Another very nice day with bright sunshine and unseasonably high temperatures, this time with a moderate wind coming from the east. I wanted to go a bit further today – over the border to Lincolnshire, which I hadn’t ticked off my list for 2025 yet. Set off at about 0935.
Really nice out there, a bit cool in the morning but I was able to backpack my tights and a fleece a couple of hours after setting off.
I tried a variation on the route that approaches Waltham via a village called Scalford. About 6km of roads I hadn’t done before. It was worth a try, but I don’t think I’ll do it again. A bit too twisty-turny and stony.
Got as far as Stainby, about 2km into Lincolnshire – then I turned back. I was only a few klicks away from Rutland at that point actually, the one remaining neighbouring country of Leicestershire that I haven’t done this year – but I decided to leave it for another day.
I came back the usual way, ie avoiding Scalford. I was going to stop at my usual village shop at Buckminster, but a new establishment caught my eye. A little row of businesses in a new site on the other side of the road. One of them was a deli. So I tried that. I came to regret being unfaithful to my usual village shop. The selection of food was not great. Most of the drinks were in glass bottles or cans. And the ice cream fridge was empty and unplugged. Also, although it’s not visible in the pic (below), I had to get the bike across an expanse of stony gravel to park it outside. I carried it.
Shame, as I’d been looking forward to my village shop visit. But I had to try it once. I actually do feel a bit bad about it as they’re really nice people at the usual place, and they gave me a free samosa once.
Came back along Narrow Lane rather than Paddy’s Lane. But it was the usual route after Wymeswold.
Really lovely to glide along Six Hills Lane on the way back in the afternoon sunshine with a tailwind. I made much better time than I expected. Surprised to see that I got four Strava PRs, certainly wasn’t trying to.
I was back a long time before sunset and about 45 minutes before I expected. Should have gone a bit futher really. But it’s only March. Lots more nice cycling days coming up over the next few months, hopefully.
132.07km, longest ride this year so far.
Listened to LBC, more of the Reacher novel which has taken an odd twist, and football on 5 Live.