New Year's Day 2024
Cycling UK Louth New Year’s Day Ride 2024. A ‘Monday Meander’.
For once, skies were clear blue with hardly a cloud in sight and it was forecast to remain so until late afternoon. Temperatures about average at 7 Degrees Celsius but feeling chilly in a brisk westerly wind which the Met Office and BBC has predicted to gust to 30 mph.
Meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett, Paul Linder and Steve Croton who’d all pedalled from home. Tim arrived with Mike Housley who’d come across from Lincoln sporting his Carrera Subway 8. A great turnout for the New Year’s Day outing. Alan would understandably be at home celebrating his birthday.
The ride out through Brackenborough to the Covenham’s was pleasant and we’d once again meet a number of dog walkers along the lanes. We also had the opportunity of wishing a Happy New Year to a group of cyclists.
The roads had dried out remarkably well from yesterday’s rain and we’d soon be taking a left hander at Fulsow with Station Road leading us all the way to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. A headwind meant for quite a push on the pedals. We arrived to find the ‘Spitfire’ in full steam and preparing for its first journey of the day. Very atmospheric.
Following its departure, The Steaming Kettle Buffet Car was almost empty (briefly anyway) and hot drinks, slices of Christmas cake and bacon rolls were much enjoyed. Whilst chatting, we were joined by Sarah Paris. A very pleasant surprise. Great that she was able to join us today. Happy New Year Sarah.
On our return journey, Mike needed to return home a little earlier than originally anticipated so we bade farewell at Alvingham.
Continuing to Manby, Sarah would head for home and similarly Paul and Steve would head their separate way at Little Carlton. The thought of yet more mince pies at Tim’s was too much to bear.
Tim would arrive back at the Leisure Centre a little before 1.30 pm having covered 28 miles (into the 40’s for Paul and Steve by the time they got home). Tim would now look forward to a veritable feast (and maybe a glass or two) whilst watching the annual New Year’s Day Concert from Vienna. A perfect day.
Thanks to all for the company, especially to Mike for travelling long distance and good to have met up with Sarah again.