5th September 2024 : Montfort Bridge ( Mod+)

 Await ride report

No comment!

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Photo AO

29th August 2024: Whitchurch (mod)

 There was a strong turnout at Alison’s including the Moderate riders: the two Mikes, Andy, Ray, Dave Matthews and me. Our destination was The Black Bear at Whitchurch. The route out had us pegging up Harthill and then then tumbling down left toward Cholmondeley, only Mike Dodd didn’t! Evidently, Mike’s rear light fell off and when he remounted the rest of us had disappeared. After we waited a few times, and tried to make mobile contact, Mike sent a text saying that he would make his own way and meet us in Whitchurch. At Wrenbury we took the very pleasant route through Pinsley Green. An intended detour to Black Park was prevented by hedge cutting. The weather was ideal for cycling being sunny and dry with a welcome light breeze. When we arrived in the pub Mike was already ensconced and drinking beer, which is one of his principal pastimes. The food at the Black Bear was of the usual reliable high standard.

Photos by Mike G

Conversation at lunch was unusually political, a sort of amateur Newsnight, but without the essential preparation. Fortunately, views were exchanged in good humour, and none of us caused offence despite our obvious differences. Andy was asked about the successful birth of his new grandchild for which he had returned last week. I had a route out which would take us back west of the A41. I had viewed the one-way system around Whitchurch centre on my laptop the night before, but I was still glad to have the expertise and experience of Dave and Mike Gilbert to ensure that we found Alkington Road, and the later turn to Fenn’s Bank sans bumbling

no bumbling here....

The route is quiet and scenic, crossing the Shropshire Union Canal. We were soon passing Iscoyd Park and heading north for Malpas. Dave Matthews peeled off for home as we turned off just before Malpas for Threapwood . We must have been very close to John Bourne’s renowned Cheshire cheese making farm. I was to later buy some excellent blue Cheshire from his stall at the Nantwich food festival where his wife or daughter said that I should have dropped in for a cup of tea! I didn’t tell her that I had been part of a Dad’s Army cycling group! Just short of Upper Threapwood we turned north past Crabtree Farm and Cuddington Hall, ending up at Tilston. The Lost Barn was just too tempting for me, and with three riders with some distance beyond Tattenhall still to ride for their return home there were no arguments. It seems a long time since we have sat outside in perfect weather relaxing with cake and coffee before the last leg. Barton, Coddington and Chowley traced our way back to Tattenhall. Andy left us at Coddington for his return to Mold, and the two Mikes still had a ride ahead as Ray and myself turned into the car park at Alison’s. Apart from mislaying Mike D on our way out it had been a perfect day with a traditional Easy Riders’ feel to it. Forty-one miles covered from Alison’s and back, but considerably more by most.

DH

29th August 2024: Church Minshull (mod+)

Todays venue was my local cafe of Alison’s, which I have missed this year more times than I have ridden, mostly due to weather, if I am honest.

Anyway, a fine day was forecast, with a bit of wind, but nothing severe, although it was still enough for me to reverse my planned route. My destination was the Aquaduct Marina, directly east, which none of my group had been to before.

This clearly had an impact on some and so my group became 6 in total. I believe both the other groups also had 6 riders, so a nice even split. So it was that Alan, Steve T, Steve Hu, Roy and ‘the lympit’- Lol ( more about that later) joined me for a new club destination.

We headed out in a right hand direction only for me to immediately make my now customary leaders blunder and turn the wrong way. One should not plot a route where the return route intercepts the outward route- Lol. It would help if I simply checked the direction arrow on the screen- plonker- Lol.

Can you believe it- Lol, I make another error within a mile because my Garmin was indicating two directions. I did eventually notice that when I zoomed in on my route there was a small plotting error. Message to self; must zoom in on route and check the plot properly-Lol. “Yes Steve”. 

Now heading in the right direction, we are soon passing the Huxley Inn, which prompted a few comments about the nice food, but rather expensive- Lol. Within a few miles we were heading downhill for the hump back bridge over the canal adjacent to the Shady pub, almost always makes it into my routes, as I love to chuck my bike around those bends and then climb up the short hill to Beeston, which gets the lungs going a treat- Lol.

 

We had a tailwind for most of the way to Church Minshull, which meant we were making good progress without that much effort and so we were soon beyond Bunbury, where we had to briefly ride the main road through Alpraham in order to pick up Long Lane and a series of lovely flat lanes thereafter, all the way to Church Minshull. We passed the Badger pub, which again sparked a bit of chatter about the pub being a previous CER lunch destination, not that I have been there, but I have heard other recommendations about it’s lunch menu. A couple more bends, a short uphill stretch and we are suddenly on top of the Aquaduct Marina, which surprised Roy, despite the obvious signs and entrance- Lol. A quick shout “ left” saw him just make the turn. 

