Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2024

This time it would be Tim Newbery and Alan Hockham meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre for a steamy day out. Alan had assured Tim of a fine dry and warm day although at first Tim was somewhat sceptical. Alan was correct, it turned out to be warm and sunny all day!

This would be a similar route to the Sunday Ride although this time heading coastbound along Cowslip Lane adjacent to the Louth Navigation. This rural minor road is particularly attractive and quaint, passing by the former St Margaret’s Church, Keddington with the verges awash with the colour of buttercups and seasonal vegetation. At Eleven Greens, we’d take the road through Howdales and Skidbrooke. No chance of Tim imbibing in a pint of scrumpy, as Skidbrooke Cyder Company has long since closed for business (Wassail now taking place at Cabourne Parva near Caistor).

 

Making up for lost time, there was a cacophony of birdsong and numerous sightings of birds of prey. We warmly greeted plenty of cyclists who were also enjoying the Bank Holiday sunshine.

 

A succession of bridges (Berrygreen Bridge, Hallholme Bridge and Mill Bridge) would lead us to Appleby’s Ice Cream Parlour at Conisholme. Tim unusually ordered a cup of coffee instead of a single scoop of vanilla, very enjoyable none the less.

 

On our next leg we stopped briefly at Fen Bridge, noting the contrast to yesterday’s weather. This time onwards to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway at Ludborough. We timed our arrival to perfection as the train hadn’t yet returned and we had ‘The Steaming Kettle’ Railway Carriage almost to ourselves. Plenty of activity today as there were ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours of the engine shed on offer.

 

A stiffening headwind, winds gusting to nearly 30 mph, made for a tough ride back to Louth but having completed 32 miles, arrived back at the Leisure Centre about 1.30 pm. Remarkably, still warm and sunny with temperatures having risen to 18 Degrees Celsius.

 

Tim's 'fly' through video: