Louth CTC Birthday Rides and Prize Giving Friday 5th August 2022

CTC Birthday Rides and Prize Giving Friday 5th August 2022

2022 marks the 52nd Anniversary of CTC Birthday Rides which started in 1970 in anticipation of the Centenary of the founding of the Cyclists’ Touring Club on 5th August 1878 in Harrogate, which is why we embarked on a ride this Friday 5th August, some 144 years later.

Over the years Cycling UK Louth has held an annual get together to award ‘The Effort Cup’, originally donated by Rod Forster. Sadly Covid–19 restrictions which were first imposed in March 2020 scuppered our plans to hold the event that year and again in 2021. So, it was decided to combine the ‘Birthday Rides’ and ‘Prize Giving’, with the aim of gathering at the Woolpack in Louth for lunch.

A cooler, fresher day than of late but skies were bright and meeting up with Tim Newbery at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Paul Linder, Alan Hockham and Reg Bagshaw.

A brisk north westerly wind aided our journey through Keddington with Reg requesting a viewing of a cottage refurbishment on the Louth Road, before continuing to Howdales and Skidbrooke along the Saddleback Drain. We look forward to the ‘Wassail’ at the Skidbrooke Cyder Company Farm next January.

Time for a break and Tim suggested visiting St. Peter’s Church at South Somercotes. The club last visited a few years ago but this would be a first for Alan, Paul and Reg.

Known as the ‘Queen of the Marsh’, St. Peter’s church, has presided over its lush environs since the Middle Ages when, according to local legend, it was built as a beacon for sailors. The name ‘summercotes’ means ‘huts used in summer’, suggesting the area was used to graze livestock during the summer.

Checking our watches to coordinate a midday arrival at the Woolpack, we would return to Eleven Greens where Reg had indicated he would depart for home. In the end we would all continue through the rural lanes, dodging subsided edges, grass centre lines and potholes to South Cockerington and Alvingham before arriving at the pub at 11.57 am. Perfect timing.

John and Celia Ambler would soon join us along with Barry Jordan, Jim Brennan and Chris Owen. It was super to have everyone’s company. We had been set a table in the dining room and our pre-ordered meals were soon being presented. Great service.

Tim had promised to keep his speech short. This year, the Effort Cup, first presented to Peter Launchbury in 1987, was awarded to Paul Linder who has recently re-joined our club. Keen, enthusiastic and athletic, he hardly misses a ride and has ably led some of our rides too, giving guided tours of the local attractions. Congratulations.

Thanks to all for such a special day.