Market Rasen via Binbrook 26th March 2023

Cycling UK Louth Ride to Binbrook and Willingham Woods

Sunday 26th March 2023.

Ride Report by John Rickett:

Earlier in the week, the forecast for Sunday was looking decidedly showery, however by Sunday morning the forecast had changed to mainly dry with the occasional shower in the afternoon.

With the clocks going forward and with the group reverting to our British Summer Time start of 0930, we were actually 1½ hours earlier than last week so understandably it was a bit chilly but nothing the Louth regulars couldn’t shrug off.

Meeting up at the Meridian Centre were Tim Newbery, Alan Hockham, Paul Linder, Chris Owen and John Rickett. Today’s planned ride was a circular ride to Market Rasen. This meant twice crossing the Wolds so it was with a little trepidation that the group set out, hoping that the dry conditions would hold.

With the wind in our favour, we quickly reached Utterby and then were even given a helping push to the top of North Ormsby hill. Onward to Binbrook village for a short rest courtesy of the bus shelter before tackling the hill out of Binbrook to Kirmond-le-Mire.

Chris would leave us at this point and head back to a secret carpark in Tetney. The remainder set off for the climb to the Caistor High Street and then a rewarding descent into Tealby. From Tealby it was a relatively flat ride to Market Rasen and the planned lunch stop at Willingham Woods.

As luck would have it, although busy with walkers and bikers, there wasn’t a queue at the kiosk and Tim quickly bagged a spare table so we were able to enjoy the delights of hot coffee and hot baps. Fortitude was required as next up was the long climb out of North Willingham to Ludford.

Passing the unpretentious church of St Thomas the Apostle in North Willingham it's worth noting that amongst the numerous graves in the churchyard is that of Emilia “Jessie” Boucherett (1825-1905) of Willingham Hall who has become increasingly recognised for her very significant role in the early women’s movement. Observing the lack of opportunities for women in the mid 19th Century she set up The Society for Promoting the Employment of Women in 1859 which pioneered the provision of women's training opportunities. She was an early promoter of the women’s suffrage movement and a strong supporter of the Married Women’s Property Act passed in 1870. She founded the Englishwomen’s Review in 1866 and was co-founder of the Woman’s Suffrage Journal in 1870.

All reached the top of Willingham hill without stopping and from there it was a straightforward ride to Great Tows, Kelstern and then a satisfying downhill cruise through South Elkington and back to Louth, arriving at the Meridian Centre at about 1400. We rewarded and congratulated ourselves with staying dry with another coffee before departing to our respective homes. 40 undulating miles accomplished.