Lyndhurst Garden Centre 2nd March 2025

The club’s first ride of meteorological Spring and remarkably we’d have the weather to match. Perhaps the best day since last November with light winds, clear blue skies all day and a high of a well above average 12 Degrees Celsius. Having been cancelled due to stormy weather last week, a ride to Basil’s Coffee Shop on a route devised by Paul Linder. 50 miles or more! 

 

Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were Sven Livesey, Ty Harness, Paul Linder, John Rickett and Tim Newbery. Steve Croton and Chris Owen had indicated they’d meet up with us enroute to Alford with perhaps Alan Hockham also joining us.

With skies clear blue and the increasingly warm sunshine beaming down, we enjoyed the ride through Little Cawthorpe and Muckton passing several other cyclists and horse riders. 

 

Passing by Authorpe Scrubs and Hall Wood we had been joined by Chris. He mentioned that he’d heard the characteristic call of a Raven. A species resident in large numbers in the 18th Century, extirpated for over two hundred years and although still scarce, now an increasing resident in the last 10 years or so. A group of Ravens is called an “unkindness” or “conspiracy”, folklore referencing the Raven as a bird of evil omen and mysterious character.

 

Onwards along Lincolnshire County Council’s Cycle Route C4 Alan joined the crowd and passing through Tothby Steve lay in wait. Total attendance by now a very respectable eight. 

 

Chris having already taken part in a long ride on Friday, left us after a breather in Alford to leave the remainder to tackle Cycle Route C1, C3 and C7 along the winding lanes through Farlesthorpe, Bonthorpe and the marshy Ings of Sloothby. The roads notable for poor surface, potholes and edges crumbling away revealing increasingly lengthy cracks. Views of the countryside were however rather fine, noting, snowdrops, daffodil and wild cyclamen becoming profuse along the verges. 

 

Last year’s ride to Lyndhurst was noteworthy for the heavy rain encountered for most of the ride but today, we’d arrive at the Garden Centre bone dry and on schedule at 12.15 pm. Hot drinks, and a mix of soup and cake would buoy us up for the return journey.

 

Managing to navigate the section of main road near Gunby Hall, we’d soon be heading north aided by a following wind and before long making a photo call by The Willoughby Arms. We were invited in for drinks but politely declined. Perhaps trade was slack. A pint or two another time. 

 

Back in Alford Steve, Alan and Paul would head for home to leave Sven, Ty, John and Tim to return to Louth via Withern, the Carltons, Legbourne Furze and Stewton. Sven had by now put on a burst of speed. His solo rides last week were obviously coming in handy.

 

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre at a little before half past three having covered 53 miles. Thanks to all for the company.

Tim's 'Relive' video: https://www.relive.com/view/vXOdmD1Gxk6