Hibaldstow Skydive Centre 2nd June 2024

The day began bright, sunny but with a chilly wind from the NW or was it from the NE? It could have been the North because it would blow into our faces whichever way we turned. A consequence of living so close to the coast and sea breezes.

 

The temperature was ideal for cycling however at 17°C by 09.00.

Members turning up for the longest ride of the year at 76 miles were: Tim Newbery, John Rickett, Steve Croton and Rob Cook.

Unexpectedly absent were Martin Wood and Paul Linder. We wondered whether they had not appreciated the earlier start time!

 

By 09.50, John and Paul had reached Jenny's at Donington on Bain. Myself and Tim taking the journey at a more leisurely pace, around two minutes later. John had ordered coffee for everyone, so thanks once again John. He has got very deep pockets and frequently treats the group to beverages. It has not gone unnoticed, John.

Leaving from the side of Jenny's shop, the heat was building up and the sun felt quite strong. I thought I'd recognised celebrity presenter Julia Bradbury emerging from inside the shop. Characteristic deep voice, dark hair and around 5ft 9in. A doppelganger, if not.

 

The gradual climb up to Hainton was full of verdant hedgerows and birdsong. The white topped cow parsley, hemlock and hundreds of other wild plants lined the hedgerows. John, characteristically cycled on ahead. Steve, Tim and myself chatted casually until we reached S. Willingham, noticing the bus shelter had been recently painted, pale blue with children’s books provided on the wooden seat.

 

Unable to resist the temptation, Steve then sped ahead to wait for Tim and myself to meet with John at the junction. From Hainton to Market Rasen, the road meandering and undulating, we soon arrived at the Market Rasen Racecourse, following a route through a housing estate suggested by Chris. We would meet up with Chris, later and be thankful for his local knowledge and experience.

 

Chris is noted for his short-cutting routes through towns. Sometimes, we have followed him into driveways, fully expecting to emerge from the back door of someone’s house!

 

No stops at Market Rasen or Middle Rasen, we were intent upon making headway. By the road to Brandy Wharf, after a water stop the freshening wind livened our pace to maintain a constant rhythm. After a while, Chris appeared hot foot, returning from the direction of Moortown, to relate the bad news. The road was completely impassable!

Only a few miles from Hibaldstow, at that point, we cycled on to consider the alternatives over lunch.

Hibaldstow was busy. As we arrived, a small aeroplane flew over us. I looked up, fully expecting to see a Spitfire but it turned out otherwise. Families crowded the wooden tables and chairs outside the café and there was a general air of fun and merriment.

 

As we sat, we watched daredevil young men descend at some speed by parachute, landing uncharacteristically on their backsides and sliding several metres to a stop. Tandem parachuters occasionally added to the spectacle as did model aircraft flying not far away.

 

After arriving at 12.40, we had discussed the plan and necessary altered route. The crossing of the river some 2 miles hence, would however prove an impassable object none foresaw. The bridge across the Ancholme was covered in scaffold and blocked passage. After a brief recce by John, climbing vertical ladders and swinging Tarzan-like around the structure, it was pronounced impassable.

 

I was leader of the ride but advised by Chris, that changed owing to his superior local knowledge and OS map.

Little by little, he led us via lane and canal to another bridge further north at Cadney. It proved fortuitous but added about 4 miles to the 76 mile route. However, progression via Caistor instead of Nettleton meant the original route could be resumed.

 

Just outside Cadney, a self-service coffee cabin popped which couldn't be denied to Tim. After briefly assuming responsibility for the route change by rejigging his Garmin, he was ready for a coffee as was Chris.

After Caistor, it was clogging-on time for John. He was advised to pedal ahead together with Steve because a brew-up at Ravendale was imminent.

 

After 15.00 the stop at Ravendale valley was welcome. The burner was lit and Tim and myself were treated to a visit by horses of various breeds together with their foals. As I munched biscuits and cheese, Tim attempted to clean up the contents of his bar bag. The home-made oatcake he had been looking forward to now covered in sun- screen cream.

A bay, Punch mare turned her hind quarters on the fence next to us to scratch. She familiarised us with the anatomical details of her hind quarters in the process before slowly wandering away.

 

The last leg now and certainly I could feel my legs. In the absence of the rest of the group, we were able to make another slight alteration to the route. It was decided to pass through Wold Newton and head straight for Acthorpe Top Farm for final a descent. Arriving at the Leisure Centre at 18.05, we had covered 78 miles by a series of route alterations but arrived probably 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

 

A good test of all cycling skills on today's ride. The longest ride of the year (probably the longest ride report) almost on the longest day too...

 

Thanks to all for participating...

Tim's 'Relive' video report: