Despite the Winter Olympics taking place, today we abandoned the idea of tobogganing down Carlton Bank. Instead, we opted for the sport of 'Cyclo-freeze' 🥶!
This is a fairly popular pastime during UK winters, more widely known as Cycling. It involves dressing in skimpy lycra, sufficient to cover the torso and limbs, but not enough to prevent wind, cold or rain penetration. This is essential for full appreciation of the activity and of course to allow muscles and joints to function sub-optimally. A windproof should therefore only be added with caution.
A helmet can be applied to the head for impact protection, but with large air vents to maintain the brain at a low temperature and impair decision making. Gloves are an optional addition, particularly for the less hardy cyclist.
Footwear should be lightweight, with ventilation holes to allow maximum cold and damp penetration. Metal cleats are fitted to soles allowing for minimal grip when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
So, expertly kitted out for our Cyclo-freeze event, Greg, John, Mags, Peter and I set off from Preston Park, through Yarm, in the direction of Seamer. The Siberian headwind rolling off the Cleveland hills tried it's hardest to force our abandonment, but we're made of tougher stuff. The presence of bright skies, clear views and no ice on the roads provided encouragement.
Mags was having some 'chain jumping' issues, following her recent bike service, and Greg had a go at adjustments. Unfortunately, the problem persisted and it was too cold to spend excessive time at the roadside. Fortunately the bike was still rideable and smooth progress was otherwise made to Great Ayton and Easby.
With a growing appetite and a need for warming, we were pleased to see The Dudley Arms come into view; although Mags and John didn't and nearly skipped lunch! As always, service and food was of excellent quality and 5 breakfasts and 1 soup and cheese scone later, we were back on the road.
Our return benefitted from a tailwind, but not from the antics of 5 unruly teenagers on mountain bikes, who thought it would be fun to do 'wheelies' and block attempts to pass, for a good mile or so. All reasoning and psychology failed, so frustratingly we, and following traffic, had to put up with the inconvenience until the brats ran out of stamina. 😡
We were then able to make unhindered progress to Faceby, East Rounton and Yarm.
I'm delighted to say Café Palmer 🍰☕️ was open to respectable clientele. However, as a special concession, management was prepared to serve OUR group with tea and homemade cake.... which was very good of them!
In the end, a very enjoyable day out with 41 miles on the clock. Thanks to those who came.
Mike P