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.