Donnington on Bain 18-06-2023

Cycling UK Louth Sunday ride to Donnington on Bain.

Father’s Day 18th June 2023:

'Family Duties' would prevent a number of club members attending the Father's Day ride to Donnigton on Bain but meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, John Rickett, Paul Linder and Alan Hockham.

Although thundery rain was forecast late in the afternoon, we were expecting to enjoy a fine warm and bright day with an estimated return to Louth of about 4 pm.

Departing at 09.30 am we would make our way through Stewton and Furze, pleasant breezes and a high cloud cover affording an enjoyable ride out of town. Onwards through the Carltons we would meet up with Reg Bagshaw who looked in good spirits.

It seemed strange to pass by Claythorpe Watermill and not stop for refreshments but today a different agenda and we looked forward to coffee and cake (or a full breakfast) at The Sail Shed Cafe, Alford Windmill. At South Thoresby, Reg had commented that he might visit his family in Well. As we had intended to visit Alford first and it would be another hour or so before we passed through Well, we bade farewell to Reg and wished him a great Father's Day.

The Alford Windmill Trust made us welcome and Tim and Paul enjoyed beans on toast whilst others hot drinks and scones. Looking at the state of the remaining sail and capstan, restoration would undoubtedly take some considerable time with the final bill running into millions.

From Alford finally the run through Well and onto Calceby to pick up the Bluestone Heath Road. We could just about be able make out the 'lumps and bumps' in the fields of the streets, tofts and crofts of the deserted medieval village close to Calceby Beck, the source of the Great Eau.

The Bluestone Heath Road is always a joy to cycle along with its great views of the open landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. The cloud was at this point melting away and brightening sunshine helped push temperatures to 24 Degrees Celsius. Increasingly too was the rich, heavenly scented fragrance of the Elderflower. You could almost drink the summer cordial.

Once more a climb to about 150 m at Rowgate before the long descent to Scamblesby with fine views of the Thorpe. Scamblesby derives its name from the medieval cultivation terraces just east of the village which look like shelves or benches. The Old English term for shelf is ‘Sceamol’ or ‘Shamble’. ‘Scamblesbi’ was mentioned in the 1066 Domesday book as a settlement with 14 householders.

As part of recent 'Wednesday Wander', members had visited Saint Martin’s Church and we chose to rest awhile in the shade of the tree. Complimentary drinks and biscuits were available but a decision was made to continue to Donnington on Bain for the scheduled lunch at the Blacksmiths Arms. With National Picnic Week having started this weekend, pub sandwiches were enjoyed in the gardens.

Chatting and soaking in the summer atmosphere for over an hour was quite therapeutic but with the prospect of rain setting in from about 5 pm we'd need to return back to Louth. A push on the pedals or a flip of the switch to engage a higher power setting on the battery allowed us all to master the ascent to the Bluestone Heath Road before enjoying the downslope to Hallington.

Arriving back in Louth ahead of schedule at 3.45 pm, we'd completed 75 km although a few more for John and quite a few more for Paul. We hope he'd make it back before the downpours set in.

It was Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend with a flypast scheduled from 1 till 4 pm. John would later message to say that just as he was pedalling into his village, the BBMF Lancaster flew over very low and provided a personal flypast.

Thanks to all for a great day out.

(Editor's note: heavy rain, hail and thunder and lightning in Louth by 6 pm).