Clifton CC

A trip to the coast for the Inters this week. Somewhat surprisingly given the reasonable forecast, only 6 riders left the square - John, Richard, Eric, Mark, Graham and self. The southerly wind seemed to speed us over the wolds via North Grimston and on to Brid. A short stop to apply a cable tie (thanks John, ties now in my seatpack!) to my rear mudguard stay after a bolt head sheared off (cheap Far East alloy made largely of cheese ) and we were soon rolling into Brid where we proceeded to the North End promenade cafe for vittels.
Eric and I sneaked out to the chippy next door for the traditional fish 'n chips which we ate sitting on the sea wall overlooking the beach and vast expanse of the North Sea. The others doubtless indulged in deep and meaningful conversation - they would have needed to to pass the time as they were still awaiting their food when Eric and I returned!
Eventually, stomachs and bottles filled, we set off back to York but we quickly realised that a combination of a cross/head wind and a few flagging legs meant that it would be a long haul - as we left Brid, when invited to give an ETA to York I offered a guestimate of 6:15. Slow but sure was the order of the day and we managed to keep reasonably tight through Kilham and then passing south of Driffield through Skerne. By this time Richard's legs were protesting and the pace dipped a little but thanks to the judicious use of some auxiliary engines we made it to Huggate for the welcome swoop down to Millington.
Luckily by now Richard had identified and tapped into hidden reserves and we had a rather spirited ride back - even managing a few town-sign sprints on the way. York soon hove into view and Graham towed us into town at a steady 18mph (as predicted, just after 6pm), tired but content with a second consecutive century in the bank to draw on when summmer arrives
Thanks to all for a splendid day out - I'm thinking of Newtondale Forest Drive or Langdale next week if Kev is OK with this....

8 left the square at 9am for the 8.45 ride. We picked up one extra at Gally Gap from where we headed to Settrington Bank and made our way across, via Duggleby, to Birdsall Bank where at the top one of the group nipped off to Thixendale. Back through Leavening, a second visit to Gally Gap and then Bossall and home. 62 miles and back for 12.30. Thanks to Tony for a splendid route.

Sunday Clubrun- The Filey Fling.
Andy, Ed, IanK, PeteH, Broomy + self. Pete had ridden to Tan Hill and back yesterday as warm up. What is this monster we have created? Mild and breezy day. Stayed largely dry and it even smelled like spring with the first fields of rape flower showing. Roads were filthy early on though, and Andy did well on that adverse camber right hander in Langton to control the initial skid, but ultimately ran out of road and toppled into a nettlebed....
Followed the traditional route to the coast through N Grimston and West Lutton as far as Wold Newton, before turning north for Flixton Wold and Caton. Its a very long time since I've ridden to Filey (12+ years) and we had an entertaining tour of the town looking for a likely cafe. The Bronte Vinery is now one of my favourites!
We knew the headwind ride back was going to be tough, and we all went a bit quiet through Sledmere and Wetwang to Huggate.
I was pacing Broomy's delicate self confidence back onto the group at the bottom of the Millington Pastures hairpins when we passed a family walking in the road. The toddler shouted helpfully "Look at those two Daddy, they're the slowest!". Bless.
After Millington the wind came over our left shoulder and we were back in York at 4-30, with, for me, 105 miles on the clock.
Thanks for the ride chaps - my legs are burning as I type this....

Yes, thanks for waiting gents on (every) climb. There's no need though as I'm OK plodding on, and after all l'm never alone as I have my belly for company.