I had only been to this cafe once before, so we found it a little confusing  and had to be redirected to the cafe, which of course gave Steve Hu a perfect excuse to slag off my navigation skills with a total stranger, who found it rather amusing, either that or he was laughing at Steve’s fanny bag- Lol.

Finally seated outside the cafe with a lovely view over the harbour- Lol, we get our orders sorted.

I was soon pointing out that the only time we saw Steve Hu on the front of the peloton was when we rode into the Marina, after he had cut me up on a speed bump. Clearly trying to get first in the queue for his lunch- Lol. 

He did redeem himself a little when he did a good spell on the front with Alan on our return leg, which was predominantly into wind. Their effort provided some amusing conversation between Roy and I, about the granny gear they were both using. I think I may have pointed out to Roy that they are a pair of old farts and there was at least 1 mph of headwind- Lol- Lol.

  

Photos by NT

Anyway, back to lunch, which went down well, with plenty of conversation, often interrupted by low flying house martins, which we eventually realised were swooping in to land on their nests under the roof gutters. There was at least one nest with young, so mum and dad were working hard trying to feed them (see photo)

 Photo by NT

We set off again toward Nantwich on a lovely few miles of smooth lanes, before turning on to Wettenhall Road, which I had previously warned everybody was in poor condition. It was at this junction that I pointed out the alternative cafe option of the Milking Parlour, just a half mile in the other direction to our current course south. Imagine how pleased we were to find the road had been resurfaced, all the way to Nantwich- Yipee!

A brief hiatus as we negotiate the traffic light junction on the outskirts of Nantwich and head up the Chester Road, which was not ideal and since improved on the route I sent through for the blog.

It was only a short stretch on the Chester Road when we turn left at Acton, into a familiar series of lanes that ultimately lead us up to the Brindley crossing.

Bunbury was now only a few-ish miles away on a very familiar back lane to most of us. No sooner said and we were there and our first set of road closure signs, which we ignored of course- Lol. 

Again, like the route out, I decided to take the less familiar route around Bunbury, which meant using long lane down to Spurstow and then right along the back of Peckforton ridge, for a bit more sight seeing. After turning left up towards Beeston, our route completed a full circle of the castle mound. I then decide to kick start the dash for Alison’s, which was 5 miles away.

 

The first mile or so is a fast, slightly downhill stretch, with a couple of fast favourite bends. When I got to the bottom, I realised Roy was on my tail and keen to take up the lead ( thank god for that- Lol) I tucked into his slipstream and suddenly saved at least 3 gears, as he pulled me along, all the way to the junction at the end of Birds Lane (nice one Roy)

What neither of us realised was that we were also dragging John Mills behind us hence his new name of ‘ lympit’- Lol. Lympit of course, as he did not come through and do a turn on the front, firmly glued to our back wheels ( he reckoned he was on his limit & couldn’t come through- what!  One of the ‘fast boys’ - Lol). Not bad that, Mod+ riders dragging one of the ‘fast boys’ in their slipstream- Lol- Lol.

That last 5 miles are a cracking scenic stretch, especially in the other direction, when you can see Beeston and Peckforton Castle and even nicer when you have bested a ‘fast boy’-Lol- Lol. 

To be fair; ‘ Lympit’ has been through a rough time recently and is just getting back into his cycling.

We had to wait about 15 minutes for the other 3 to catch up- well, maybe it was just long enough for me to water a few trees, which, as most of you know, can take me a while- Lol. Steve T had an excuse as he is also getting back up to speed.

Once all regrouped, I decided to go left, around Tattenhall, causing Steve Hu to cry foul. His legs must have been tired turning that granny gear, bless him- Lol. Unfortunately, my extra detour, along what is usually a lovely quiet clean lane, turned out to be plastered in farm crap, the culprits being two muck spreaders that had passed us just a mile earlier.

 

We arrived back at Alison’s in time to order a coffee, just before 2:30 with 45 miles on my Garmin, although the route was a flat 42 miles and an average speed of 15.5 mph, so well done all.

Thoroughly enjoyable day, with some good chat and banter. 

Till next time gents- Lol.

Neil.

 

 

 

 

 

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29th August 2024 : Aston (brisk)

A sunny and virtually dry day - and just as more caravans are on the roads on sunny days, there were a lot of CER riders at Alison’s establishment today - a dozen of more I think. I was bowling through Waverton on my way to Tattenhall when I espied Steve Hu coming the other way - he was out for a warm-up ride - so we bowled along at a heady speed into Tattenhall - and this theme pervaded the rest of the day’s ride.

