Waltham

Sunday 20th June 2021. 'Father's Day Ride'.

The weather forecast for today’s ride not only changed daily but almost hourly - in the end it was with some relief that the day dawned mainly dry, although dull and cloudy with a scattering of showers and a chilly brisk north east wind. Who would know that tomorrow is Mid-Summer’s Day!

Meeting up with Tim Newbery at the Meridian Leisure Centre was John Ambler, suitably attired for the inclement weather. Chris Owen had indicated that he would meet up with the group at Tetney.

Riding northbound we did indeed encounter a stiff headwind and it was decidedly cool, the warm jackets certainly very welcome.

Continuing through Brackenborough and the Covenhams we met several groups of cyclists and horse riders all enjoying a day out in the fresh air. Onwards along Thoresby Road we did eventually meet up with Chris on the outskirts of Tetney whereupon, on the suggestion of Chris, a route was taken through Holton le Clay and onto the Tollbar Academy. A final stretch along Station Road took us directly to Waltham and a refreshment stop at The Blue Dragonfly Tea Room. The owners are keen to encourage groups of cyclists and there’s certainly plenty of room inside and outside. Chris very much enjoyed the scrambled egg on toast.

After a pleasant rest and a natter it was time to carry on to Brigsley where Chris would depart for his homebound journey, whilst John and Tim carried on up the hill to Ravendale Top. A left-hand turn and the picturesque route through Petterhills. To take advantage of a rehydration facility, a choice was made to deviate from the planned route for a pint at the Click’em. Certainly, very welcome and a bit of a treat for John on ‘Father’s Day’.

By now the temperature had just crept up above 12 degrees Celsius and the cloud had started to break up to allow some glimpses of sunshine. Continuing to North Ormsby, it was Tim who called for a short break at the ‘Cyclist’s Bench’ to enjoy a munchie bar and the fine views of the Deserted Medieval Village. Interesting too to contemplate the life of the 100 or so nuns that used to occupy the Gilbertine Nunnery opposite us, first built in the reign of King Stephen in 1135. Indeed, North Ormsby was often called ‘Nun Ormsby’.

With the sun now shining down and skies increasingly blue we noticed at least one pair of Buzzard taking advantage of the thermals and a pleasant ride was had on our final leg back into Louth via Little Grimsby and Brackenborough. 38 miles covered for the Louth contingent, 29 miles for Chris. Many thanks to all for their company.