Saltfleetby Wednesdy 23rd April

Ride Report by John Rickett:

 

Earlier this week the weather forecast was not looking promising. Even the day before, there was a forecast of possible rain overnight. As it happened, there was no rain overnight and the morning dawned bright, if a little chilly.

With Tim away on Cycling UK Louth’s Spring camping trip, it was left to Paul Linder, Martin Wood, Ty Harness, Steve Croton and John Rickett to gather for the Wednesday Wander, this time to the Little Village Tea Shop and Café at Saltfleetby. Chris Owen was there to wave off the group having previously decided not to ride.

 

Outbound saw the group pass through the villages of Alvingham, North Cockerington, Howdales-le-Potholes and Saltfleetby St Peter before stopping at the tea room – formerly the village primary school. The café was doing a brisk trade though it didn’t take long for the orders to arrive (including 2 full English breakfasts) to be devoured in a sheltered and sunny spot outside.

 

Suitably energised to tackle the rest of the route, the group continued to Saltfleet All Saints, where the church tower was curiously viewed for signs of out-leaning the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then onward to Three Bridges, Theddlethorpe All Saints, Meers Bridge and, for once, a spurt with a helping wind along Stain Lane to Withern. A solitary swallow was spotted – does this officially make a summer?

 

The T junction to Woodthorpe provided a separation point for the group, Ty to continue Yoga Instruction at Withern Village Hall, Paul and Steve to make their way to Alford. This left Martin and John to still benefit from the back wind and make speedy progress to Gayton Top (where the sunken road has still not been repaired by Lincolnshire County Council) the Carltons, Legbourne and Stewton, arriving back at the Leisure Centre at about 1pm and by now feeling rather warm.

 

The route was 32 miles, though most will have completed more than that by the time their respective homes were reached.