Alvingham

Cycling UK Louth ‘Mini’ Group Ride(s) to Northolme Farm ‘Pop Up Café, Alvingham. Sunday 5th July 2020

Having endured a less than ‘summer like’ week we were promised a dry day, although once again winds would be a factor with a strong westerly wind set to continue all day. Tim’s mates at RAF Coningsby were forecasting gusts of 40 miles an hour, one mile an hour stronger than last Sunday. Quite unusual conditions for the time of year.

Originally nearly a dozen had hoped to ride but Rob Whitworth wasn’t feeling well and winds were a little too ‘feisty’ for John Ambler who would opt for a walk instead. Barry, rather sensibly decided on gardening duties.

That would leave Reg Bagshaw, Rob Cook, Chris Owen, John Rickett, Alan Hockham, Tim Newbery, Jason Bartup and Justin Owen to assemble in Louth. Justin was invited as a guest of Jason. Welcome to Cycling UK Louth Justin!

We were to to follow a route that had been devised by Jason, leaving Louth cattle market in two separate ‘mini’ groups, one led by Tim and one led by Jason. The route would initially follow the Brackenborough Road northbound to Covenham St.Mary and Covenham St. Bartholomew. So far so good and the backwind making our progress almost effortless. Turning east along Bull Bank Road we passed by Brader’s ‘Pick Your Own’ and and it looked like strawberry season was in full swing.

A bit of a shock to the system at Wragholme Road as we turned into the gusty winds and even more so along Fen Road all the way to Yarburgh. Tim by this point mostly leading from the back.

Not too far now to Northolme Farm ‘Pop Up Café’ and the two groups met up within a few minutes of each other. One or two club members deciding on riding a little further.

The owners Sue and Pete gave us all a warm welcome and Sharday the dog (also on two wheels) seemed pleased to see us. Time now for refreshments and hot drinks, cakes and scones all went down well. The ‘Pop Up Café’ is planning to be open on the first day of the month and when the venue isn’t open there may be an honesty bar set up.

On departure, we would say goodbye to Chris who would head north to Fulstow whilst the two groups would set off southbound through Alvingham Village. We didn’t on this occasion visit the remains of the Gilbertine Priory or the two churches that lie within metres of each other. Another time perhaps. Alvingham is an ancient village, mentioned in Doomsday as "Aluingeham", meaning "Homestead of the Ælfingas.

Heading south east through the Cockerington villages, the sun was starting to feel quite warm and the cross wind manageable. A pleasant ride all the way to Three Bridges and Thacker Bank.

Back into the headwind now and progress somewhat hindered. By the time Rob had arrived at Sturdy Hill (altitude 6 m) it was high time for his picnic lunch. We were glad to hear that Rob had indeed enjoyed a super picnic in a well sheltered location with great views of the fish in the ponds. Looks like some of us missed out!

A short distance from Rob’s culinary delights lies Great Carlton and on a familiar route back to Louth. Listed in Doomsday as "Magna Carleton, the name Carlton derives from the Old English Ceorlatun' meaning "the village of the free peasants", (from the word 'ceorl' meaning "free peasant"). Such rich history wherever you turn in our fair county and a joy to cycle through.

Reg would head for home at Little Carlton and John would bid farewell in Louth. The remainder enjoyed a natter over more refreshment’s at Tim’s.

Many thanks to all for their company although we were somewhat dispersed. Great to have Justin along with us too. You are welcome any time.

On investigation of the various Met Office Stations, reported gusts were in the mid to high 30’s with one gust at 40 miles per hour at RAF Coningsby. Impressive forecasting.

We’ll see what the weather has in store for us next Sunday. Suggestions to follow in due course or a decision on the day. Perhaps a longer, leisurely ride to enjoy morning refreshments and a lunch stop (optional packed lunch).

Editor: A few of us have spoken with Rob Whitworth and we are pleased to say that he's now feeling much better.