The route today was somewhat instinctive - in fact, I think I only looked at the route once on my psuedo-Garmin in the 50 miles. The brisk group was pared down to Ivan, Ken and Matt and myself and we set off bound for Clutton into the light and shade of the autumn sunshine. The climb around Carden Park golf club was somewhat magical with dappled sunshine on the lanes. Passing through Tilston, we were soon onto Chorlton and hitting the Bangor-Whitchurch main road. Threapwood came and went as the eponymously named lane “ The Lane”, gradually deteriorated after Tallarn Green. The standard route from here is to head for Whitewell but we took a much nicer surfaced lane today. We end up riding down the delightful Broome Lane and its secret wooded valley to arrive outside Iscoyd Park.

We are now on the A525 cycling into Whitchurch town periphery exiting on Edgeley Road and rising up Edgeley Bank to pop out on Ash Lane aka the Whitchurch to Market Drayton back lane. The road is quiet as there is a "Road Closed" sign - the first of many today. We motor on to Ightfield to take the Burleydam Road. This is five miles of gentle downhill fast riding with little traffic. In Burleydam, we eschew the eponymously named pub to take Dodds Green Lane north to eventually hit the A530 Whitchurch to Nantwich Road.

There now is a lunch venue choice to make - Longmans Farm shop and cafe (on the A530 near the Aston turn) or head for the Bhurtpore Inn in Aston. The pub wins, so we arrive at “The Bhurty” pub. Are they owned by the “The Shady “ pub I wonder? We sit outside, partly expecting to see a certain DH and retinue, and all partake of the excellent range of beers along with an excellent repast. Lunch banter ranges from car insurance to train driver's remuneration and high rail ticket prices.

We notice that there is a Road Closure sign outside of the pub. On talking to the locals it appears that the road from Aston to Wrenbury is firmly closed just near the railway station and will be for quite a while. So we take the "Diverted Cyclist" signs down Pinsley Green narrow lane which adds a couple of miles to the advertised 48 mile route.

The route back is somewhat instinctive as we power on overtaking a combine harvester convoy to head east through Chorley  (no - not that one up north), then Faddiley and onto Bunbury and Tattenhall. We say goodbye to Ken as he heads back to Tattenhall as the remaining trio head back to Chester via the Ice Cream farm lane.

So, as I said, a pretty instinctive route, with the welcome return of Ivan on a brisk ride. Ken, Matt and I just hung on at the back enjoying the slipstream. All round it was 50 miles with Chester coming up at around upper 60’s, and my bike computer showing 76 miles at 16.2mph when I got home.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

CA

Photos MT

22nd August 2024: West Kirby (mod)

 We arrived at Ness Gardens expecting few to turn up as many were unavailable and it was likely to be wet early doors and very windy.  The return from holidays of Mike Dodd, George and Ray made the prospect of a group ride more viable. Clive had caught a heavy shower on his ride in, but was going to accompany Steve Tan on a more brisk outing. Andy had turned up for coffee, but was returning home because of the imminent birth of a grandchild.

We set out optimistically as it wasn’t raining and increasingly likely to become dry as the day wore on. We were giving the Wirral coastline a miss mainly to avoid the exposure to high winds, and possible dangerous waves. The route through Burton, and on back lanes past Willaston to Raby, Thornton Hough, Brimstage and Storeton was very pleasant and sheltered. The long stretch to Barnston was into a headwind, so some shelter provided by drafting Ray’s big windbreaking form was welcome. We skirted around Heswall and headed for Royden Park via Irby Hill before descending to West Kirby from Caldy.

The marine lake was submerged by churning, wind whipped waves as the sea approached high tide. The woman serving us was keeping a close eye on her car parked on the promenade in front of us. We were at Tanskey’s again, originally suggested by Ray a couple of months ago, but I had expected it to be too busy. We have been lucky to squeeze in twice since, and the service, food and location make it an attractive lunch option if you are in West Kirby. You may remember seeing Tanskey’s on the television, totally flooded out in a storm some months ago. It is heartening to witness their revival. Hopefully, the failure of the new storm protection to prevent such an event has now been addressed and there won’t be a repeat. Conversation over lunch was largely about recent holiday experiences, George had travelled to Vietnam on an enjoyable family visit, Mike had spectacular images on his phone of trekking in Iceland, and Ray had been cruising again, this time in the Mediterranean. I had been wondering what had happened to Ray’s hair. You couldn’t have hair tanned by the sun could you? It turned out that he had had it coloured in a beauty salon on the cruise ship! To be fair, as he has a thick head of hair anyway it probably makes him look younger, and as I am bald so who am I to criticise?  It's just a pity that the beautician couldn’t go further and make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear.    

