Cleethorpes 23rd December 2024
Cycling UK Louth Monday Meander to Cleethorpes 23-12-2024:
A ‘Monday Meander’ to Clee, originally planned for Sunday but postponed due to the forecast of near gale force winds. In the end Humberside reported gusts of 45 mph from 1 pm. Understandably not everyone was available for the rescheduled ride but joining Ride Leader Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Paul Linder, Steve Croton and Martin Wood.
A brisk NW’ly breeze was set to decrease throughout the day with temperatures rising to 6 Degrees Celsius, a degree below the seasonal average. Never the less, Tim was grateful for his early Christmas present of a pair of heated gloves.
Departing on schedule at 10 am we had an ETA back to Louth of about 2.30 pm.
Our outward leg was a bit of a push on the pedals into an alternating headwind and crosswind through the Covenhams and Fulstow. A few other cyclists could be seen and greetings were exchanged. In Tetney, Martin indicated that he’d need to return home for family duties but it was good to have had his company so far.
Passing signs for Humberston ("Humber Stone", a large boulder deposited on the site of the village during the last Ice Age) it wouldn’t be long before arriving on the sea front in Cleethorpes.
We were fortunate in having a number of venues to choose from including Kingsway Kiosks with a view of the sea, but in the end we plumped for Marples which we haven’t been to for a few years. Excellent fayre too with Steve enjoying tea and tea cake while Paul found the Avocado Crush most agreeable. Tim chose a more unusual combination of Brioche French Toast with lashings of compote, crème fraiche and maple syrup.
Interesting to think that Clee (meaning clay and not surprising as the coastal cliffs are all formed of glacial boulder moraine) was originally a small fishing village in the 6th Century, famous for its oysters which were sold outside pubs and stalls along the coast. Latterly of course notable for its pier opened in 1873 by a Mr Grant Thorold of Weelsby, still looking resplendent today having been bought and restored by Papas Fish and Chips.
Returning by our outward route to Tetney, a backwind assisted ride to Tetney Lock was welcoming. A choice of returning via Covenham or onwards to Grainthorpe. With Lenton Bakery still open at the old windmill, Paul requested a brief stop to pick up provisions. We were promptly served by Chef Pete and Baker Shell and we came away with a selection of goodies. Happy Christmas!
From here a headwind home but we arrived back at the Leisure Centre at 2.15 pm, ahead of schedule. 40 miles completed by the Louth contingent. Many thanks to all.
Tim's Relive fly-through video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vWqBZLP1pYq
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