Maltby le Marsh 01-12-2024

Meeting up with today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery were John Rickett, Paul Linder, Martin Wood, Ty Harness and Alan Hockham. Steve Croton had indicated that he’d meet up with us at Maltby le Marsh. Apologies had been sent by Rob Cook who had led an impromptu ride in drier and brighter conditions yesterday (Saturday). A fine 40 mile ride to Alford with several members attending the town’s Christmas Market.

 

Departing the Leisure Centre at 10 am we’d aim to be Eastfield Farm Tearoom, Maltby le Marsh by 11.15 am, returning back to Louth approximately 1.30 pm.

 

Varying levels of waterproofs donned by members would combat anything the weather gods would throw at us but in the end just the occasional outbreak of rain. The strong headwind resulted in a very steady push along the lanes through Stewton and Legbourne Furze but we’d soon be making our way through Withern (a route Ty knows intimately). A few other cyclists were noted but altogether a fairly quiet ride along the A157 to Strubby and Maltby le Marsh. We’d arrive at the tearoom at 11.15 to find Steve already seated in the warm, enjoying a café latte.

 

The barn is about 200 years old and was used as a milking parlour until about 1996. Interesting to see the glass milk jars converted into decorative lights. 6 cows were milked in the seating area with 2 more in the kitchen.

 

Departing the café, Christmas tree sales seemed to be booming and we navigated our way through the netting area to the main road. Onwards then through Beesby and along Rye Lane to Galley Hill and Claythorpe. With the possibly of a change of use of the café at the Watermill to a fully residential dwelling (the planning application was validated by East Lindsey District Council on 26th November 2024), we may not see the venue open again.

 

Steve and Paul would continue to Aby where they’d both head for home to leave John, Tim, Ty and Martin to enjoy the scenic route to Meagram Top and Muckton. The roads were indeed ‘mucky’ by this point although the origin of the village is simply ‘Muckas’ Settlement, mentioned in the Domesday Book as "Muchetune".

 

No mishaps on the return to Louth in spite of the debris on the roads (Martin’s new Marathon Plus tyres performing well) we’d arrive back at the Leisure Centre a smidge ahead of schedule at 1.25 pm. Thanks once again to John for the supply of a final cuppa. 30 miles covered by the Louth contingent.

 

Tim’s ‘Relive’ fly through video: https://www.relive.cc/view/v26Mowdyn3v

 

Don’t forget today marks the start of a two month long ‘Winter Wheelers’ challenge run by ‘Love To Ride’. A chance to win weekly prizes. For more information and to register, see: https://www.lovetoride.net