Woodhall Spa 15-09-2024

A little windier than the forecast predicted, just three riders for today's replacement ride to The Humber Bridge. The weather, wind and lack of numbers would have made that journey less than enjoyable so the decision to head for Woodhall Spa was made.

As today's ride leader, I decided to mix up the oft cycled route by putting in a few more ascents and riding in the opposite direction to the norm. The wind was strong and cool, so I was surprised to meet up with Tim Newberry and John Rickett at the Leisure Centre both donning short sleeves!

 

We followed a direct route via the Horncastle Road across the bypass turning right at the top and heading immediately down into Raithby. Passing its charming little church and pond, we made good time in reaching the Bluestone Heath Road and Stenigot's radio tower. The route from there along the long road to Hemingby always against the wind, we soon arrived in Horncastle and a welcome coffee stop.

John managed to pip us to the post, a large group of cyclists for his favoured Costa coffee, drinking it sitting on one of the benches provided by the good ratepayers of the town.

 

Tim and myself opted for coffee at the café for people with bikes, though plenty of the customers do not arrive on one. After a fifteen minute break, I chivvied Tim to drink up so that we could get to the Jubilee Park Café in Woodhall Spa, by midday. The forecast rain between 2pm and 4pm was not too reliable.

 

The Park was opened in 1935 to mark the jubilee of King George the V, for the benefit of the townspeople. It was created by Lady Weigall who built nearby Petwood, now a fine hotel. The park, which houses a place for caravans, open-air swimming pool, many sporting activities, café and impressive garden as well as toilet facilities, is a credit to the area. Taken over, on a 99 year lease, it is administered by a non-profit, charitable Trust company, which took it on in May this year. So far, so good.

 

We all enjoyed bountifully filled bacon rolls and mugs of coffee and chatted for a while before being descended upon by a horde of elderly bikers. Gleaming chrome and equally aging motorbikes ridden by some were worthy of note.

Their arrival signalled our departure and we headed for the old railway line back to Horncastle, beneath darkening skies.

Reaching the town, we all decided to don some sort of waterproof garment.

 

The route from Horncastle up to Fulletby Top, is a slow and gradual climb. At the top, the views south are stupendous and the descent quite thrilling into the somewhat unfortunately named village of Belchford. But not quite so unfortunate as the vicar of Belchford, who was hanged, drawn and quartered for his part in the 1536 Rebellion. In those days, punishments handed down by the Crown, were similar to those handed down by the Mafia Dons of today, there being little difference in the way Kings or Queens operated then.

 

By the top of Belchford hill, the skies bore an ominous grey colour and rain continued to fall lightly. I decided to shorten the route by a few miles by heading past Cadwell Park and down again to Raithby bottom and its charming little church, yet again. The weather behaving in a less charming way.

 

A steep but short climb out and we were soon cycling along the Horncastle Road, passing the golf course, the rain gradually increasing. At the Leisure Centre, John gracefully bought the coffees. Something he does frequently. Thank you John ...