The route home was along the Wirral Way. Although well sheltered, any wind was now in our favour anyway. The surface appears to have been re-dressed in small stones and was completely free of mud. We just had to be a little careful where the gravel was deeper here and there. It was a direct and easy route before leaving it at Neston for the last roads back to Ness. We had covered something like thirty miles in convivial company and the weather had not been a problem.

DH

22nd August 2024: New Brighton (mod+)

It was a wild and windy with rain in the air when I got up, so I wondered a) if anyone else would turn up at Ness Gardens and b) even if they did, would anyone want to ride. But I should have known better, because a little adverse weather never put off the hardy riders of CER. Dave H, Ray B, Andy B, Mike D, George, Clive and I gathered for coffee and chewed the fat about where to go to.

In the end, Clive and I decided to follow a route to New Brighton first led by Clive in 2020 and subsequently replicated by Steve Hughes two year later. We left Ness in very light drizzle, returning to the coastal path past Nets and on towards Parkgate. Some nifty turns through Neston soon had us cruising through Lower Heswall followed by the long climb up Thurstaton Road to the top of Heswall and on into Irby. By now the rain had stopped and the roads were dry.

From there is was downhill into Saughall Massie, Moreton and Leasowe and thence to the front at New Brighton where we could see the waves pounding against the sea defences and one brave soul on a surf board. The Seaside Café provided the usual high-quality lunch at a very reasonable price and we were soon ready to leave for home. Riding down the promenade at Egremont, we paused to take a photo with the skyline of Liverpool behind us.

From there we threaded our way around the various docks, even carrying the bikes down and up some steps near Woodside Ferry, where some major upgrade of the pathways was taking place. On reaching Birkenhead Priory we stopped to take a look as, today, it was open to the public. The Priory was established as a Benedictine Monastery in the 1150s and its monks farmed the lands and operated a ferry (the first?) across the Mersey. Henry VIII closed it down in 1536 and the monks dispersed.

We were also able to climb the 100 steps to the top of the tower of St Mary’s church from where there are terrific views of Cammell Lairds shipyards and the two cathedrals.

Leaving here, we went on past Tranmere and Rock Ferry. At Port Sunlight, Clive wanted to go off-piste to find the old railway line that Alan had introduced us to a while back. It ran from Port Sunlight down to the river near the chemical works at Bromborough. At the end of the line we threaded our way through the industrial estate to Eastham Country Park and the ferry. Approaching the A41, we missed the turning to the B5132, so we had to use the main road to cross the M53 and dive down Hooton Green near The Chimneys pub. That allowed us to get back ‘on piste’ and zoom along Heath Lane to reach the Wirral Way at Willaston.

From here it was a straightforward, if bumpy, run to Neston and Ness Gardens, where we arrived about 3 pm. In the end, we covered 40 miles on a day that had promised high wind and rain, but delivered less wind and we never needed to put our rain jackets on. Thanks to Clive for his company and for the tour of Birkenhead Priory, not to mention the off-piste section.

ST

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15th August 2024: Malpas (mod)

Dave Matthews had arrived at Holt sans money and his bank card. Dave agreed to service my bike for life if I bought him a coffee and a bun. A good deal! It was good to see Roy making it, which is always harder when you are in full-time employment. Kevin had returned from France and is now a welcome addition to our club members’ list. As for the moderate ride, it was just Atomic Andy and me. Once again, the afternoon weather forecast was wet and windy, so the proposed distance was modest.

We set off for Tilston via Wetreins with Dave Matthews joining us on the first leg of our journey. Riding west to Duckington, we then climbed up the delightful little lane on the side of the Larkton and Bickerton Hill escarpment, with terrific views across the Cheshire Plain. At Cholmondeley Castle we headed for Egerton Hall, taking a chance by ignoring the “Road Closed” sign. The further we headed down, the further we may have had to trace our steps, but fortunately, no road works were taking place. As we climbed to Hampton Post we passed Michael Owen’s lavish horse training facilities at Manor House Stables. We entered Malpas via Hampton Heath, but found that the snug Little Deli was closed for holidays, so tried the Old Fire Station. There were other friendly cyclists sitting outside, but a table was found inside this popular venue. The service and food were spot-on. We discussed the obvious downsides of ambitious economic growth being seen by recent UK governments as the key to a better life; tell that to the Green Party, or to those living in a state of poverty that belies the concept of a trickle-down economy. These one-to-one Thursday discussions are threatening to parody the Guardian’s Saturday “Dining across the divide” feature. 

