Mablethorpe 14-01-2024

A welcome return to the sunshine seaside resort for an ice cream (or a coffee) on this mid January day. Weather looked fine although a little chilly to begin with. Temperatures were predicted to rise to 4 or 5 Degrees Celsius on the coast with plenty of sunshine by afternoon.

 

Gathering at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth were Tim Newbery, Paul Linder and John Rickett. Sven Livesey had sent apologies. Departing at 10 am (with an ETA back into Louth at 1.30 pm) we’d be aided by a tailwind. Good to have met up with Alan Hockham by the turn off to Red Leas Lane.

 

Skies were soon brightening and the cloud had completely cleared by the time we’d reached Theddlethorpe All Saints. An easy paced journey which allowed for a pleasant chat along the way in the bright Winter sunshine.

 

We’d meet a few other cyclists and horse riders but generally all was quiet on the roads, that is until rising over the North Parade Pullover by Mablethorpe Beach where the roar of motorbike engines was all pervasive, tuning up for the 11.30 am sand race which would take place soon after our arrival.

 

Great to see such activity and support from the locals. The downside was that we had hoped to take refreshments at Mr G’s Beach Café but were greeted by a queue stretching out of the door all the way to the beach. Plan B and a retreat to Gerado’s Café around the corner. A favourite watering hole of Alan’s and very good it was too; Ciabattas, Full English and omelettes went down well.

 

With the tide out and the sea far in the distance, it’s difficult to believe that Mablethorpe has been flooded, even largely wiped off the map over the centuries. Although gaining its market town charter in 1253, the town has suffered catastrophic inundations of the sea, notably in 1287, several times in the 1530’s and more recently in 1953. Hopefully today would remain fine for the racing.

 

We’d bid farewell to Alan from here whilst the trio of Tim, Paul and John, battled into the nagging wind on their return journey. We did receive the benefit of some warmth form the sunshine beaming down, although acknowledging that some members elsewhere were enjoying temperatures a good 20 degrees higher.

 

Arrived back in Louth a little after 1.30 pm with John very kindly gifting a round of coffees. 35 miles for Tim, about 45 for John and closer to 60 for Paul. Many thanks to all for an enjoyable day out.

 

Colder next week!