Cycling UK Lincolnshire Meet-Up 28th June 2026

Cycling UK Lincolnshire Meet-Up Sunday 28th June 2026 ...

The three active Cycling UK groups in Lincolnshire (Louth, Lincoln and Gainsborough) very rarely meet up, so today, following encouragement from Melanie Carroll, a decision was made to cycle to the Wolds Edge Café at Market Rasen with the hope of a joining up of the troops at about 11.30 am for a natter over refreshment.

At Louth’s Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Ty Harness, Harvey Wright, Rob Cook, Steve Croton and John Rickett. The weather was forecast to be mainly dry and warm with a top temperature of about 24 Degrees Celsius. Pleasant enough in a fresh southwest breeze.

Departing promptly at 09.30 am, the six of us would head through Brackenborough to tackle the first of today’s hills at North Elkington. With the sunshine beaming down we made it up to Boswell, John and Steve first up with Tim a little way behind. We were warmly greeted by Paul and Julie Kissane by the post box. They were about to head downhill having largely completed their 40-mile ride, starting early to avoid the afternoon heat.

Back on the flat (largely) to Lambcroft and Swinhope Brats, before a descent of Blands Hill into Binbrook. Time for a well-earned swig of water, out first ‘hydration break’ of the day.

Several more hills to tackle on today’s ride with the climb up to Bully Hill a test of stamina and reserves. The Caistor High Street would be our second highest altitude of the day at 465 ft AMSL. The fast descent to Tealby Lane needed care as there were several unexpected and awkwardly located potholes that needed avoidance.

Arrived at The Wolds Edge Café on schedule at a few minutes before 11.30 am. The Gainsborough contingent arrived about the same time whilst the Lincoln section was already in residence, having arrived about a quarter of an hour earlier. It was perhaps fortuitous that most of the Louth section had only ordered drinks, as Lincoln and Gainsborough had to wait a considerable time for their orders to arrive.

Whilst waiting, Tim was presented with an award from Cycling UK Lincolnshire which Andy Townhill had arranged. The Certificate of Appreciation and accompanying badge were most unexpected but much appreciated and will be treasured.

After nearly an hour’s break, time for Louth members to start their return journey as there’d be more hills to conquer. We bade farewell to Andy and Trevor and were soon passing through the leafy lanes of Linwood and Legsby before climbing Sixhills, the small settlement documented as "Sexhulle," in the Domesday entry. Some of today’s riders reckon there are more than six hills in the area with the climb back up to the Caistor High Street and the Bluestone Heath Road yet to enjoy … or endure.

Meanwhile, at the Mill Stream Barn at Donnington on Bain, there was a choice of a refreshment stop at Jenny Ward’s Village Stores or a continuation of the prescribed route to Welsdale. John needed a direct route back home so Welsdae it was with John and Steve taking the lead. A pacy return as the wind was on our backs and it was largley downhill all the way from today’s highest attitude of 470 ft AMSL at the Bluestone Heath Road. Sightings of buzzard and Muntjac deer added spectacle to the day.

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre about 2.15 pm having covered 41 miles (John would clock up about 50 miles). Many thanks to all, especially members of Cycling UK Lincoln and Gainsborough.

Tim’s ‘Relive Video’: https://www.relive.com/view/vQvxk4m529q