4th July 2021

Cycling UK Louth Ride - Sunday 4th July 2021

Today we would be repeating a ride that Mike Gray had kindly organised on 4th July 2018, and Mike would once again be in charge as our ‘Ride Leader’. A 'New York to Boston' special.

Last time we enjoyed clear blue skies and hot sunshine all day, sadly today we awoke to the forecast of a few morning showers followed by heavy showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon! Never the less, Mike was joined by Alan Hockham and Tim Newbery at the Lecture Hall in New York. Apologies had been sent by John Rickett, John Ambler, Chris Owen and Rob Cook.

Departing at a little after 10.30 am the riders made their way through Sandy Bank, Bunker Hill and Gipsey Bridge by Castle Dike. Bunker Hill appropriate enough with the connection with Boston, Massachusetts and the famous ‘Battle of Bunker Hill’ fought in 1775 in the first stage of the American Revolutionary War.

We were soon to arrive at Anton's Gowt Lock which connects the River Witham to Firth Bank Drain and is effectively the gateway to a series of navigable drains which were dug in the 1600's. The word gowt means drain outlet and Anton's Gowt is named after Sir Anthony Thomas, an entrepreneur who financed the drainage improvements in the 1630's. Coffee, tea and cakes were being served at the charming ‘Malcolm Arms’ but we would wait for Boston for our refreshments.

We were now following Sustrans NCN 1 and part of the Water Rail Way on the old Lincoln to Boston railway line. This took us all the way to Boston and we took a moment to view the 'Stump', or more correctly St Botolph's Church, before settling down at the White Hart Hotel for lattes and chocolates. Deciding we would wait until our arrival at The Packet Inn for lunch, we declined the staff’s kind invitation of menus for something to eat. A decision that we would come to regret!

So far, the weather had been kind to us. A short period of inky black clouds and a few showers whilst we were having our coffee, but on departure just the hint of some sunshine. Just as we had entered Boston we caught sight of cyclist on an 'Ordinary’ and we would on our way back to the Water Rail Way meet up with the rider again. It turned out to be Richard Thoday, the world record holder of the ride from Land's End to John O'Groats on an ‘Ordinary’ (in four days and 12 hours!). Living in Matlock, he was on holiday in Lincolnshire and had ridden a ‘short’ 80 miles to the coast on Saturday. He was having to be careful not to hit his his head on trees and bridges.

After leaving Boston, we followed NCN 1 all the way to Langrick Bridge, continuing through Holland Fen, Chapel Hill and along to Tattershall bridge. Long straight roads but affording us fine views of the River Witham under increasingly blue skies, the temperature now a warm 23 degrees Celsius.

The A153 Sleaford Road would take us past Tattershall castle and the famous one-handed clock on St Michael's Church at Coningsby before continuing along Dogdyke to the ‘The Packet Inn’ at Belle Isle. We were very much looking forward to something to eat and to drink but … a sign would inform us that the pub was closed today! It would be Tim’s granola bars that would now sustain us until our final arrival back at New York. A stop at Anton’s Gowt next time! Just short of 30 miles, time of arrival 3 pm.

Alan had remarked at a drop in temperature and the breeze was by now strengthening. Looking at the latest weather radar, showers and thunderstorms were moving north and already affecting Boston, just half an hour away. Perfect timing.

Many thanks to Mike for organising.

Next week it’s Alan’s ride to Farmer Browns Ice Cream Parlour.