In the absence of head meerkat Raymond, Pugwash “stuck his head above ground” and proposed a ride to Sledmere. I wouldn’t call the response overwhelming, in fact you could almost imagine the tumbleweed drifting in the ether. Eventually two brave “meerkats” popped up and decided to join in the “foray” prompting others one by one to come along.

The day began with continuing overcast skies with light breezes making it a pleasant autumn/winter day. Seven “meerkats” gathered in the relative safety of the bus shelter at Etton before setting off in “search of food”. The first obstacle to overcome was the climb up to South Dalton followed by a meander up to Bracken top.

Once the “clan” regrouped they got the “all clear” to set off on the next leg to Kirkburn. It proved to be quite a rough section of ground with many defects on the surface coupled with dried mud from recent farm activity covering the route making it a somewhat bumpy run. On reaching the main road the “clan” were then faced by traversing a much more dangerous habitat. After waiting patiently for an opportunity to dodge the “predators” the clan scurried as quickly as they could to the next point of refuge at the junction to Garton-on-the-Wolds. The road to Garton was gently undulating after which the “clan” then headed for the long drag up Garton Hill to the “Great Meerkat in the Sky” (aka Sir Tatton Sykes monument).

After paying “homage” to the “Great Meerkat”, ‘SteveG’ turned back home while the rest of the “clan” set off to raid the food larder at Sledmere House. Colin left the “clan” as the rest went sneaking in the back door and made themselves comfortable while consuming whatever delights they’d managed to forage. Russell came up trumps with a dish consisting of FOUR poached eggs! “Well they were small” he declared with a grin that would have been a good impression of the ‘Cheshire Cat’ as he polished off his plate in no time at all.

Suitably refreshed the “clan” left to return home. Turning onto the road to Wetwang, you could almost hear the whoops of delight as the Meerkats “sled”ged down the steep ‘piste’ only to be followed immediately by groans and grinding of gears as they headed up the other side. “Well that got the heart rate going again” someone said as we regrouped at the top. Following some more gentle climbing, we were then faced with the delight of the long descent down Life Hill to Wetwang. From there we headed gently upwards to Huggate and returned to Etton via Middleton-on-the-Wolds and Holme-on-the-Wolds

All in all it was a very pleasant ride, slightly longer than usual for the time of year but none the less enjoyable. Until next time…..

… Well at least the sun was shining and it was actually dry for a change. Unfortunately the pesky wind from the North East made it feel like someone had left the fridge door open. Seven Knights gathered at Market Cross along with a lovely group of WOW ladies.

After setting off through town our small group were soon split by traffic lights but regrouped after passing the Weel Bridge. “Big Engine” Colin jumped to the front with the rest of us content to sit on his wheel as we made our way into the wind to Tickton. Despite the breeze in our faces we continued to cruise along about 17mph along the relatively flat route out to Leven and Brandesburton. From there, we picked up the ‘never ending road’ to North Frodingham. With everyone taking turns at the front the pace remained relatively steady through to Wansford, Skerne and Driffield.

Well that was the easy bit. Now came the ‘lumpy’ bit. “One lump or two?” Still heading into the wind we began the gentle ‘upwardly mobile’ route along Spellowgate towards Cowlam. The further we travelled along this road the rougher the road surface became making it very difficult to find a smooth path. Just before reaching Cowlam we were faced a short sharp climb averaging 8.8% but touching 12% at the steepest point. Not that we’d know it watching Graham, legs spinning away like a turbine rotor, disappearing off into the distance. There was a little chance for recovery as the gradient eased off until reaching the junction of the B1253 Bridlington road.

After regrouping there was much rejoicing with the wind now at our backs and downhill run into Sledmere.

Approaching the counter at Sledmere House cafe to place our order we were informed “Sorry the breakfast menu stopped at 11.30” It was 11:33. “I’ll ask if they can do you a bacon sandwich”. “Yes that’s fine and an Americano? … That’ll be ten pounds please.” “But I only want one!” “Cash or Card?” asked the girl responding with a smile on her face.

We all looked forward to the return journey with the wind mostly behind us. There was still a few ‘lumps’ along the way with the steepest coming very quickly after the cafe stop at Keeper’s Hill. Averaging over 7% gradient for 0.45km but reaching 12-14% in places. Pacing was important if you didn’t wish to see your lunch again! 😆 Once ‘over the top’ we had a lovely long downhill run into Wetwang.

From Wetwang we headed towards Huggate, a gentle climb made much easier with the sun and the breeze on our backs. Thereafter we followed our usual route home to North Dalton, Middleton, Holme-on-the-Wolds and Etton. It was a route we don’t take very often but everyone enjoyed the change of scenery and the mixture of flat and hilly roads.