Our return was by the easy and quiet route to Shocklach via Cuddington Heath. It is obvious that Andy knows these lanes very well; maybe he could be persuaded to lead a ride in the future? When we approached Maggie’s at Holt it appeared that the Mod plus group had not yet returned, so Andy showed  me the way down to The Castle. I had long fancied locating the site but was pleasantly surprised by the substantial remains and being able to read about its impressive history.  A long siege during the Civil War heralded the decline of the castle and many of its stones were later removed by Thomas Grosvenor to build the original Eaton Hall near Chester. Our plan to stay dry had worked, but the Mod Plus group eventually arrived at Maggies looking wet and sweaty and without Elwyn and Fiona, but that’s another story, as told below.  Hopefully, Andy had a dry ride back to Mold. It was a very pleasant and interesting thirty miles or so, but soon we should plan for a longer effort, ideally when the forecast is fine.

DH 

15th August 2024: Whixall Marina (mod+) AKA Mechanical Mayhem

As I braved the fierce headwind from Rossett to Holt I took solace from the fact that Neil T had a ride planned for us. Known for his interesting and quiet lane selection I was looking forward to grand day out. Imagine my surprise to find Neil sat in Maggies looking like a child on Christmas day that had expected lots of toys and instead had received a lump of coal from Santa. Neil clearly doesn’t look at his handlebars when he rides, as it appeared he had left his computer, replete with said ride at home “charging up” 

Fortunately Nick, Steve T and myself had options, hopefully avoiding the worst of the aforementioned headwind. A decision made we set off for Whixall Marina. The group consisted of Fiona and Elwyn, new member Kevin, Roy Alan Steve T, Steve H, Neil (anyone seen my computer T) and Nick. We had barely travelled 500m when Kevin declared he had a rear wheel puncture. 

The crack team of mechanics had his tyre removed & replaced in 15 minutes. This brief interruption to our ride enabled us to witness the majesty of the the mod group, who cycled past completely non plussed by our poor start. It was a surprise for Nick to be back at his start point within an hour of setting off as we cruised through Tilston. 

The plan was headwind out whilst we had fresh legs and tailwind home. Neil, Nick, Roy and Steve T took it in turns to lead from the front whilst others sheltered in their wake. Skirting Malpas passing Newton Hall we made good time until Steve T’s chain became jammed in his bottom bracket. On re starting he now found he could not select the large ring on the front using the shifter. The only solution being to force it in and leave Steve to grind away in the headwind and climbs. 

As we neared Welsh end an echelon had formed and we were all fairly strung out, the cafe seemed an interminable distance away, as you get road signs for Whixhall a good five miles from the Cafe. 

Once esconced and everybody’s orders taken, we proceeded to enjoy the varied fare of the Marina cafe that never fails to impress. Roy & Alan kindly assisted Steve in repairing his front derailleur. Only for Roy to find as he mounted his steed that he had a front wheel puncture. 

Paparazzi Oates was quick to capture the moment when four people attempted to complete a task one person could do on their own. Roy's space age inner tubes elicited a series of coo’s from the weight weeneys and I feel some internet purchases with shortly be made. Neil T did provide a gas inflator which had Roy up and running quickly. 

Photos by Alan O

As we left the marina and rejoined the main road back we were appalled to be faced with a further three miles or so of relentless headwind. This coupled with “cafe legs” made the first part of the return more challenging, and did I mention it had started to rain….heavily! 

As we rounded Northwood the rain eased and the long awaited tail wind materialised. The long legs past Horseman’s Green towards Threapwood seemed to disappear as our wind assisted wheels hummed along. At Shocklach Nick and Neil T left us to strike out for Tilston and Tannertown. At this point Steve T commented that Fiona and Elwyn had dropped back. A quick sortie discovered a nasty cut in a new tyre on Elwyn's bike, the third puncture of the day. 

As I was availing myself of a lift with Alan I had to bade them farewell and make the six mile dash back to Maggies. A hot cup of coffee courtesy of Steve T was most welcome. 

So an eventful ride, as always with CER the craic was excellent. 

See route map and/or gpx file download  

PS. Update, on arrival at the Cafe, Dave H tried to contact F& E to offer assistance. With no reply not one but two vehicles, Roy and Dave H independently went back to the stricken riders. Elwyn was spared a long walk and enjoyed a ride home in Roy's car. Well done guys, a great example of the CER mantra , “no one gets left behind”

Steve Hu 

8th August 2024: Utkinton (mod)

Mike was on a Welsh train which was running very late, because copper power cables had been stolen. Dave Matthews was not staying out, and Jim and Trevor were too nesh to contemplate probable bad weather later. So it was that my plans for a ride to Whitchurch, already substituted for Aston because of the likely wet afternoon, were binned. I decide to join Trevor and Jim on their loop to Alpraham and back home, intended to leave them before Waverton in order to return to Rose Farm for lunch, and await Steve Tan’s return from the brisk ride.

