Louth, Binbrook, Tealby and Ludford 7th September 2025

Riders today: Tim, Alan, John, and Ty.

The group set off from the Meridian Centre in Louth and headed north around the Brackenborough Bends, where Ty suffered a terminal mechanical failure.  Post Analysis: It looked like some twine had caught in the cassette and had locked the derailleur’s top jockey wheel and pulled the cage into the back wheel’s spokes.  The cage of the derailleur sheared off and wedged into the cassette,  a bent hanger, one broken spoke and 6 mangled spokes that will need replacing. 

 Luckily, it was only a mile from home, so Ty had to walk back - Ah that's why he wears normal shoes!

With Alan, John and Tim continuing to Utterby and North Ormsby, the trio were delighted to have a brisk backwind to aid an ascent up to Lambcroft and the Lincolnshire Wolds. Usually we’d have sightings of Buzzard but today a fine close-up view of a Heron rewarded our efforts.

Warm sunshine continued to beat down and we were soon to arrive in Binbrook where the church of St Mary & St Gabriel was taking part in the Lincolnshire Wolds and Coast Churches Festival and open for refreshment. 

There had originally been two churches in Binbrook but with a declining population both fell into disrepair and were demolished. A new church taking on the names of the previous churches was built by 1869 with James Fowler as architect. 

On entering the 'Cathedral in the Wolds', we were warmly greeted by Church Wardens who offered up freshly cooked bacon buns and hot drinks all for just £2. John was also given a tour of the church organ whilst Tim viewed the stained-glass memorial dedicated to all who served at RAF Binbrook. Lightning pilot Flying Officer Alan Davey who died in a flying accident when John was stationed at RAF Binbrook in 1968, lies interred in the graveyard.

With today being a three pitstop ride, time to continue up and over the hills and make our way to the attractive village of Tealby (the village has links through the ages with the Knights Templars, Alfred Lord Tennyson and John Wesley). 

Meanwhile, Ty switched to bike no. 2 and set off back out on the reverse route at 10.30am.  The group all met again at Sixhills and rode up to the Viking Way Café in Ludford.  After a lovely cup of coffee and cake, all four set off back via Great Tows, Switchback Lane, and up to the War Memorial. From there the direct route across to North Elkington was chosen for the fast descent down into Gipsy Hollow, onto the Fotherby Road, through Cordeaux Corner, and back to the Meridian Leisure Centre for 2:30 pm.