Alan Beattie's Ride to the Lincolnshire Wolds 15th July 2023

Eight T5 riders decided to brave the unsettled weather for the Full day ride, it was certainly anticipated we would require wet weather gear for this summer’s day ride to the Lincolnshire Wolds!

Drivers briefing took place with an overview of the route also explaining a change of lunch stop, Pete informed myself that the Sunnyside farm shop may be closed earlier in the week (thanks Pete). Unable to contact to clarify I re-arrange the lunch stop at the Vintage Tea Rooms at Tealby. Chris Hoare kindly volunteered to be back marker for the day.

All lined up we turned right out of Squires slightly damp roads fingers crossed that the weather we would encounter wouldn't be too bad.

At the lights at Sherburn it was brought to my attention that the 8 was actually 7!

We had left Tim behind, by the time we got through the lights Tim had joined us.

(Sorry Tim)

1st part of the route took us on a varied selection of twisty roads to Snaith, however when planning the route I thought I would try a different route to cross the River Trent at Keadby.

Instead of heading towards Goole/ Swinefleet we headed south to Thorn onto the A614 over the Bridge taking a sharp left onto Greenland lane down to Moorends to Thorn.

Navigating Thorn was more complicate than it should have been with a few twists & turns.

Thanks Jonathan for keeping the group on route at one particular junction.

Through Thorn we headed over the M180 to Sandtoft /Beltoft back up to Keadby to cross the Trent down to East Butterwick to our first stop at Messingham encountering no rain and dry roads.

After a slightly extended stop at the Old School House cafe, enjoying the sunshine the 2nd part of the route would take us to the heart of the North Lincolnshire Wolds. Jonathan & Andrian left at this point.

As we all set off the heavens opened it only lasted for a short period and we were soon heading for clearer skies and back on dry roads.

The route took us East to, Kirton in Lindsey/Brandy Wharf then into the Wolds to Croxby Top/Wold Newton then south towards Cadwell before turning North back to Tealby within the wolds.

We encountered quite a heavy shower of rain at one point with clearing skies around, but it seemed we were doing a bit of storm chasing as the sat nav route kept turning us back into the dark cloud.

However we were dressed for the occasion, not sure if some of the walkers and cyclists we encountered were.

 Enjoying the scenery and varied interesting   roads we arrive at the Vintage Tea rooms at   Tealby. We all enjoyed the food and   conversation over lunch, they were busy   and the afternoon tea/cake menu looked   excellent, to which it has a good reputation   for.

Final part of the route was now back North to The Old tile works cafe near the Humber Bridge for pudding.

Heading back through the Wolds via Nettleton top avoiding main roads with excellent views we only had one small shower before Nettleton then taking a route to Bigby/Barnetby le Wold/ Elsham then taking the single track road over the Elsham Wolds to South Ferriby onto the Final stop.

However as we were descending the Elsham Wolds on Middlegate Lane we encountered more water, an unofficial Ford going down the road instead of across due to flooding, not phasing any of us T5’ers feet up, through we went.

Arriving at the Old Tile works it appeared a two scoops ice cream was required by all, sitting outside overlooking the lake to round off the day.

Finally we all headed over the Humber Bridge abiding to the 30mph limit in place, then taking our own routes home.

All in all we were extremely lucky with the weather and in the main had dry conditions as pictures show.

Many thanks to all who attended the ride and the excellent junction marking.

(No U turns)

Also thanks to Chris for being back marker.

See you next time

Alan