Horncastle 23-10-2024

Several takers for today’s spin to Horncastle, a suggestion put forward by Rob Cook. Tim Newbery would be joined by Martin Wood, John Rickett along with Rob. Ty Harness met up with us to pass on his best wishes but would need to head off to work.

 

Temperatures were initially a smidge below 10 degrees Celsius and although warnings for thick fog across much of Lincolnshire had been issued there was initially nothing more than an Autumn mist. Never the less we anticipated climbing straight into the cloud before reaching the top of the Wolds.

 

Indeed, we were soon enveloped in the fog which was thick enough to produce a wetting drizzle. A bit of an endurance test to the Bluestone Heath Road with John happy to snap our endeavours.

 

Descending Red Hill, sadly not much of an improvement and by the time we’d reached Sheep Cote Hill by Ashby Park Tim commented that unusually, there hadn’t been any sightings of birds of prey. To prove him wrong, almost immediately a raptor appeared out of the gloom and drizzle, the weather proving no obstacle on its forage for food.

 

Having had a noticeable headwind, it was about 11.30 am before we arrived at the market square. For John, a cup of his favoured coffee at ‘Costa’ whilst Tim, Martin and Rob opted for refreshment at ‘Just One More Bike’. The establishment was enjoying a brisk trade and there was a little wait for our flat whites so Tim and Martin plumped for marmite and cheese sausage rolls in the meantime. Very generous portions with Tim regretting that he’d not saved half for the onward journey.

 

Departing at noon, miraculously the fog and low cloud had cleared with even a glimpse or two of sunshine. The improving conditions would persist for our journey up to Fulletby and we were at last able to enjoy the sights of the Lincolnshire Wolds with great views of the Lymn Valley from Castcliffe Hill.

 

One more big push along Lowfield Lane up to Belchford Hill and the Bluestone Heath Road. John having raced ahead along with Martin was able to capture Tim’s efforts and the eventual smile of delight at the summit. Rob had decided to see how much longer it would take on a more sedate walk with the bike. A difference in the end of only a minute or two.

 

Rob unfortunately would need to stop at the road junction to Oxcombe as a sharp pin or tack had resulted in a puncture. With the forward party returning to assist, a team effort effected a suitable repair. Thanks go to Martin for the provision a new inner tube. At least the sun was shining and temperatures had risen to an above average 14 degrees.

No more mishaps and with a tail wind we’d sail through Maidenwell and Haugham, eventually arriving back at the Leisure Centre about 2.30 pm. 37 miles completed by the Louth Contingent.

 

Tim's 'Relive' video fly-through...