Burgh and Chapel 26-02-2023

Burgh and Chapel Sunday 26th February 2023:

The weather gods would be on our side today as cloudy skies had given way to a pleasant shade of blue with almost unbroken sunshine. Top temperature 9 Degrees Celsius, a little above the seasonal average.

Apologies had been received from John Ambler and Reg Bagshaw who had indicated he’d devised his own ride following adjustments to his Giant cycle. Chris Owen would be celebrating his wife’s birthday. Happy Birthday Ying!

Meeting up at Alford were Paul Linder and John Rickett (having already clocked up a few score of miles), Alan Hockham who had ridden from Sutton on Sea and special guests Fletch Bradley and David Franks who had ridden in from Skegness. Tim Newbery had opted for a car assist with John Ambler but sadly John wasn’t feeling well this morning and would head back home. Fortunately, he had recovered by the afternoon.

Today’s route and ride leading would be a ‘team effort’ and we departed Alford following LCC’s Cycle Route C3. A delightful ride which would take us along the twists and turns of the back lanes through Farlesthorpe, Bonthorpe and onwards to Sloothby and Orby. Very familiar territory to Paul and Alan who were enjoying the day out. Alan hasn’t been able to join us on a ride for several weeks.

Heading into Burgh le Marsh, the old Roman ‘salt road’ (linking Lincoln to the Wash) would steer us along Skegness Road to today’s refreshment stop, Basil’s Coffee Shop at Lyndhurst Garden Centre. We had advised them of a revised ETA of 11.15 am and arriving exactly on schedule we were delighted also to have been greeted by John Weeks. Great to have caught up on everyone’s news over hot drinks and for some scones and cake.

From here, John Weeks would head for home whilst Fletch and David would guide us along the cycle way to Middlemarsh Road, connecting back with Alan’s route at Mill Hill. Fletch and Dave know this area well. Tim also admired Fletch’s spotless bike, now sparkling and gleaming in the sunshine.

Heading north along Chapel Lane it wouldn’t be long before we had the chance to view the church of St Nicholas in Addlethorpe, known as ‘The Cathedral of the Marsh’. It’s a magnificent example of medieval craftmanship. We would now take advantage of a new cycleway running alongside the A52 between Addlethorpe and Chapel, built and funded by the land owners of the local caravan park. Kudos.

Chapel St Leonards takes its name from the medieval chapel dedicated to the Frankish St Leonard at Mumby Chapel, a small settlement lying very close by and sharing the same parish. Sadly, the original chapel was swept away by a historic inundation of the sea in 1572.

Heading to the pullover (a sufficient rise over the sea defence that required and extra ox or horse to ‘pull’ a cart ‘over’ the bank bringing goods offloaded on the sea shore) the sand free Promenade would take us to Chapel Point and the ever-popular Seascape Café. Looking seaward, a view surely reminiscent of a Tenerife beach! We’ll leave the reader to judge.

By this time, David had departed for home territory in Skegness whilst the remainder continued towards Mumby, aided by a backwind and sunshine which had a little warmth. Close to where Green Lane meets Langham Road lies a fitting memorial and tribute to members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, whose Halifax BB216 crashed here on 1st September 1942. After taking off from Topcliffe in Yorkshire the aircraft developed engine trouble after crossing the English coast. The engines caught fire and the captain ordered the crew of seven to bail out. Four of the crew died in the accident. We last visited this site back in August 2018 when we had the company of Mike, Barry and Jim.

A straightforward journey from here through Cumberworth, Thurlby and Bilsby and we arrived back in Alford around 2 pm. Paul very kindly invited everyone in for afternoon tea and his legendary cheese straws. Went down a treat. Thanks Paul.

35 miles for Tim, 45 miles for Alan and close to 70 miles for John.

Just before departing, Tim would meet up with Reg who had indeed ridden about 30 miles, testing out his bike after various adjustments. Glad he too enjoyed a fine day out.