Mablethorpe

Cycling UK Louth Sunday Ride to Mablethorpe - 23rd January 2022

Last week we enjoyed one of the rare occasions in the winter season when the sun shone through the clouds with apricity. Today however, skies would remain heavily draped in cloud and although the thermometer rose to 6 degrees Celsius, the chill remained and for some heated gloves were the order of the day.

Meeting up with today’s Ride Leader Alan Hockham at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett, John Ambler, Chris Owen and Tim Newbery. Apologies had been received from Neil Parnham and Reg Bagshaw.

Alan’s ride would take us eastbound to South Cockerington and a brisk ride too with what little wind there was aiding our progress. Once we had passed through Grimoldby, Alan decided on an altered route to take us due south through Manby to the Carltons. Continuing along Thacker Bank to the winding Great Eau gave us a greater variety of landscape and sightings of a number of birds of prey and flocks of overwintering geese.

Chris would leave the group at Three Bridges Lane (one of Chris’ favourite locations) and we would learn later that he had enjoyed a 32-mile ride at an average speed of 12 mph. Alan would lead everyone else past Gayton Engine Pumping Station and onto Rotten Row where we were surprised but delighted to have been stopped by Rob Whitworth. A very pleasant chat and a catch up on all the news. Great to have seen you again Rob. Mentioning that we were on our way for ice creams at Farmer Brown’s (with little enthusiasm) it was Rob who said why don’t we go to Mablethorpe for hot coffee and bacon buns and so it was that we would end up at Mr G’s Beach Café offering great vies of the seaside. The Gents apparently also has a great display of luggage labels!   

Having nicely warmed up and suitably fuelled it was time to get back out into the chill damp and overcast skies once more. A route through Trusthorpe, Thorpe and Hagnaby, with views across the marshy plains to the lumps and bumps of what remains of Hagnaby Abbey. Founded in 1175 by Premonstratensian canons it’s just one of numerous such establishments in the county and a reminder that in the Middle Ages, Lincolnshire was one of the most densely populated parts of England.

A few miles further and time enough for one final stop at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant for hot drinks. John Rickett would finally decide to put on his warm jacket as temperatures had refused to budge much above from what we had at the start of the day.

The final leg would take us back through the Carltons but this time by way of variety to Legbourne and then back to Louth.  A total of about 60 km (38 miles) for the Louth contingent. Many thanks to all for the company.