Waltham

Mid-Week Club Ride to Waltham- Wednesday 1st December 2021

Having been put off our stride on Sunday with very icy conditions, we would attempt the ride to Waltham once again in spite of the less than promising weather forecast.

John Rickett met up with Tim Newbery at Louth's Leisure Centre for a coffee with John Ambler joining us shortly after departure (John was delayed having failed to find his waterproof trousers). Chris Owen had informed us that he would meet up at Waltham.

The overnight rain had cleared and the near gale force winds had moderated a little, never the less it was a stiff headwind for the route out to Brackenborough and Covenham. John Rickett was disadvantaged riding without 'battery boost' but he managed to set a good pace and we at least enjoyed dry conditions to Fulstow and Tetney.

Skies were increasingly dark and threatening but our timing was impeccable as the forecast rain held off exactly until our arrival at the Dragonfly Tea Rooms in Waltham. We would indeed arrive at the same time as Chris, just a few minutes behind schedule.

An enjoyable chat over cups of tea and coffee. Tim and John Ambler sampled their bacon butties (a very high rating was awarded) whilst John Rickett so enjoyed the homemade scone that he ordered seconds.

By the time we departed the heaviest of the showers had cleared through. Chris would head for home whilst the remainder headed for Wold Newton and initially the climb up to Ravendale. 1st December and already a fully decorated Christmas Tree at the entrance to East Ravendale Park was set to entice happy shoppers to purchase seasonal fayre.

With the brisk tailwind John Rickett was setting a cracking pace through Wold Newton and onto Salters Lane. A few showers but we were managing to dodge the worst and by the time we had swooped our way down North Elkington Lane there were even glimpses of blue sky allowing bursts of sunshine.

John Rickett and John Ambler would leave Tim on the outskirts of town with today's Ride Leader arriving home at a little after 2 pm having covered 37 miles.

Many thanks to all for the great company. Here's hoping the weather will be fit for the ride to Cleethorpes on Sunday.