Sun

Cross Country To Market Rasen!

An earlier than normal meet of 9am at Humber Bridge car park saw 13 Knights turning out on what looked to be a glorious day for a jaunt to Market Rasen, for this month’s away day. Whilst some of the riders waited for others to turn up (with all of their equipment…) some light refreshments were to be had from the convenient breakfast van open for business when we got there. Although we had to share the meeting place with Cottingham Road Club the roll out wasn’t too chaotic and before we knew it we were out on the road in the sunshine. Some of the knights had chosen to ride to the bridge from Beverley so had already clocked up a few miles and were suitably warmed up.

The Lincolnshire Wolds had so much to offer alongside clear blue sky and baking sun as we rolled up and down the countryside there couldn’t have been a better way to spend a Sunday morning. But the smooth rolling roads were short lived as the route we were following suddenly ran out of road? Despite reassurance before the ride the route had gone ‘off road’ Barnetby Wold to be exact. Using some of the best Cyclo-cross skills I’ve ever seen we somehow, miraculously managed to all ride through without any puncture or incident – although everyone’s bike was now filthy, thanks Neil!

Next followed a gravel road for around 4 miles which was almost as delightful as the cyclo-cross we had just endured however apart from one dismount (I raise my hand in shame) we all managed to get across with no punctures – lucky. As we pushed on we saw a lone cyclist pass us a few times, we never managed to catch his name however he recommended a cafe for us to stop at in Market Rasen called Jossels (pictured). What a recommendation! It’s not often a small cafe gets the order absolutely spot on when an influx of hungry cyclists walk in on a Sunday morning but Chapeau to the staff, top grub and top service!

After we were all suitably refuelled it was time to hit the road again, a more direct route back saw us stick to roads and despite one incident with a male in a white Lexus who was incredibly keen to give us a wave, we all headed back towards the bridge enjoying the sun and the hills! Some of the knights who had ridden from Beverley were steadily approaching 100 miles so it was a group consensus to keep going until this was reached (some before others) I ended up going around the block twice and down to the end of the street just to tip it over 100 miles however for most of us it was the first 100 miler of the year which was a fantastic achievement and bodes well for those of us doing the Prudential Ride London.

All in all another fantastic well organised away day for the Beverley Knights and as summer approaches we look forward to many more miles with smiles!

Churn to Spurn!

By admin Leave a Comment Apr 23

The 17th April marked the first away day for the Beverley Knights Cycling Club. The chosen destination was Spurn Point with a wonderfully flat 82 mile loop. The weather gods gave us their blessing and although it was chilly the sun was shining with hardly a cloud in site!

As is customary with Sunday Club Rides we met at 9am (slightly earlier than normal time 9.30am) at the market cross in Beverley Town Centre. A group of 10 rolled into town centre ready for a day of riding. Usual club rules applied ‘twenties (mph) plenty’ and off we went.’Hang on! Wheres Mike?’ A quick detour to pick up a sleepy Mike from his house who thought the usual time of 9.30am applied (we’ve all been there).

Heading out the back towards the village of Tickton it felt great to be back on the away days after a long cold winter, you could almost get a sniff of summer coming! Despite the use of GPS the good trusty map was called in to action somewhere just outside of Sproatley. Thanks to James & Neil for planning the route, the effort that goes in to planning the rides is often underestimated so thanks to all involved week in week out. A quick check from navigator Neil and we were back rolling along in the sun .

As we rolled in to Spurn a welcome site of the Crown & Anchor pub awaited us. When we pulled in to the car park – disaster! A closed sign on the door. We faced the option of waiting half an hour or finding a cafe, luckily the Spurn Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Cafe came to the rescue with the recognisable face of my old school teacher running the Cafe (many hours spent in detention so kept my head down and got my coffee order in). Some top grub, good coffee and highly recommended.

For the CX riders amongst us an attempt was made to ride to the end of Spurn Point itself however the water and sand was not a combination to be messed with so that attempt unfortunately was unsuccessful. Another group photo and we were on our way.

The way pack was tough in places and at times pacey (apologies on behalf of myself and Stephen O) with a severe head wind and some busy main roads to navigate we managed to regroup nearer to Leven and roll back to Tickton. All in all a fantastic ride out and look forward to many more this year.

Some photos of the day are attached. Look closely at the water behind in a couple of the pictures and see if you can spot a spooky cloaked lady…..

Tour De Derbyshire

By admin Leave a Comment Aug 1

The 19th July was the annual trip to the Derbyshire hills and the Knights were in the capable hands of Pat who had planned the route which most of us knew was not going to be easy – an accurate prediction this quickly proved to be.

Within the first ten miles we were already at the foot of the Mam Tor hill climb. This beast of a climb was certainly a warm up for the day ahead. For those who relish the climbs this was familiar territory however the rest of us mere mortals were left to puff and pant our way up the best way we could. Chapeau to everyone though as all the Knights made it up with (relative) ease.

After the hard work of the climb a well earned bite to eat was in order, a wonderful little cafe was hastily willing to accommodate however the anxious look on the staff faces as 15 Lycra clad sweaty cyclists piled into their little shop was rather amusing, nevertheless the cakes, sandwiches and coffee were fantastic.

Time to clip back in and burn off the carbs consumed. This was quickly achieved with the climb up the Windgather hill. I forget the proper name of this monstrosity of a drag so I’ve opted for it’s ‘Strava’ name, the name is irrelevant, it still hurt. Reaching the summit of this hill was a relief made all the more better by the absolutely breath taking views – full 360 degree panoramic of the beautiful countryside as far as the eye can see, even as far as northern Wales as we regrouped here and took in the views I think we can all look back and agree the torture to the legs was worth it.

Then the descent down in to the Goyt made it even more spectacular with some nervous moments on the way down at 48mph a closed road awaited us and the comfort of knowing there would be no traffic for at least the next five miles, this combined with the tranquillity of the Errwood Resovoir with the sun shining was a cause for smiles all around.

Up the cat and fiddle to the next cafe stop, again more great food some interesting cutlery and breathtaking views yet again. The next hour saw Neil desperately try to offload his cucumber to someone but was unsuccessful in his plight. Maybe next time Neil….

Again what goes up must come down and a phenomenal descent down Grin Low road topping speeds of 50mph with some fantastic corners thrown in for good measure on the way down, the speed continued with only a few shorter climbs thrown in before the end it was easy riding from this point on…. or maybe we could smell the pub??

A special thanks to Pat for taking us out and showing us the delights of Derbyshire, until next time!

A gallery from the day can be seen below: