Big turnout for our annual weekend chillout ride, with 13 riders for the picturesque schlep up through the NY Moors. Stopping en route to pick up Lee, who was foolishly taking up the stoker’s position on Paul W’s tandem, we seemed to get to our favoured monster garage ‘cafe’ stop at West Ayton in no time at all. Then the pleasures of the Hackness Hairpins awaited, and didn’t disappoint – hauling the pannier-laden tandem round those steep bends was quite some effort, as Lee’s ragged breathing confirmed.
A bit more scenic riding and we were quickly down the Hole, changed and heading eagerly over the cliffs for the fleshpots of Robin Hood’s bay. Big shout to excellent alehouse Ye Dolphin, whose barman instantly memorised our booze order; and to Klaus, who sorted out our colossal food order with ruthless efficiency. He was clearly very hungry.
YHA was also excellent as usual, its disturbing decorations – featuring life-size rotting pirate looming horizontally above the breakfast room – adding a certain eccentric frisson. Weather on Sunday was not good, however. The rain was torrential, propelled by a southerly headwind, and out to get us. Roads were frequently awash and the tandem apparently created a noticeable bow wave from time to time, Despite the vile conditions, morale was excellent, with no sense of humour failures at all. “We are now officially ‘ard” said a sodden Gary as we dropped Lee off at Kilnwick before the final push home.
Top effort to all concerned and here’s hoping for a drier weekend next time we hit the Hole.