Wold Newton 08-01-2023

Northcotes and Wold Newton

Sunday 8th January 2023

Unusually for a winter Sunday ride, this would be a two-venue adventure and we had been granted a stunning sunrise and clear blue skies. Temperatures were expected to rise to a shade above average at eight Degrees Celsius.

Joining Ride Leader Tim Newbery at the Magna Vitae Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth were John Rickett, Paul Linder and Alan Hockham. We had been advised that Reg Bagshaw might meet up with us at Wold Newton.

Our route today would take us to the former Louth Priory and across the Louth Navigation at Ticklepenny, plenty of water gushing through the lock following a spell of heavy rain on Saturday. Onwards to Alvingham enjoying a brisk tailwind and sun kissed vistas. The origin of Alvingham’s name dates to the time of Danelaw, meaning “Homestead/village of Aelfa's people”. Lincolnshire is blessed with such rich history.

A familiar route for us all as we continued through the Covenhams and onto Northcotes via the West End. A few years ago, this is where we had been half drowned by torrential downpours but on this occasion a very straightforward journey along Kenneth Campbell Road to the former RAF station, arriving at North Coates Flying Club on schedule a little before 11.15 am.

We were just in time to view a number of helicopters taking off and land on their Brass Monkey ‘Fly-In’ event, followed by some fine refreshments from their café.

With the weather set fair we departed a little early to take advantage of the sunny conditions and continued through the attractive Grainsby Estate, a pair of Buzzard closely following our manoeuvres. All was fine up to the Barton Road but now a stiff climb at Hawerby Park, ascending to an altitude of about 115 m. A breeze for Alan who was enjoying the day.

Having been informed that Louth Cycle Club were visiting Wold Newton in the morning, we hoped that there would be some cake left over but we needn’t have worried as the good folk at the village hall provided us with a warm welcome and superb fayre.

We were also pleased to have been greeted by Reg who had indeed braved the gusty winds and hills and the five of us now continued southbound, ascending all the way to the ancient Salter’s Lane, a trade route linking the coastal salterns to Lincoln and other inland markets.

As a reward for our efforts so far, a fine descent was enjoyed through North Ormsby to Utterby. Approaching Brackenborough, Reg bade us farewell at the junction of Westfield Lane whilst the remaining contingent continued back to the Leisure Centre, arriving ahead of schedule at 2.30 pm. Thanks to John for a final cup of coffee.

The Louth contingent covered 37 miles, whilst Paul who would continue to Alford clocked up closer to 65 miles.

More hills next Sunday!