Summer Solstice 2023 Tetney
Cycling UK Louth's Wednesday Wander to Tetney.
Mid-Summer's Day 21st June 2023:
An 'estival solstice' ride to take refreshments at Manning's Café at Tetney and our summer weather would offer a dry, warm and sunny day. Breezy however.
Some may have been forgiven on missing out on the 04.29 am sunrise, but great to have had Rob Cook, Paul Linder and John Rickett join Tim Newbery at Louth's Meridian Leisure Centre for the wander to Tetney.
We wondered if we'd meet up with Reg Bagshaw at Covenham reservoir but no sign of him today. Onwards along the main street to Fulstow and by now we'd seen plenty of solo cyclists and a number of groups also enjoying a day out in these splendid conditions.
For the Louth contingent with about 12 miles on the clock we arrived at Tetney Golf Club by 11 am. Pleasant chat and discussions of future rides and camping trips over mugs of coffee and a mix of bacon and egg buns and sandwiches.
With a significant breeze from the west the journey to Tetney Lock was literally, a breeze. Passing the Crown and Anchor a smidge after 12 noon, Tim spotted customers already emerging with pints of beer but was persuaded to carry on through to North Cotes. The thought of an ice cream at Appleby's would be sufficient incentive to get in a few more miles. A double scoop of passionfruit and banana was indeed delicious. We also noted a number of house martins swooping over our heads. A delightful sight.
Retracing to Grainthorpe, Fen Lane would take us towards Yarburgh where Tim suggested a water break at the church. Tim had mis-remembered the name but would be informed by the group that the church is in fact dedicated to Saint John The Baptist. Nothing is left of the original 14th Century building as it was burnt to the ground in 1405 but the 15th Century yellow sandstone exterior is attractive. Inside (it's not usually open) there's a fascinating lead plate carving of a ship.
Yarburgh was recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Gereburg'. Its name derives from Old English 'eorth' and 'burgh' meaning 'the fortification built from earth'.
The last leg through Alvingham and Keddington was a push into the wind but we were back at the Leisure Centre at 2 pm having completed 32 miles. John supplied more coffee and cake. Many thanks.