Alford 12-03-2025

On our last ride, temperatures rose to 16 Degrees Celsius courtesy of very mild Mediterranean winds. Today a drop of 10 degrees to just 6 with winds of an Arctic origin! Add scattered wintry showers into the mix and Tim had imagined a low turnout. How wrong. Joining Tim in Louth were Martin Wood (nice to have you back on the bike again Martin), Paul Linder, Ty Harness and John Rickett with Steve Croton set to meet up at Legbourne.

 

Skies were sunny at first as we made our way through Stewton and Legbourne Furze but cloud soon began to build. We wondered how early the showers would start. Meeting up with Steve at The Queen’s Head Inn we’d now make our way to Castle Carlton, taking Willoughby Lane to Authorpe. 

 

We were pleased to soon have the company of Alan Hockham, numbers bolstered to seven. As long as Wendy had enough room for us all at Soul Foods in Alford!

 

Careful navigation was required to avoid the increasing number of potholes to Claythorpe and along Cycle Route C4 to Ailby. Tim had only recently replaced inner tubes and Marathon Plus tyres so hoped for the best.

 

In the end there was plenty of room for us at Soul Foods and we were given a warm welcome by Wendy. Hot drinks were promptly ordered with the Kentish Rarebit proving a popular choice for something to eat. With the apple, a tasty version of cheese on toast. Thanks Wendy.

 

Following refreshments, Ty would need to head off to work with Paul, Steve and Alan heading home. That left Tim, John and Martin to continue to Well, John pointing out ‘Crossing Keepers Cottage’, formerly on the East Lincolnshire Railway Line that served Alford and Willoughby. Completed in 1848, the line connected Louth with Boston at a princely sum of £123,000. John would also alert riders to a fine sighting of a Buzzard.

 

Approaching Muckton, skies were turning inky black as cumulonimbus clouds soared rapidly, reaching many thousands of feet. We guessed that we’d soon need to don waterproofs and we were obliged to do so at Muckton Bottom. 5-10 minutes of rain and hail were endured stoically but sunshine soon returned and we enjoyed a fine ride back to Louth, albeit with increasingly muddy bikes.

 

Arrived at the Leisure Centre a little before 1.30 pm having covered 31 miles. Many thanks to all for the company, and to John for the final round of coffee.

 

Tim's 'Relive' Video: https://www.relive.com/view/v7O9ZwwnEQ6