Alvingham

Cycling UK ‘mini’ group ride to Alvingham 2nd August 2020

It was Tim Newbery's turn to lead today’s ride and meeting up with Tim at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Rob Cook, Rob Whitworth, Chris Owen, John Ambler and Alan Hockham.

The plan was a ride to the seaside to enjoy refreshments at Mablethorpe and a visit to the monthly ‘Pop Up’ Café at Alvingham. Following on from the heat of Friday and Saturday, the temperatures were forecast to be much more cycle friendly at a pleasant 20 degrees.

Leaving Louth on schedule the route would take the club through Little Cawthope and Muckton and up to the ’Top Road’ and ‘Meagram Top’. Easy going so far with a brisk tail wind, suiting Rob Whitworth who maintains that it always takes a few miles until he finds his legs. A variety of routes were then taken before the group re-assembled at Saleby for the journey to the southern end of Mablethorpe. Coral Café, just off Seaholme Road luckily wasn’t too busy, with plenty of room to sit socially distanced. For once a westerly wind predominated and we enjoyed fine views of the beach and sea (although none of us could be persuaded for a refreshing dip in the salty waters!). Instead a mix of packed meals and drinks from thermos flasks whilst for some a take away bacon bap. John looked happy as he had been missing out on such delicacies over the last few weeks.

Rested and refreshed, a continuation into Mablethorpe Town Centre, the roads by now busy with holiday traffic. At one of the sets of traffic lights’ Tim had a brief mechanical issue with his chain, rectified perhaps a little too hastily not wanting to create a queue. Along Quebeck Road, Meers Bank and Kent Avenue we hadn’t realised that Alan had been stuck at the lights. Apologies to Alan who then had to push hard to re-join at Meers Bridge.

Now a change in direction, heading north and west to Theddlethorpe All Saints, Saltfleetby St Peter and Howdales, where we stopped briefly for a drinks break. It was surprisingly windy and we later discovered that we were battling into a head wind that was gusting 25 to 30 mph, rather more than had been forecast. It remained dry and bright and we were soon able to take a further short break at Alvingham offering views of the water mill and churches. The water mill, sitting beside the Louth Navigation, was built in 1782 by John Maddison although it’s known that there has been a mill on this site since 1155. Around the corner are two churches that sit within one graveyard, a very rare occurrence. The smaller of the two, St Mary’s was the parish church of North Cockerington whilst the larger St Adelwold's, the parish church of Alvingham. This is the only church in England to be dedicated to St. Adelwold. Both churches date to the 12th Century. Alvingham ("Aluingeham", meaning "Homestead of the Ælfingas) was also the site of a Gilbertine Priory. Such history packed into what is now such a quiet, unassuming rural location!

Chris would return home from this location whilst we persuaded John to continue the extra half mile or so to the ‘Pop Up Café’ at Northolme Farm. A warm welcome was given, especially from Sharday (the dog on two wheels) and all the hens. A great place to stop for fine refreshments and a natter. By this time Tim’s left leg was ballooning to twice its normal size following from a bee sting and allergic reaction on Friday and a decision was made to opt for the shortened route back to Louth via Westfield Road and Brackenborough.

Returning home mid-afternoon we had registered 42 miles. Many thanks to all for their time and company. An enjoyable day out.