Landmark Café 25-02-2024

Dawn saw a widespread frost envelop the grass and parked cars alike with a glistening crystalline display, sparkling brightly in the early morning sunshine. We had however been promised temperatures of 4 Degrees Celsius by 10 am, rising to a near seasonal average of 8 by the afternoon.

 

Martin Wood had sent apologies (hopefully he’ll join us on another occasion) and Chris Owen had arranged to meet up en-route, whilst Sven Livesey, Alan Hockham, Paul Linder and John Rickett met up with Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure for the ride to the Landmark Café.

 

Departing promptly at 10 am we pedalled our way through Brackenborough and were delighted to hear the distinctive ‘drumming’ sounds of Woodpecker. Continuing through the Covenhams and Fulstow, we’d also encounter a number of cycling groups and solo riders, all eager to enjoy this rather fine winter’s day. Making good progress in a gentle easterly breeze.

 

A ride through Bowlings Park is always enjoyable and by now we had Chris for company giving us the chance of a good old natter. Having ridden in from home he would later depart at Grainsby, whilst for the others it was an increase in effort and a digging into the reserves for the climb up to Barton Street, the ancient trackway which runs north from the crossing of the Lud in Louth to the Humber at Barton. We’d been booked into the Landmark Café at 11.15 am and duly arrived within a few seconds of our schedule. Great views out over the marshes towards the coast whilst we enjoyed refreshments.

 

Refreshed, a route southbound via Peterhills and Wold Newton taking us through the delights of the Lincolnshire Wolds. A quick stop for a rest bite at Salters Lane where Sven would kindly take a group picture. One for the Cycling UK Lincolnshire photography competition perhaps. Today’s highest point at about 125 m (410 ft).

 

‘Downhill all the way’ as the saying goes and we did indeed benefit from the descent through North Elkington and the Dales with views across to the coast. Arrived back at the Leisure Centre a little after 1.30 pm with John once again very kindly gifting a round of coffee.

 

34 miles covered by the Louth contingent. 9 Degrees Celsius in perfect sunny conditions.