Clee 16-10-22

Clee - 16-10-2022

Assembling under clear blue skies and brilliant Autumnal sunshine at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were Ride Leader Tim Newbery, John Rickett, John Ambler, Alan Hockham, Paul Linder and Rob Cook. We wondered if Reg Bagshaw would join us en-route. A magnificent turnout.

Today’s ride; off to the seaside and a route to take us into North East Lincolnshire and Cleethorpes. Cleethorpes was once made up of three small hamlets – Itrebi (Itterby), Hole (Oole) and Ternescue (Thrunscoe) which were part of a wider parish called Clee (Old English ‘clǣg’ meaning clay or clayey soil), all recorded in the Doomsday Book. The origin of the name Clee is hardly surprising as vast swathes of boulder clay cover the area, having being left behind after the glaciers melted about 14,000 years ago. At Cleethorpes, this clay forms a ‘cliff’ of up to 40 feet, the only one between the Humber and the Wash. These settlements originally existed as small fishing villages, famous for its oysters. Cleethorpes was historically the centre of the UK Oyster trade and it’s interesting to see that the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) is currently working to reinstate oysters along the Humber Estuary.

Departing Louth at 09.30 am, a brisk south west wind made for a pleasant ride through Brackenborough, groves and hedgerows displaying tinges of russet, wonderfully backlit by the sunshine. Woodland apple trees too were laden with fruit, windfall ready for scrumping!

Bowling along to the Covenham’s, we were delighted to meet up with Reg near Bull Bank. A compliment now of seven riders. Onwards to Humberstone and in spite of passing through Furze Hill, the route was largely flat in marked contrast to last week. Sustran’s NCN Route 10 would now take us towards Cleethorpes seafront and after a brief discussion, we plumped for refreshments at Darracotte's Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour. Plenty of space today with great views out to sea. Refreshments were much enjoyed and John rated the bacon sandwich 8.5 out of 10. Tim too gratefully received a handful of Lotus, Biscoff biscuits!

The RNLI inflatable D-Class boat had just been brought ashore following a training exercise, a new station is currently being built in Cleethorpes when a more powerful B Class Atlantic 85 will join the fleet.

“The tide rises, the tide falls, the twilight darkens, the curlew calls. The little waves, with their soft, white hands, efface the footprints in the sands, and the tide rises, the tide falls”. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

As Rob had missed out on last Sunday’s ride into the Wolds, he would choose a route via New Waltham, Brigsley, Wold Newton (with 'Save The Village Hall' banners) and Utterby. A scenic route and Rob informed us that ‘The Carriage at Waltham Windmill Café’ serve splendid fayre and well worth a club visit. For most, it would be a ride along the sea front and along Sustrans NCN 10 for a short section of bridle way to join up with South Sea Lane. Dry on this occasion and a splendid variation of scenery.

We would continue along the prescribed route to Tetney Lock where an unscheduled stop was made at The Crown and Anchor. Being a Sunday, Tim opted for a half pint of the appropriately named Reverend James. He would regret that decision. Never the less time for a pleasant chat and camaraderie with fellow cyclists who were also taking refreshment.

The final leg from Grainthorpe was pleasant enough although the headwind demanded a constant effort. Reg would depart for home at Yarburgh with the rest of the group finally returning to Louth at about 2.30 pm having covered 40 miles. Many thanks to John Rickett for drinks and flapjack at the Meridian Leisure Centre. A splendid day out.