Bomber County, Carlton le Moorland

208km cycling event starting from Carlton le Moorland. Controls at Louth (Shell 24 hr petrol station), Burgh le Marsh and Bardney, plus 4 information controls.

Lincolnshire is ‘Bomber County'(due to so many WW2 bomber stations). Head to the Lincs Wolds, and down the coast and back inland towards Lincoln. Route goes past former stations at Bardney and Spilsby.

After work drove up to Carlton le Moorland staying over in a B&B with the usual preparations.

Up bright and early and down to the start.

Local village hall converted for the day

‘The Colonel’ taking centre stage loaded and ready.

Usual pre ride tea and coffee the after a little chat from organiser Richard Parker.

Big highlight of the ride was meeting up John(Salvatore on YACF) just after starting who is one of the few who have done every LEL to date. Interesting man with many stories from over the years. For this particular event he had cycled up from Hampshire with his camping gear which pails in comparison to his adventure up to the arctic circle and beyond.

After the first control, Bardney we formed a group of four John, James, Adrian and myself and stayed together till about half way. All of us registered for the LEL so was good to compare notes. How small the world can be at times. Whilst chatting to John about how I started distance cycling around the same time as a friend of mine from Israel who had done the PBP, LEL and the 1001 Milgia on a Brompton, John immediately knew who it was and has in fact ridden with Tal in Italy. Next blast from the past was a lady at the stop in Bardney asked me if I lived in Kings Lynn at one stage and she knows my girl friend Debbi with whom she worked about 20+years ago. Well luckily I am still with Debbi and we are since married. Then Adrian informed me of his travels in Zimbabwe and has in fact visited the little town Masvingo(Fort Victoria at the time) where I was born.

On to the next control, Louth I had my first taste of the Wolds and Red Hill which is on the LEL route. A little sign warning of a 10% gradient. Be warned as you get to the top and round the corner there is a little extra kick. My legs swear its more than 10%.

Louth was my first collision with my new bike. I was designated ride leader through the town as I was the only one with the route on a garmin, calling right left and using hand signals. As I called left, signalled and started turning one of our group thought this would be an opportune moment to undertake. Non one hurt but definitely a reminder how important it is to be alert and aware.

Up to Mablethhorpe and the coast all was okay then started the fun of the return journey into a headwind. Burgh Marsh, then climbing into a wind over the Wolds back to Bardney for a welcome cuppa at the Heritage Centre.

What a lovely route to Lincoln along the canal. Very peaceful (and flat).

Lincoln in the early evening was still fairly busy however no problems navigating through. Great view of the cathedral going over the bridge.

From there 10 miles to go and feeling strong so pressed on as hard as I could till the end back to Carlton Le Moorland where one again coffee, tea, rolls and an amazing array of lovely cakes and eats.

Thank you Richard Parker for a well organised and thought out route. Great to catch up with Audax Club Lincolnshire riders, discuss the LEL and have a taster of Red Hill. Wait till we meet at the end of July.

Route and ride details:

https://www.strava.com/activities/905622930/embed/1ee8f18a43c3507cee15eb30853d7dd27fef1d7d