Sudbrooke 18th August 2024
Cycling UK Louth Ride to Sudbrooke Sunday 18th August 2024:
Rob Cook had requested a ride to Sudbrooke and other members subsequently suggested the ride to start and finish in Market Rasen, similar to the one Chris had kindly organised in the Spring of 2023.
Meeting up at the Leisure Centre in Market Rasen were Tim Newbery, Alan Hockham, John Rickett and special guest Ty Harness from Louth. Welcome aboard Ty!
Weatherwise, a fine day was in prospect with top temperatures about 20 Degrees Celsius under mostly cloudy skies with a brisk westerly wind gusting 25-30 mph.
Our route would initially take us alongside the Race Course and Golf Club, although we wouldn’t have time today to try out the newly opened ‘Annex Café’. Everyone had been well briefed on the poor state of the minor roads and increasingly frequent potholes. Alan certainly wasn’t waning another burst inner tube. The ride was never the less incident free and we made our way through the Torringtons to the former RAF Wickenby arriving in good time at a little before 10.30 am.
We were pleased to meet up with Rob and Chris who had indeed initially made their way to Market Rasen and we were all entertained by the ‘Wingwalking Challenge’. Today two vintage Stearman aircraft were offering up flights for the daring. We declined the offer and instead enjoyed hot drinks and a mix of cake and sausage egg and bacon sandwiches. Café 12 at Wickenby aerodrome is so called because 12 Squadron were originally based here, followed later by 66 Squadron. Sobering to think that over 1000 aircrew failed to return home to RAF Wickenby during the WWII.
10 miles down and a similar distance to Sudbrooke, although it felt a little longer as we traversed across the railway line a number of occasions as we made our way through Snelland and Stainton by Langworth. Tim’s short detour around the lanes in Scothern didn’t help but we were soon crossing the busy Wragby Road to the Cherry Tree Garden Centre and Coffee Shop. For some a chat in the sunshine, for others time to relax in the cool inside.
All rested and with the time approaching 12.30 pm, riders made their way back to Scothern, this time U turns. Sustrans NCN Route 1, also known as Euro Velo 12 North Sea Route, would now lead us to Wickenby. Recorded as Wichingebi in Domesday, the name originated from the corruption of the Danish word ‘Vichen’ or Viking. The 106 acre Wickenby Wood is also mentioned in Domesday as ancient woodland providing villagers with grazing and kindling.
At this point Tim handed over Ride Leadership to Aaln Hockham, both Alan and Chris assuring Tim that they knew how to get back safely to the Leisure Centre. Here’s hoping all went well. Tim, Rob and Ty would head back to Louth via Donnington on Bain whilst John opted to return home via Ludford. A pint (orange and lemonade – honestly) at the Black Horse might have influenced Tim in his decision making.
For members in the Louth area, around 65 miles covered. Many thanks to all and special thanks to Ty for joining us today.
Tim's 'Relive' fly through video: