Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 9:42 pm
As Darren loquaciously describes in his review of the Wiggy 300 proceedings, it was a "bit of a day"!
It started with early larks and late night owls. Rising at such an unearthly hour, the birds hadn't even got into full song for their morning chorus and the only others on the road were in taxis coming home from the clubs. Arriving at Wigginton I was mighty relieved to see Rob, Shaun and Darren amongst the hardcore audaxers - sandals and beards at the ready.
The 5.00am start saw a diverse crew set off on a variety of machinery ranging from a Moulton through carbon fibre to a singlespeed. Prize for me must go to the chap who set off without any water bottles, sheepskin gloves and a pair of regular shorts - last seen in Stokesley looking a little dishevelled! We kept in with the main group for a while until the Rapha boys came alongside and with Rob cracking the whip we hooked onto their wheels until Warter. At which point we steadied the horses and proceeded at our own pace having anointed Sledmere Monument to prove our passing.
As someone who purports to be something of a cafe connoisseur I am shocked to report that Malton's Morrisons made a welcome latte stop before a helping wind put us on our way to Ripon via Easingwold. We were making good progress thanks to everyone's efforts to such an extent that Rob exertions broke his chain. Luckily this was speedily fixed, albeit temporarily as we were to discover later, and we were on our way again.
Even with Shaun held in check, Ripon's Spa Cafe was a alighted upon before 11 o'clock. This was a bit of a disaster for Rob as his request for the chicken roast dinner followed by pud and custard was met with "it's not out of the oven yet!" He had to make do with a sausage and bacon bap whilst fettling his chain.
This obviously was not a good move as it broke within 5 minutes of departing. Luckily Darren sprang to the rescue as he unveiled a set of gold, I kid you not, quick links to get Rob back up and running again. Who said Rob doesn't do bling?!
The leg to Richmond seemed a long one particularly the drag after Brompton upon Swale. We managed to avoid signing up to the army at the check in at the Green Howards Regimental Museum only to discover that the rains were on their way. A somewhat damp ride over to Stokesley ably navigated by Rob from his sodden route card saw us arrive at the gem of a cafe/restaurant that is Uno Momento. The all day breakfast followed by apple pie and custard certainly put me in a better frame of mind for what was to come. Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff. Even Darren leaving an indelible impression on the velour seat cover from his wet shorts (having omitted to fit mudguards) went without comment!
Steady progress was made by all up to Chop Gate and then over Newgate Bank before descending into Helmsley. The sun was shining on the righteous, as well as the four of us, whilst we stopped for a caffeine, sugar and water fix (ie coke) in the town square. All that remained was the grind out of Helmsley and then East Gilling before we were on the home straight to Wigginton. We all hung on in for a fast finish and ended the day in fine form (or so I kid myself).
This is the furthest distance I've travelled on a bicycle in a day and made all the memorable by the company. Many thanks guys - it was a truly grand day out.
It started with early larks and late night owls. Rising at such an unearthly hour, the birds hadn't even got into full song for their morning chorus and the only others on the road were in taxis coming home from the clubs. Arriving at Wigginton I was mighty relieved to see Rob, Shaun and Darren amongst the hardcore audaxers - sandals and beards at the ready.
The 5.00am start saw a diverse crew set off on a variety of machinery ranging from a Moulton through carbon fibre to a singlespeed. Prize for me must go to the chap who set off without any water bottles, sheepskin gloves and a pair of regular shorts - last seen in Stokesley looking a little dishevelled! We kept in with the main group for a while until the Rapha boys came alongside and with Rob cracking the whip we hooked onto their wheels until Warter. At which point we steadied the horses and proceeded at our own pace having anointed Sledmere Monument to prove our passing.
As someone who purports to be something of a cafe connoisseur I am shocked to report that Malton's Morrisons made a welcome latte stop before a helping wind put us on our way to Ripon via Easingwold. We were making good progress thanks to everyone's efforts to such an extent that Rob exertions broke his chain. Luckily this was speedily fixed, albeit temporarily as we were to discover later, and we were on our way again.
Even with Shaun held in check, Ripon's Spa Cafe was a alighted upon before 11 o'clock. This was a bit of a disaster for Rob as his request for the chicken roast dinner followed by pud and custard was met with "it's not out of the oven yet!" He had to make do with a sausage and bacon bap whilst fettling his chain.
This obviously was not a good move as it broke within 5 minutes of departing. Luckily Darren sprang to the rescue as he unveiled a set of gold, I kid you not, quick links to get Rob back up and running again. Who said Rob doesn't do bling?!
The leg to Richmond seemed a long one particularly the drag after Brompton upon Swale. We managed to avoid signing up to the army at the check in at the Green Howards Regimental Museum only to discover that the rains were on their way. A somewhat damp ride over to Stokesley ably navigated by Rob from his sodden route card saw us arrive at the gem of a cafe/restaurant that is Uno Momento. The all day breakfast followed by apple pie and custard certainly put me in a better frame of mind for what was to come. Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff. Even Darren leaving an indelible impression on the velour seat cover from his wet shorts (having omitted to fit mudguards) went without comment!
Steady progress was made by all up to Chop Gate and then over Newgate Bank before descending into Helmsley. The sun was shining on the righteous, as well as the four of us, whilst we stopped for a caffeine, sugar and water fix (ie coke) in the town square. All that remained was the grind out of Helmsley and then East Gilling before we were on the home straight to Wigginton. We all hung on in for a fast finish and ended the day in fine form (or so I kid myself).
This is the furthest distance I've travelled on a bicycle in a day and made all the memorable by the company. Many thanks guys - it was a truly grand day out.