We headed in the direction of Oulton Park under the assured leadership of Trevor. It was great to relax without having to concentrate on the route, and it gave me a chance to catch up with Jim. I had worked with Jim at Frodsham school and he had introduced me to the club after bumping into them after retiring. I had just started to reduce my hours so was able to join them back in 2008 or so. It made me reflect that although some of us seldom meet outside of cycle rides, we still have friendships within the club which we really value. I can’t remember our exact route to Alpraham, but it was all very pleasant as we headed for Bunbury. We were just below Beeston Castle when Mike rang as arranged. He had managed to ride out near to Tattenhall after his delayed train journey, so we agreed to meet at the Ice Cream Farm. We were beginning to worry about his whereabouts, when he appeared from the wrong direction. I don’t know if he had just put an extra couple of miles in on purpose, as he claimed, or The Great Ancient Orienteer had suffered a Biden moment. Anyway, all had ended well and we headed for Hargrave. Mike and I took our leave at Green looms, and we passed Walk Mill before also passing Dave Matthew’s home at Oscroft. I was envious of an elderly runner who was still able to keep at it up the long stretch to Willington corner. It’s always a bit of a slog up to Rose farm whatever your direction of approach, so a friendly welcome and decent sustenance was appreciated. Mike tucked into a Big Breakfast and my filled toast alternative with options was also far from an athlete’s diet plan. We talked about our rides in the Ribble and Hodder valleys, Mike having ridden from Preston in his earlier pre-easy riders’ years. I remember originally exploring the area with my young family transported in a twin cylinder 602cc Citroen Dyane! Our very first Special Ride was on a weekend and started in Ribchester. One more recent memory was of a route recced firstly by Steve Tan, Keith and myself. Steve broke his gear hanger but we managed to rig something up in order to get back. We decided that the climbing through Gisburn Forest and above was too extreme for an easy rider’s day out. Later, I decided to offer the ride anyway, as it would hopefully be challenging and memorable and with a much easier return route. It was a very scenic and exhilarating ride on the day. I do remember George not having enough gears up from Stocks Reservoir, Bob Ingram dismounting because his heart monitor was telling him that he was about to blow up, Keith blaming me and a passing car for stopping his ascent, and Bryan Mac looking worryingly grey of complexion when we finally completed our extremely fast descent to Clapham. I also remember the Fast Lads perched high on Bowland Knotts with expansive views stretching from the Yorkshire Dales to Pendle Hill. So, it had been worth a punt, but I may have needed my ride leader’s insurance cover if Bryan Mac had had a heart attack! Anyway, not many miles covered today, but it was great to reminisce before Mike returned to Shotton to catch his train back. Stimulating rides providing memorable moments are part of what we are about.

Photo by Mike G

DH

8th August 2024 : Whitchurch (brisk)

The weather often plays an important factor in divining a route plan and so it was with today’s ride to Whitchurch. The Met Office predicted strong southerly winds and possibly light rain later on in the day.

With this in mind, I crafted today’s ride offering with an “Neilesque”  approach. Neil has often crafted interesting local rides whilst trying to minimise the effects of strong winds.  With today's strong southerly wind, I tried to compute whether it is better to try to take an East or West out route and a reciprocal route back, so that the wind was always side-on so to speak. I then considered would it be better to ride into the wind out, then have it blow us back after lunch. Whatever might be the optimum approach, we all know that the wind is invariably on the nose and rarely right behind us!

So today’s ride to Whitchurch is directly south then directly north or as direct as the roads would allow. Having given you the raison d’etre regarding route planning, I’ll now get the next piece of Neilesque out of the way.

Lol! - Lol! - Lol!- Lol! - that’s one each from today’s four riders i.e. Steve T, Alan, Nick and myself.

We set off the long way round to Bunbury entering it via the back lanes and climbing Tiverton hill. Crossing the A49, we go westwards via Peckforton to Bickerton and its Poacher. A long southerly routing takes us via Hampton Post Office, where there isn’t a PO, to No Man’s Heath, where there are men. Taking the back lane and the old main road, we weave across the A41 and thence take Bradley Lane. Here a startled and demented cockerel tries to outrun us down the lane. 

A short stretch of Old Malpas Road enables us to ride westwards before hitting Higher Wych road and a long if hilly road down passed Iscoyd Park to hit the Whitchurch to Wrexham Road. We take this main road into Whitchurch sidling down the oddly named Chemistry road. It's now a short traverse the wrong way up the High Street to Jones Coffee Shop after 28 miles.

