Ludford 7th August 2022

Cycling UK Louth Meet-Up with Cycling UK Lincoln at Ludford - Sunday 7th August 2022

Today, a meeting up of the Lincoln and Louth clans was scheduled with brunch to be taken at the Viking Way Garden Café & Gift Shop.

Meeting up with Tim Newbery at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Paul Linder, Rob Cook and John Ambler. Chris Owen had agreed to meet up at Luford. Apologies had been sent by Reg Bagshaw and John Rickett.

Departing with sunny conditions set to last all day and with a top temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, we made our way to Utterby, passing by the picturesque church of St. Andrew. We noted that that just beyond North Ormsby, the ‘Cyclist’s Bench' had gone! It is no more. Installed and dedicated at the time of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, hopefully it’ll be replaced before too long.

With the cereal fields a deep golden colour and ready to harvest, the Wolds looked magnificent in the summer sunshine and it wasn’t long before we reached RAF Kelstern, before continuing onto the Viking Way Garden Centre Café.

A contingent from Lindsey Roads CC with our good friend Brian Mann were already in residence and refreshments were ordered whilst we waited the arrival of Chris and Cycling UK Lincoln. By 11.30 am we had all assembled. Ride Leader Andy Townhill led a contingent of four and we admired John Weeks' e-gravel bike. Great to catch up on all our exploits.

Departing after an hour’s R and R, we would descend through Sixhills to Little London. We were surprised but delighted to be greeted by Trevor Halstead and a contingent of Cycling UK Gainsborough. We wished them well and continued through East Torrington to Hainton and East Barkwith, this time greeted warmly by a couple of women cyclists who were also clearly enjoying a day out.

Our route along Benniworth Road passing by Panton Park was particularly pleasant and although the verges were showing signs of the drought there were a myriad of wild flowers, mainly in hues of red and purple.

Mill Lane would see us climbing back up to over 100 m in altitude, the reward a fine sweeping descent all the way to the River Bain and the Black Horse Inn at Donnington on Bain. A brief chat with Jenny who was closing her village shop before taking some welcome refreshments. Paul and Tim succumbed to the temptation of a rather fine lemon tart, hoping that we would still be able to tackle Manor Hill.

Chris would depart for home from here whilst the remainder climbed Nobb Hill and Manor Hill at a little over 150 m AMSL, none the worse for the lemon tarts. Near Withcall we were once again greeted warmly by the two women we had met before and it wouldn’t be long before we were back in Louth at about 3.30 pm having covered 40 miles.

Close to King Edward VI Grammar School we were passed by two guys who we though might have been part of the London - Edinburgh - London Audax. Indeed, they were. Talking to a marshal he informed us that the first riders who had departed London at 5 a.m. had arrived at 1 p.m. Remarkable.

A great summer’s ride. Thanks to all for their company.