was here that the ‘chase’ came to a brief halt as the riders (except for Kamikaze Matty) had to wait for a break in the constant stream of traffic before crossing the A164.

The ‘chase’ then continued along the Neswick straight to Southburn leading the riders to Hutton Balk and the final dash to Hutton Cranswick Farm Shop where the riders were ‘fed and watered’ ready for the return leg.

After a short break, it was time to face the head winds on the way home. While the main bunch took the Bracken route, Michael and Colin however decided to take their mounts a different way home through Skerne and Wansford. There was no hiding from the wind as the riders set off along the initial section of Burnbutts lane. Fortunately it was not long before they found some shelter with the hedgerows.

Heading down Bracken lane the ‘chase’ was exposed once again but at least this section was downhill eventually leading along Mere lane before facing the next ‘hurdle’ of South Dalton Ramp. There was then a brief respite as the riders returned to Etton almost freewheeling with the wind on our backs to the penultimate ‘hurdle’ Etton ramp. The riders then all ‘bunched’ together along the Cherry Burton ‘straight’ girding their loins ready for the final challenge. You could almost hear the strains of Frank Sinatra 🎶and now the end is near, it’s time to face the final hurdle 🎶 😁 Yes it’s everyone’s favourite “Grannies Hump” not a difficult climb in the scheme of things but as usual it comes just when the legs are getting tired.

The ‘course’ was rather damp and quite muddy in places but at least the riders stayed dry with the sun trying to poke through the clouds towards the end. Another very enjoyable day out…. though I suppose I’ll have to clean my mount before the next outing.

The clouds were rolling away and the wind easing down when Noah’s wife bellowed down from her lofty perch “Right you animals! The floods are receding and it’s time to get you back to the farm(shop) . Assemble at the bottom of the gangplank in Etton at 10am sharp and we’ll follow the ‘usual’ route over Bracken”.

And lo, it came to pass, twelve ‘animals’ gathered for the start of the ‘procession’. Just as the ‘anaconda’ slithered in unannounced and trying to make himself inconspicuous, “Wait a minute” cried Noah’s wife “I count thirteen, but I’ve only reserved twelve places at the ‘trough'”. However at that moment the ‘flying fox’ saved a ‘corporal Jones’ moment by declaring he’d not be stopping, so no need to amend the booking.

The ‘animals’ set off two by two with Noah’s wife leading the way while the rest were happy to tail along behind at a leisurely pace. On reaching South Dalton, the great ‘silverback’, beating his pedals like Phil Collins on the drums, sailed on past the turn to Mere Lane until a chorus of shouts brought him back into the fold. “I thought we were going to Holme-on-the-Wolds” he explained sheepishly. With order restored, the ‘animals’ continued east until reaching Bracken lane. “Ooh that’s a cold wind” they all agreed as they turned North to pass Bracken farm.

On reaching the junction of Burnbutts Lane there was an attempted ‘escape’ when the ‘stallion’ made a bolt for it racing down towards Southburn. It seems that the ‘usual‘ route is not the same for everyone. “Where’s he going?” enquired Noah’s wife. While the ‘giraffe’ went chasing after the runaway, the ‘animals’ outlined the alternative route . “Well he can go that way if he wants, we’re going this way” said Noah’s wife indignantly.

Arriving at the Farm(shop) the ‘animals’ were greeted by a ‘smorgasbord’ of goodies of biblical proportions ready for our delectation. While chomping merrily a discussion regarding the return route ensued. “There’s two options” declared Noah as we began to leave the ‘trough’. “Back into the wind to Huggate or round by Watton” he declared before adding “I’m going by Watton”. In the end three ‘animals’ decided to venture further out to Huggate while the rest followed Noah.

It wasn’t long before another ‘escape’ attempt was made. This time it was Noah’s wife who was about to take the turn off to Skerne instead of straight on to Watton. On reaching the main road, the ‘animals’ split into two groups of four for the short dash to the Kilnwick junction. Just as we started to turn left towards Lockington, Noah’s wife commented with a puzzled look “Why are we going left? I thought we were going to Brandesburton for Ray”………Nurse!

After Lockington we returned to Bracken lane to follow our ‘usual’ route home via South Dalton, Etton and Cherry Burton. Back in the ‘ark’, all the animals agreed it had been a very pleasant day out despite the cool northwesterly wind.

🎶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.

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.

“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.

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.