Maltby le Marsh 13-03-2024

In contrast to the last few weeks, a mild day was forecast with temperatures expected to reach a dizzy 14 Degrees Celsius. Some sunshine too but the payback would be contending with a strong sou’wester with gusts of 35 mph.

With the Stables at Maltby le Marsh having been closed on a Wednesday during the winter, today would be their first mid-week opening of the new season. Time then to pay a visit.

 

John Rickett met up Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre and John was looking pleased with a new Ravemen out front light, fitting neatly underneath the Garmin. Today a perfect test on our ‘agricultural’ roads. We hoped to meet up with Paul Linder and Steve Croton en-route.

 

Outbound through Stewton and Legbourne Furze, exchanging greetings (as is now customary) with a number of walkers and joggers. Onwards through the Carltons where we’d meet up Paul Linder and Alan Hockham. Alan would just have enough time to fit in brunch with us in his busy schedule.

 

Winds were gusty but manageable and we’d enjoy increasing numbers of daffodils bursting into bloom along the verge sides. The distinctive song of skylark and fine views of buzzard and red kite added to a make a pleasurable ride so far. Better too when we met up with Steve at Withern.

 

We’d been booked in at 11.15 am at Maltby le Marsh but arrived a little ahead of schedule, greeted initially by free range hens roaming the gardens. At least we’d know the source of our eggs on toast! The staff were welcoming with super hospitality from Poppy who served us today.

 

The return was initially straight into the wind, with Alan leading the way before heading for home after Beesby. An ascent of Galley Hill on Rye Lane would take us through Greenfield Woodlands where an evocative psithurism could be heard roaring through the leaves and branches. 35 mph gusts for sure.

 

Turning north at Claythorpe took us to Station Farm and its storage silos and then a sharp climb was necessitated to reach the Muckton Road. It was here that Paul gave us a masterclass in puncture repair. Very kind but even at 14 degrees and bright skies, to keep warm it was soon time for Paul and Steve to make their way home and for John and Tim to return to Louth. 29 miles for the Louth contingent.

 

Thanks to all for the company.