Millington

It’s been a while since we managed to get out for a decent Sunday club ride. In the absence of our ‘glorious leader’, Michael stepped up to the ‘plate’ to suggest a ride to the Ramblers Rest at Millington. Five Knights turned out at Etton for a lumpy outing. Given that some of us had not many miles in the saddle so far this year it was an ambitious ‘warm up’.

Our route took us first to Holme-on-the-Wolds then to Middleton. At this point we turned onto the climb along Warter road. We were soon reminded why we don’t use this road very often as the surface was more akin to a ploughed field at times. Eventually we reached the B1246 road. Our joy of the downhill cruise was soon over after passing through Warter where the road began to rise steadily towards Baggaby hill, a climb of around 1.6km (a mile for old schoolers) at an average of 5% and touching 15-16% briefly. To top that off, we turned towards Huggate and continued another climb of 0.8km averaging 7% reaching a max 12%. Kudos to Colin for posting the best time on the day.

Once ‘over the top’, we turned down into Millington Dale. Any thoughts of trying the ‘freewheel challenge’ were soon dismissed as we faced what felt like a howling gale along along the valley with James and Sean taking the brunt of it while the rest of us tucked in behind. Cheers lads. After a final little climb near Millington woods we arrived at Ramblers Rest ready for refuelling.

I’m not sure what inspired our choice of sustenance but there was definitely a ‘whiff’ of Blazing Saddles about it. Perhaps we were hoping for a turbocharged ‘blaaaaaast’ up the hills on the way home. We certainly could’ve done with some assistance as we hit Nunburnholme hill for the first time this year. Whose idea was that anyway? On this occasion Sean showed everyone a clean pair of heels, reaching the top over a minute ahead of the pack.

Following a brief respite we set off again towards Londesborough and another climb up Intake Hill leading to Market Weighton. Thereafter we followed the more gentle inclines of the Kiplingcotes valley back to Etton. I don’t know about the others, but I felt ‘toasted’ and had to gently ‘spin the legs’ for the final few miles home to stave off twinges of cramp. Still, it was a rather enjoyable ride including some ‘new’ routes.

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.

You Bean Toasted

Freewheeling to Millington