It’s happened, my time is up, I’m back in Lincoln having left sunny Malvern behind on Saturday. Which leaves me with the problem of where to ride before going to York. York is bad enough for local places to muni, but Lincoln…
Look in the dictionary for “flat” and the chances are it’ll say Lincoln. Because it is. Very. And because of this contains very little but fields. No hills, trails, national parks… just roads and fields.
So where do I ride my muni, other than round in circles in the garden?
My current plan is to take it to the sailing club… some of the shoreline around the lake looks quite muni-able, but other than that, I think it’s stick-between-the-teeth time…
The only place I now of around there is Hartsholme Country Park.
Address: The Visitor Centre, Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
Telephone: (01522) 873577
Not sure on their view of cyclists so give 'em a call. It’s probably still relatively flat but there might be some trails. (Note I haven’t been there I just know of the place)
You could built a large stunt filled trials course based in a washed out corn field. for added bonus you could make all the stunts, log rides, and pallet piles mobile for maximum time use. also rusted out cars for cheap can be added for even more fun.
Many genuine MUni and Uni opportunities in and around Lincoln.
For a start, there’s some sort of a cross country/BMX type of track visible from the Ring Road on your left as you head from Newark towards Skegness - i.e. the outside of the Ring Road. Not huge, and I’ve never got round to riding it yet, but it looks like a good stand by.
There are woods to each side of the Ring Road around that area where there will be rough tracks, but no significant climbs.
Head generally North East out of the city and you will find the Lincolnshire Wolds, with some quiet back roads, some steepish hills, and various bridlepaths and footpaths. For a long term project, there’s the Viking Way long distance path from near the Humber Bridge down to near Oakham, which passes near Lincoln.
Around the fens, there are miles of river bank and canal bank - not exactly undulating, but a variety of surfaces, and riding on broken ground with vegetation can be as challenging as riding hills. Different skills needed.
You’re only a few miles from Newark, and there are loads of back lanes and bridle paths with rideable hills within spitting distance of the A46 Newark - Nottingham.
You won’t find the no nonsense challenge of a long climb up a mountain, or the sheer excitement of a long downhill, but there is plenty to keep you occupied. Do not despair.
As I’m only 40 odd miles away, might even bump into you some time.
Yep, it’s on the list; I’ve cycled (two wheels! Aargh) round it before. It’s a bit small and the paths are a bit flat, but there are some hidden away bits that could be quite challenging.
I’ve been challenged to go up Steep Hill… for those who don’t know Lincoln there is one hill for miles around, and it makes up for the rest by being, well, steep. Should be fun…
I feel your pain. Here in Alaska winter is just around the corner.
Starts mid October and ends in about mid April. Guh! I’ll try some
winter rides in the snow but…