Wold Newton 11th May 2025
Cycling UK Louth Sunday Ride to Wold Newton 11-05-2025.
Lots of events taking part today to include the Grand Prix in Lincoln and the Grimsby Blood Cancer UK Bikeathon at East Ravendale. Last year John Rickett, Ty Harness, Rob Cook and Tim Newbery would fly the flag for Cycling UK Louth on the Bikeathon; this year it was left to John Rickett, Ty Harness and Martin Wood who’d accompany his grandson. Weather-wise a fine warm and sunny day was in store, top temperatures predicted to be in the high teens.
Back in Louth, Ride Leader Tim Newbery had devised a route to Wold Newton but this time, following requests, the outbound leg to take us through North Thoresby. Joining Tim were Rob Cook and Alan Hockham with tyres fitted with Vittoria ‘Air Liner’ tyre inserts. Apparently, these can be ridden even after a puncture. We hoped Alan wouldn’t need to test their effectiveness.
The sun was indeed shining down, just a few wispy cirrus clouds and contrails in the sky and it made for a pleasant trundle through the Covenhams and Fulstow, noting a number of cyclists and horse riders heading towards Louth. A left hander along Station Road took us past the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway where Rob remarked at the development. All pretty flat until we reached Barton Street.
A steady climb from here to Beesby ("Baesbi" or "Besebi"), the fields and hedgerows resplendent in verdant green vegetation, perhaps looking at their very best at this time of year. Cattle were grazing lazily where once stood a busy settlement with crofts and tofts and a church. Pre 1066 the lands and settlement were recorded as being worth 20 shillings and as much as 30 shillings by 1086. Sightings too of raptors and Rob mentioned flocks of Goldfinch.
The hills were soon conquered with a short rest taken at Swinhope Brats, before the final mile to the Village Hall at Wold Newton. Arriving a little before 11 am we’d find the hall buzzing with walkers and cyclists but managed to secure seats in the outside shed which we had to ourselves. Perfect. We wondered how John, Ty and Martin were doing and hoped that there’d still be enough cake for when they’d arrive sometime about 12 noon.
Departing a little after 11.30 am towards Kelstern we’d see groups of cyclists heading towards East Ravendale, with a friendly wave from Martin. Good to see so many families and youngsters out on the ride. A Bikeathon volunteer tried to re-direct us at the junction with the former RAF Kestern Memorial but we gave assurances that we weren’t involved in the charity ride.
From here an undulating route along the Bluestone Heath Road to Stenigot Mast, today’s highest altitude at close to 500 ft AMSL. The easterly breeze was now freshening significantly and we at times had to pedal downhill via Withcall and Hallington. Magnificent views of the middle marsh and coast none the less.
Arrived back at the Meridian Leisure Centre at 12.45 pm having covered 33 miles - incident free! Rob kindly treated members to mugs of coffee which were enjoyed over a lengthy chat. Tim belatedly received a text from Ty to say he had successfully completed the Bikeathon and was surprised but delighted to be greeted by Ty outside the leisure centre before finally heading for home. Apparently a very successful ride for both Ty and John. Maybe we’ll hear more later.
Tim’s ‘Revive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vQvyK51VQ46
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