Wednesday Wander to Woodthorpe 18th October 2023:

With 'Storm Babet' breathing down our necks, all was set for a very blustery ride but at least the rain was now delayed until the evening. Average temperatures of about 14 Degrees Celsius and luckily for us, mainly sunny conditions.

Meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Paul Linder, John Rickett and Tim Newbery with the prospect of joining up with Steve Croton at Legbourne.

Pedalling our way along Stewton Lane, we'd just squeeze through the road closure before the diggers dug a trench right across the carriageway. Onwards then through Legbourne Furze to the Queen's Head Inn where we did indeed meet up with Steve (perhaps sensibly sporting cycling shorts rather than long leggings considering the better than forecast conditions).

After a steady paced ride Paul and John pushed into the strong headwind (gusting 30-35 mph) and we would reach Woody's Restaurant and Bar at Woodthorpe around 11 am, giving us ample time to order from the breakfast menu. A generous portion of beans on toast for Paul whilst others favoured bacon or sausage sandwiches.

After putting world affairs to rights, one short section back into the wind before easing our way to Galley Hill along Rye Lane. The strong winds would now aid our passage and it was a pleasant ride through Greenfield and Mother Woods, dodging twigs and small branches snapped off in the turbulent breeze.

At Claythorpe we'd bid Paul and Steve farewell as they returned home whilst Tim and John would wind their way past the famed St John the Baptist church at Belleau and up to Meagram Top.

With wind and sunshine on our backs a most enjoyable ride back into Louth arriving at the Leisure Centre about 1 pm. Thanks to John for a final 'cuppa'. For Tim, 40 km covered, rather more for the others.