We have been to this excellent little cafe a few times over the years and it doesn't disappoint. As the weather had been quite windy and cool, sitting inside today was appreciated. With smoked salmon and scambled egg, or a filled panini in equal measure, we were quickly re-fuelled for the short 17 mile return ride.

The weather had slightly deteriorated with light rain in the air and with rain jackets on, we weave our way out of town passing Grindley Brook. Here the petrol station is choc-a-bloc with motorists gorging on fuel about 10p/litre cheaper than anywhere around. We head up the A41 turning right into a peaceful Bell o’the Hill Road. This rises up passing a few farms to hit the A41 further north. We cross here to continue on the old A41 passing the said Bell o’the Hill pub which has long been closed and in a very sorry state for what must have been a splendid Elizabethan style property. 

Rejoining the A41 again, it’s a short stretch to once again ride the old A41 and continuing on to hit the Bickley Wood road. We turn off at  Bickley Town (yes - blink and you miss it!). Alan reminds me that we need a group photo so I suggest the Cholmondley Castle cafe as a picturescque backdrop. Nick picks up on this and suggests a coffee stop here which we all agree upon. So this is where the group photo was taken today.

The mizzly rain was more of a nuisance than anything else - the roads weren’t even wet and eventually it peters out. As we hit the Wrexham to Nantwich Road, Nick peals off bound for Duckington and home. We three now re-ride along the Peckforton Hills along Stone House Lane and peal off sliding down hill to Tiverton bottom from whence we climbed out on the way out in the morning. After the long climb out up to the A51 traffic lights, I steer Alan and Steve into Tarporley High Street where they turn off to Rose Farm with 47 miles ridden.

Like lots of rides, the weather makes a great difference to whether you turn up on the day, and/or stay dry or get a dousing. So we were glad that we had turned up today as the rain was much less of a problem than advertised, and the wind although strong, was ameliorated by deep and high hedge lanes.

This ride was more like a ride of yesteryear where only the ride leader knew the route and the riders were in sheep mode. I prefer this as it adds mystery to the riders in sheep-mode and also allows the ride leader to modify the route on the fly if necessary.

So many thanks to the three sheep-mode riders today for allowing me to take them in a double figure or eight routing to Whitchurch and back

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

1st August 2024: Foulk Stapleford (mod)

There was a reasonable turnout at the Gladstone despite some not being available for various reasons. As far as the mod group were concerned, Dave Matthews had a car to pick up from a garage, Dave Pipe relished a lone challenge of the Welsh hills with electrical assistance and Jim was riding home where he  had workmen arriving. Then there were two little piggies left: Andy Barber and myself. I had had a strenuous day attacking my back garden in the heat, followed by losing sleep because of the dog being unsettled by the overnight thunder. I was too knackered for a day in the hills. So it was that we decide on Walk Mill as a lunch destination

Dave Matthews threaded us through Queensferry, and then we cycled down the side of the Dee to Chester racecourse. Dave was first to take his leave, later followed by Jim as we split off for Christleton at Piper’s Ash. Andy then suggested an off-piste route that he had been introduced to by Clive. I had been interested in this possible exploration before, but not being local had not got around to it. I was glad we made the effort, but since Andy and Clive’s last visit the path through Hockenhull Platts has become a jungle in parts. If you fancy trying this route it is a very attractive diversion through a nature reserve but take a machete. It is situated on a continuation of Plough Lane where cars must turn left for Cotton Hall and Stamford Mill, but pedestrians and cyclists can carry straight on. The River Gowy section is crossed by three old, cobbled packhorse bridges. It is part of the Baker Way which links Chester and Delamere railway stations and is named after Jack Baker a former footpaths officer for Cheshire. Stung by nettles and bloodied by thorny bramble, we eventually reached Walk Mill. It was a relaxed lunch with friendly, efficient service and decent grub. Our conversation was wide ranging and included  discussing cycling in France in the Luberon Valley and up Mont Ventoux. Andy’s experience was extensive compared to my own forays on hired hybrids. We returned via Waverton and Christleton  before reaching the river  below Grosvenor Park. The Groves were filled with people enjoying the sunny holiday weather, licking ice cream and taking boat trips. We crossed the river  at Saltney and skirted the airport before heading up to Hawarden by way of Rake Lane. We finished up back at the Gladstone café with coffee and a sweet. A shortish but very enjoyable ride in interesting company. 

Photo by DH

DH

1st August 2024: Overton (mod+)

About nine CER members gathered at The Gladstone Library café in Hawarden on a bright, sunny day that promised to be very warm and a threat of thunderstorms (the Met Office had put out a ‘yellow’ warning).

