Wednesday Wander 19-03-2025
Cycling UK Louth Wednesday Wander 19th March 2025.
Ride Report by John Rickett:
While it was decidedly chilly first thing this morning (-3C) the forecast was for the temperature to rise quite quickly to 6C by the time of our departure at 10.00 and continue to climb into double figures by the afternoon.
Tim had previously excused himself from the Wednesday Wander, this left the small band of Ty Harness, Steve Croton, Martin Wood and John Rickett to gather at the Meridian Centre. Wall to wall sunshine and a light wind, a perfect start.
Today's ride was planned as a circular route to The Boatshed at Huttoft Beach just south of Sutton on Sea. Tim really should have been at the helm as the merry band, lead by John, set off down St Bernard's Avenue when we should have been going in the opposite direction! The penny dropped after 1/2 mile and after an about-turn, the correct course was regained.
Outbound via Stewton, Legbourne, North and South Reston quite a few individual riders were spotted, the promise of fine weather had obviously drawn them out. Between the Restons Alan Hockham appeared which swelled the numbers to five. Continuing eastward through Withern, Beesby and Hagnaby we were overtaken by a group of cyclists (much younger so that's ok) as we made our way to Sutton-on-Sea (originally Sutton in the Marsh though the newly formed Sutton and Willoughby Railway Company thought that Sutton on Sea was a more attractive sounding name and successfully campaigned for the name change). From there it was a smooth ride along the newly resurfaced, and widened, Roman Bank road to the Boatshed. Alan had another appointment so bade his farewell on the outskirts of Sutton.
Paul Linder had beat us to it and fought off all comers to keep a table reserved in the sun. Coffee and snacks were enjoyed while watching the redevelopment work to turn the old Sandilands golf course into a wetlands wild life centre. The 30 acre site is being transformed by the National Trust and is projected to be completed later this year.
Following refreshments, the return journey took the group through Huttoft, Thurlby, Bilsby (home to Steve so no point in his going any further) and Alford where Paul also said goodbye. This left Ty, Martin and John to make their way back via the familiar route of Tothby, Claythorpe, Muckton and Little Cawthorpe. Martin needed to be back for an appointment at 14.30 while Ty didn't need to be back at Withern quite so soon and we agreed to press on, leaving Ty to enjoy the ever increasing temperature and views of the countryside wakening up from its winter sleep.
The Meridian Centre was reached sometime between 13.30 and 14.00 so a pleasant and successful day for everyone.
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