27th July 2025 - Not the Humber Bridge Garden Centre - Dave Robins

Well, the ringmaster was away (get well soon, Ian), so the monkeys were in charge of the circus. Nine enthusiastic riders gathered at the Sainsbury’s meeting point for the ride to the Humber Bridge Garden Centre - a good turnout for a longer ride with a forecast of 'changeable' weather later in the day. As it turned out though, the HBGC was hosting a steam rally, so a last-minute change of plan was made; not that we have any particular disdain for steam power, but given the clemency of the weather it seemed likely that the multitude would have the same destination in mind.

Sticking to the horticultural theme, Deepdale Garden Centre, just south of Barton-upon-Humber, was chosen to benefit from our company, with some backup options just in case since nobody had been there before. Everyone briefed, we divided into two groups (thanks to Euan for leading the other group) and departed. Following some A17 drudgery and charged with 'no dawdling', the conditions afforded a spirited ride along the B1183 and B1225 (the Caistor High Road). Sadly, the window of opportunity to buy a fresh ostrich egg from the farm shop on the B1183 seems to have closed along with the shop.

North of Caistor some bumpy, unclassified lanes took us to our new destination; confusion (mine) over the exact location being resolved by following some lycra fetishists. The 'Bike and Bean' café was a good find (even though by 'bike' I think they mean the human-powered variety) - friendly, welcoming and with a very nice veggie sausage bap. Black clouds loomed, so replete with sausages and tea we looped through Barton before heading back south, failing entirely to see the Humber Bridge. The B1434, bypassing Caistor, was an incidental (and accidental) treat - fast, flowing and technical; Lincolnshire has some very nice roads. Market Rasen came, supplied petrol and went, then the twisty section through Wragby served as an aperitif for the infamous Bardney Bends. These were dispatched with aplomb, despite some over-enthusiastic company from another, unknown group of riders.

A quick blast down the A16 brought us south of Boston to SportsBikeShop, in the nick of time for more tea. Back down the A17, with our average speed properly checked and having avoided any rain, our 220-mile jaunt was done. With wonderful roads, sympathetic weather, and great company, 'a day well wasted'.