Wold Newton 14th December 2025

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Wold Newton 14th December 2025

Ride Report: John Rickett

After a will-it-won't-it rain forecast, the day turned out to be pretty good for December. There were 4 takers at the leisure centre for today's ride, stopping at Wold Newton village hall, a monthly highlight not to be missed. Ty Harness, Alan Hockham, Steve Croton and John Rickett were ready to set off at 10.00. Our leader (Tim) and Rob Cook also arrived but dressed for walking not cycling, its still active travel so I suppose counts for a mention!

The route to Wold Newton was a little different today with the group heading out of Louth toward Hallington. From there we masochistically enjoyed the 3 mile climb to the Bluestone Heath Road. At this point the wind wasn't too strong but had a headwind component so it was a breathless group who reached the top of the hill - see silly picture below.

Turning north on the Bluestone Heath Road then had the wind behind us so rapid progress was made to the A157 (Louth to Wragby road) where Chris Owen was waiting for us. It was a mostly northerly run through Calcethorpe and Kelstern all the way to Wold Newton.

Not many cyclists at the village hall but quite a few walkers, which meant all the inside tables were taken so we had to sit outside. It didn't take long for the cool wind to do its worst to us so the cakes and coffee, although excellently presented, were woofed down in haste and we set off again for Hawerby. Unfortunately, after a few yards Ty discovered he had an almost flat front tyre. Before changing the tube, the tyre was pumped up and seemed to be holding, so ever the optimists we set off again though quickly had to say goodbye to Chris at the first junction. The wind was still in our favour up the hill and down the other side to Hawerby and Grainsby, shortly after that though the tyre decided it wasn't going to stay inflated and another stop was called for to enable a tube change. The culprit, a thorn, was found and removed.

Off one again for Tetney and with it, a turn to the south which told us how much the wind was increasing. It was then quite a push all the way back to Louth, arriving at about 13.15 having covered 32 miles. Rewarding coffees were consumed while we recovered our heart-rates before going separate ways home.

December so far hasn't prevented Cycling UK (Louth) platoon from riding and as a bonus. our leader has declared he is going to ride to Woody's on Wednesday - all are welcome to come along.