Saturday 10th October saw the club’s first end of season road racing training ride take place.

Following the previous year’s format of light intensity training to allow newcomers the chance to join, we saw 13 riders turn up.

Along with me, we had Matt Johnson, Alex Dalton, Josh Ravn, Doug, Brett Waterhouse, Ben Clark, Posnett Jnr and Senior in Danny and Simon, Andy Carroll, Paul Campbell, Paul Noble and a third Paul in club president Paul Kilvington – who we met at South Cave after a slight detour home to pick up a different pair of shoes.

Our ride led us up through South Cave, Newport in the direction of Howden. However, before we got to Howden we took a left off the B1230 via Balkholme, Laxton and onto the Gilberdyke TT Circuit, which we followed as far as Blacktoft.

After Blacktoft came Faxfleet, and it was here where the fun began with an oncoming off-road section designed to enhance bike handling skills and throw up some fun. A select few opted out and headed the safer way. For the rest of us, we ploughed on with some clearly finding the off road to their liking – in particular Paul K and Alex on his Dad’s cross bike.

Whilst they were taking to the off road like a duck to water, some of us where floundering – namely me. Apprehensive at first, I soon got into a rhythm although I was somewhere off the back by the time we regrouped in Broomfleet.

After departing Broomfleet, we each took short pulls on the front before we tackled Brantingham Dale. Andy set the pace for much of the climb, before Matt came by prompting an acceleration by Alex. Clearly the heavy frame of his cross bike did him no favours as Josh came to the fore chased by myself. After a bit of mano a mano between us (which Josh won) we regrouped for the fast ride home.

All in all a good day out and an opportunity for some of the newcomers to see what we’re all about and give them a few ideas about racing. Hopefully we’ll have a similar sized turnout next week.

Mark Walker
Road Race Secretary