Holton le Clay

Cycling UK Louth Wednesday Wander to Holton le Clay 22nd November 2023:

Today a Wednesday Wander to the ‘Four Candles’ at Holton le Clay where we had been well looked after on our last visit. The weather forecast wasn’t too inspiring with largely cloudy skies, a brisk westerly wind and the chance of a little rain until lunchtime. Never the less, Paul Linder had pedalled in from home as had our award-winning member, John Weeks. Steve Croton would also join today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre. ETA back in Louth about 1.30 pm.

Initially a similar route to the one used on Sunday and we would again see a number of Buzzard, one swooping low over Paul’s head, talons at full stretch. Paul luckily unaware of the close call. 

As we approached Fulstow, skies darkened and we encountered occasional rain on our journey along Fen Lane to Tetney but only enough to dampen the road. 

Close to the 15-mile mark we arrived at the café where the owners came out to greet us and to direct us to a safe bike parking space at the rear of the property. Great fayre once again and we enjoyed hot drinks and a mix of bacon, egg and baked beans. 

Time too for John to assess the power consumption of his new battery range extender. Apparently, plenty enough for another 100 miles. Looks to be working well.

Our return journey would take us back through North End to Tetney Lock, passing the iconic 10 storage tank oil terminal. Crude oil arrives by marine tanker at the Tetney monobuoy near Spurn Point and from there, oil is pumped by subsea pipeline to Tetney before being piped to the refinery at South Killingholme for processing. No connection with Hornsea 2 Offshore Windfarm or the Viking Link.

Turning south into the freshening breeze meant an increase in effort as we passed through the West End and Alvingham, Steve putting on a burst of speed by Covenham Reservoir. 

Arrived back at the Meridian Leisure Centre at 1.28 pm, a couple of minutes ahead of schedule. 34 miles for the Louth contingent.