Market Rasen 22-10-2023

Sunday saw the last of the 0930 meet-ups for this year for a forty mile, round trip to Market Rasen.

Gathered at the Meridian Centre were Tim Newbery, Steve Croton, Paul Linder, John Rickett and Gordon Riley who rode with the group last weekend.

The forecast had improved considerably from earlier in the week and although chilly, it was a bright day, less wind and with little prospect of rain.

Most had decided it was time to put on the winter riding gear although Steve had decided it was still summer - he had the last laugh as with temperatures and the sun rising all the time, he was the one most comfortable at the end of the ride.

Despite the earlier heavy rain, the roads were dry except for the bit under the bridge on Ings Lane in Utterby, it was deeper than we all thought so Paul got one wet foot and Tim two!

Onwards and upwards past the medieval village at North Ormsby to Wold Newton and a brief stop in Binbrook for a drink. Paul had domestic commitments so headed for home at this point, leaving the rest to tackle the hilly bits through Kirmond le Mire. Gordon also left at the Caistor High Road/Bully Hill crossroads and then there three to press on to Tealby and the recently renamed Wolds Edge café on the outskirts of Market Rasen. It was a good job a table had been reserved as the café was nearly empty when we arrived at 1140 but quickly filled up thereafter,

Fortified with sausage or bacon rolls and coffee, the trio set off for Market Rasen, North Willingham and the climb back up to the Caistor High Road and another rest and coffee at the old Ludford Garden Centre. It was very pleasant soaking up the sun while recovering from the climb.

With the wind now firmly on our backs we were soon passing through Great Tows, Kelstern Memorial, South Elkington and back to Louth. Let's hope the shoes dry out for Wednesday's ride to wherever that may be.