Woodthorpe 8th March 2023

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Woody’s at Woodthorpe 8th March 2023:

The weather forecast for Wednesday’s Wander had over the last few days ranged from clear blue skies to frequent snow showers. As it turned out, we were fortunate in that the snow showers were largely held at bay to the north whilst a band of rain, sleet and snow lay anchored to the south. Conditions in-between were favourable for a pleasant ride, albeit chilly with top temperatures of about 5 Degrees Celsius. Tim’s heated socks proving useful once again.

Tim Newbery and John Rickett set off from Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre at 10.00 am with the prospect of meeting up with Paul Linder at Woodthorpe about 11.00 am. A head wind led to a steady ride through Stewton and Legbourne Furze and we were pleasantly surprised to see that some of the potholes had been repaired.

Traversing through the Carlton’s our route skilfully dodged a snow shower some distance away and by the time we reached Strubby Airfield skies were brightening with sunshine breaking through. So good was the weather that gliders were being prepared for flight.

Woody’s Bar and Restaurant is always a good stop over for refreshments and with Paul waiting for us at the entrance we all enjoyed a natter over hot drinks, buns and sandwiches.

Our route back would take us along Rye Lane to Aby (á being Old Norse for a river). Today a small hamlet but once the home to a flourishing Cistertian Nuns Priory in the 12th Century, founded by Ralph de Aby.

From here, Paul would head for home whilst Tim and John continued through Belleau Bridge with a steady climb to Meagram Top. The easterly breeze was strengthening and we noted an ever-increasing display of bird deterrent kites, cleverly disguised as birds of prey. Very realistic and perhaps effective.

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre on schedule at 1.00 pm where once again John treated Tim to a mug of hot coffee. Today’s distance 27 miles.