2 Day Lincoln Ride 22nd September
The weather forecast for the 2 days was rain sometimes heavy, but 10 riders + 1 backup vehicle left Hucknall Leisure Centre at 8.45am, no rain yet.
The ride went well, and we had a coffee stop at the lovely tea rooms in Bleasby, the ride then continued through Fiskerton and Rolleston, until we reached the Kelham bridge area near Newark where two different cycles got punctures on the same stretch of road. One could be repaired but the other had developed a hole in the tyre and couldn’t be repaired, so our backup vehicle came to the rescue. Bike and rider were now out of action.
The group sheltered under canopy at the Fox Inn, as the rain had now started to fall, whilst the repair was completed to 1st bike. This cost us about an hour in time. The remaining nine riders again set off to our lunch stop at the Brownlow arms near Sutton on Trent, where we were reunited with the backup, all riders now pretty wet!!!
After lunch we continued to our destination, the Travelodge Hotel in Lincoln, 50 miles recorded. The route that Brian Carr had chosen was excellent with minor roads and large stretches traffic free, on Sustrans routes. All SOGGY riders went to their rooms to shower and get ready for our meal out. In the evening we all went to Wetherspoons for our meal and a few beers etc.
After breakfast at the Hotel and a check outdoors on the weather, we were all very relieved to see that it wasn’t raining. The 9 riders again set off homeward bound with the backup and out of action rider in attendance. This day was puncture free, the route was fantastic about 30miles of it was on traffic free tracks and minor roads. The only hiccup was a closed bridge on Sustrans route 64 across a stream. The workmen wouldn’t let us across, so we had to find a detour which added about 3 miles to our route. We had a coffee stop at a cafe in Collingham, joined by the backup team.
Shortly after this the rain, mainly drizzle started again. We rode on, via minor roads through lovely villages, until we reached our lunch stop, East Bridgeford Garden Centre, again back up in attendance. We then headed home on the final leg via Gunthorpe, Lowdham, Calverton, most were now wet and getting tired. This day we recorded 55 miles.
This was the most miles in a day that some of the riders had ever done. So very well done to all the group, the Backup Driver and mate, and the route planer for a fantastic but wet!!!! 2 days. Looking forward to another one next year.
If anyone would like to join our Group there are three vacancies so if you want to give it a try, please let us know.
John Saunders