Mablethorpe 03-11-2024

A quiet weather day with largely cloudy skies, light winds and a seasonal average temperature of about 12 Degrees Celsius.

Steve Croton had originally hoped to join us but had sent apologies as he needed to keep an appointment whilst we were delighted to have the company of Mike Housley who came across from Lincoln. Along with today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery were Rob Cook, John Rickett, Ty Harness and Alan Hockham. Paul Linder had cycled in from Alford to meet up with us for a send off. Well done Paul!

 

A good turnout and with six of us, a decision to head to Mablethorpe for refreshment at the Whistle Stop Bistro at the town’s Station Leisure Centre. Rob looked pleased with his new tyres and was soon to demonstrate the usefulness of a newly purchased kickstand.

 

Heading east we’d take our usual route through Stewton and Legbourne Furze before heading to the Carltons and Withern. We would exchange pleasantries with a few other cyclists, horse riders and joggers sharing the highway with Rob noting a large adult Buzzard making a close pass over the hedgerow right beside us.

 

Stain Lane would take us directly to Meers Bridge and onwards to North End where Quebec Road directed us to the town centre.

Mablethorpe was buzzing with the current round in the Sandracing calendar just underway. Certainly, a large number of motorbikes with a crowd gathering by the pullover.

 

For us however the last leg to the newly opened Leisure Centre and welcome refreshment. Although the sausage bap wasn’t given the highest of ratings, Tim thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Sunday Lunch’ pork and stuffing bap.

 

Retracing our outbound route to Meers Bridge we’d now enjoy a tailwind to Hand Puddle Hole Bridge, village signs at Theddlethorpe festooned in handmade knitted poppies in preparation for Remembrance Sunday.

 

Tim had requested a photo call at Gayton Engine with a pleasant breather taken to admire the crepuscular rays streaming through the gaps in the clouds. Although the beams seem to converge at a point beyond the cloud they are actually near-parallel.

 

Gayton Engine Pumping station was built in 1850 to drain the surrounding marsh into the Great Eau. Originally powered by steam, an electric pump eventually took over in 1956 although the Gayton Engine Preservation Society would run the oil fired pump on special open days until 2019.

 

At this point, Mike had indicated that he had an increasingly painful knee and would need a steady ride back. A forward party of John, Rob and Alan would depart for home with Ty, Mike and Tim following on behind. We’d regroup at the Meridian Leisure Centre enjoying a chat and a final cuppa. 32 miles covered by the Louth contingent. Here’s hoping the pain in Mike’s knee soon eases.

 

Thanks to all for the company. Tim's ‘Relive’ flythrough video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vLqe2WrZGRv