Woodthorpe 20-11-2024
Cycling UK Louth Wednesday Wander to Woodthorpe
20th November 2024
With the weather set against us there was, remarkably, a contingent still willing to meet up at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at Woodthorpe for the Wednesday Wander.
As forecast, the morning started bright and sunny but very cold for the time of year. Snow showers were also expected to set in from about 11 am so hopefully we’d already have reached sanctuary by then.
Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Ty Harness and John Rickett. Paul Linder and Steve Croton had indicated they’d meet up with as at Woodthorpe.
Departing at 10 am with the temperatures having risen to zero Degrees Celsius (minus seven windchill in a nor’wester gusting 25-30 mph) we’d make our way to Kenwick Park to assess the conditions of the minor road to Meagram Top. With surfaces largely dry (just a few icy puddles by the verge) we decided to give it a go and made our way to Aby.
Members sported winter gloves, overshoes, heated socks for Tim and plenty of layers which took the chill off the well below average temperatures. Not another cyclist in sight. Why did that surprise us?
We’d planned to meet up at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at 11 am and timings were impeccable, rolling up at today’s venue exactly on schedule. Skies by now had clouded over and we noted the first few snowflakes so time to head inside and were pleased to see that Paul and Steve were already in residence. Paul quite sensibly had arrived by motor transport whist Steve had opted for his mountain bike.
Amid amiable chat over steaming mugs of tea and coffee we looked through the windows that had been decorated for Christmas and noted the snow falling thick and fast. Perhaps it wouldn’t last long.
With the time approaching 12 noon and little change in the conditions, Tim and John donned appropriate gear in readiness for a return to Louth. Steve and Paul would head for home and Ty had an option of staying to take lunch before going to work.
Luckily the road conditions remained fine in spite of snow accumulating in the fields and slow but steady progress was made through the Carltons and Legbourne Furze. Never easy with snowflakes being blown into your face.
Arrived back at the Leisure Centre at 1 pm having completed about 26 miles with the mercury registering 2 Degrees Celsius.
Many thanks to the hardy souls joining us today.
Tim’s ‘Relive’ video flythrough: https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZ2QY2GyO
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