Friday Mission to High Hunsley 4th August 2017
This week's mission saw the "famous five" squadron embark on a mission in very tricky conditions of 20mph wind on the outrun although cloud base high with some sunny intervals. Distance 52 kms. with 350 metres of height gained
Squadron comprised Red Leader Bodman, Tee Shirt Dave, Ian Yorkie Metcalf, Nick (all)Hart and rear gunner Chris Szafran
Setting off from Market cross on Wood Lane we emerged onto the Westwood where some avoidance tactics were required as the council were patching up the road. A good warm up along the road to Walkington allowed for checking gears, brakes and landing gear before heading onto Middlehow lane into a head wind. Needless to say, that it was a fairly slow ascent!
Resting at the summit before traversing the main road onto the road to Riplingham, an up and down affair presenting very little difficulty, we took a right and left that found us atop Brantingham dale.
No complaints here as all downhill to our stop at Ellerker Lodge garden centre for well earned refreshments. Only Dave declined sustenance, saving himself for the Hull FC match later in the evening. (A few beers was his excuse)
Reassurance that it was all downhill from here fell on deaf ears as we started the climb from Welton back to Riplingham cross roads. Sometimes one has to cajole the chaps to perform at their best. I know the Wing Co does. Motto "we don't like it too easy"
However once back on the main Cottingham road it was literally downhill all the way to where we said a cheery farewell to Dave and his mud splattered self-designed cycle shirt. The four remaining crew set off for home.
Pedalling on through Cottingham onto Dunswell road we happened upon a couple of young deer gambolling through the field on the port side. Nick, being the tallest in the saddle spotted them but unfortunately no time for a photo. Not as quick on the draw as Wing Co Williamson who was sadly missed while cavorting in the Scottish hills.
The mission was completed at about 1500 hrs when dispersal saw each of the crew return to his barracks. Very weary but eager for their next mission.
JB
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