Wednesday Wander 13-12-2023

Wednesday Wander 13th December 2023:

The weather forecast for the Wednesday Wander was anything but inspiring with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, with winds gusting over 35 mph in a chill northerly wind.

Today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery had already decided against a ride to Alford but instead a short pedal to the Leisure Centre for a coffee. The conditions were a bit grim but Tim was delighted, if rather surprised, to see John Weeks in readiness for a ride. He’d battled his way from Wood Enderby in rain and strong headwinds across the Wolds. Looked like a short ride for Tim after all.

Adorning full waterproofs, Tim suggested a route to Mimi’s Mission at Manby and so we both set off along Stewton Lane trying to avoid the largest of the puddles. On our way to Little Carlton we’d pass a horse rider, also braving the elements. Hedgerows afforded us some shelter but winds were gusty.

We were given a warm welcome by the team at Mimi’s Mission and seated at a window table right next to the radiator. Perfect. A small Full English also went down well. At this point John was asked to draw for the raffle, the winning ticket going to Laura, one of the staff who was delighted. 

Our return route was via Grimoldby and South Cockerington, the rain finally easing for a time. Arrived back in Louth about 12.30 pm. Sixteen miles for Tim but plenty more still to go for John. 

Temperatures were by now nudging 6 Degrees Celsius but with winds gusting up to 38 mph, the wind chill barely one degree. 

Hopefully something better for Sunday although there’s a strange sense of achievement battling the elements.