Alford 30-10-2024

A ride to Alford, originally to meet up with Paul in town but he had indicated that he’d be back out on his bike today with the intention of meeting up with us enroute.

 

Departing at 10 am from Louth’s Leisure Centre were today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery, John Rickett and Ty Harness. Martin Wood had hoped to join us but was having issues with his new tyres and had got waylaid at Halfords. We hope to see him next time.

 

Skies were grey, the cloud just thick enough for a little drizzle, but winds were slight and temperatures already at a near average 11 Degrees Celsius. Onwards then to Kenwick Park and Little Cawthorpe. We were surprised but delighted to meet up with Paul at this point. It would end up being his longest ride for over 16 weeks!

 

A steady ride through Muckton with time to admire the carpet of wild cyclamen which grows in profusion by the verges. This ‘Top Road‘ would be our high point of the ride, literally, at an altitude of 200 ft AMSL, demarking the boundary with the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape.

 

Onwards over Belleau Bridge, noting the trout farm is still for sale (a snip at £1,250,000), we’d now follow Paul who opted to take Lincolnshire County Council’s Cycle Route C4 along Greenfield Lane to Devils Square.

 

Sadly, no brightening of the skies but we looked forward to some fine refreshment at ‘Soul Foods’ in Alford. Arriving a minute early at 11.14 am we were given a very warm welcome by Wendy who ushered us to our table. Great to see the establishment so busy and we chose a variety of tomato themed dishes with Tim plumping for a delicious home-made soup. Loyalty cards too for those having coffee. Many thanks to Wendy for making us so welcome.

 

Ty and Paul would depart for home from here with Tim and John heading to Well to follow our original planned outward journey. Authorpe would wait another day.

 

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre a little after 1 pm and with Tim looking a little peaky, John very kindly provided coffee and cake.

28 miles for the Louth contingent. Temperatures had risen a full degree to 12 Celsius. Many thanks to all for the company and a super effort from Paul.