The mod+ group was Clive, Fiona, Elwyn and myself and the plan was to ride down to the Two Doves café in Overton using a route first conceived by Alan. We set off down the hill past the castle car park, revelling in the new smooth road surface. Then up the steep road/track at the side of Bilberry Wood to reach the footbridge over the A55.

Having climbed some more along Old Hope Road to cross the Mold road near Penymynydd, we were soon flying down Lower Mountain Road, crossing Kinnerton Road and swooping into Golly and Burton. Here we crossed the railway line using the rather awkward (for cyclists) gates. Heading along Chester Road we only had to climb a short way up the hill before peeling off left down Hoseley Lane. Somewhere along here we came across two huge tractors pulling slurry tankers which had met each other head on down the narrow lane. There followed a bit of a shuffle as they manoeuvred around each other, after which we followed one of them along the lane – but not too closely!.

After negotiating the roundabout on the A534 at Llan-y-pwll, we followed some more lovely lanes which skirted around Wrexham Industrial Estate and popped us out on the A525 at Cross Lanes. From there is was a short run down to Bangor-on-Dee and the bridge over the river, where the traditional group photo was taken.

Photo by EJ

From here it was but a short climb into Overton and the Two Doves, where the back gate was open and we found a cool shady spot to sit for lunch. As usual, the menu provided a wide range of offerings, including the all- day breakfast, which Clive took advantage of. Others chose more modest fare.

Now fed and watered, we were soon ready for the off, re-tracing our route  back to Bangor. Here, Clive left us to head off to consult Dave (The Bike Doctor) Matthews to sort out an annoying ‘click’ which he’d had all morning. Fiona led us through a housing estate in Bangor so that we could get back onto the A525 without going the ‘wrong way’ over the old bridge there.

We were soon off the main road and on Creamery Road and then on to the tiny side roads which run roughly parallel to Holt Road, but have almost zero traffic on them. In the winter, these often get flooded or are very muddy.

Emerging from the lanes, we crossed the A534 and headed into Holt. Heading out of there along Borras Road, the north-westerly wind was now quite strong, so Fiona volunteered Elwyn to lead us up the B5102 towards Lavister. ‘Keep it to 17’ she shouted to him. 17 mph!!! I was only able to keep up as long I was no more than two inches from his back wheel.

Fiona and Elwyn live in Lavister, but they offered to come a bit further on with me, so that they could get more than 50 miles in for the day. So, we pressed on through Dodleston to Higher Kinnerton, where we parted company.

That just left the last five miles for me to get back to Hawarden, but what a tough five miles it is, coming at the end of a forty-odd mile ride. The climb from Higher Kinnerton to Chester Road at the top must be at least 150 feet over about two miles and it took all my remaining energy to do it. The short ride past Rough Piece Wood was followed by the plunge down Tinkersdale to complete the ride.

45 miles covered on some fabulous lanes in warm sunshine and excellent company. And no hint of a thunderstorm!

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

25th July 2024: Market Drayton to Wheaton Aston (mod)

 As you will have seen from Clive’s report on the brisk ride, today’s Special Ride (the third one this year!) was a re-run of  the 2019 routes from Morrison’s supermarket in Market Drayton to The Hartley Arms at Wheaton Aston.

Eight riders had signed up for the mod ride – Fiona, Elwyn, Ray B, Trevor, George, Neil, Dave H and myself. But, as I made my way across to get a coffee, who should stroll across the supermarket car park, but Andy B, so a quick text to the pub was needed to place a pre-order his lunch. The plan was to leave at 10.30 prompt, but it was never going to happen. Getting CER members together is like herding cats – left your water bottle in the car, Trevor?

It was nearer 10.45 as we departed under grey clouds, although the day was very warm and humid. Making our way of town past Market Drayton golf club, we made a left at Sutton to join the A529 for a mile or so before spearing off to the left on a long, straight road. There followed a few miles of narrow, smooth and very empty roads leading down to Sambrook.

We often remark on how quiet the roads are on Shropshire. I looked up the population to find that the whole county comprises less than half a million souls. The population density, at 1.01 persons per hectare, compares to 4.34 per hectare for England as a whole. That’s why it’s quiet – nobody lives here!

We then picked up another straight road, this time two miles long. The OS map shows it to be a legacy of the Romans who were very active around these parts. The road ran gently downhill to Sutton where we crossed the A591. Continuing south-east we passed though more villages, arriving in Wheaton Aston just before 1pm, having ridden 24 miles. The food had been pre-ordered and was served reasonably quickly and was commented on favourably by many folk, although the cutlery was a bit late coming.

The dirty dozen

After the traditional group photo had been taken, it was time to set off again. Crossing the canal next to the pub, we headed north out of Wheaton Aston, we now had the wind behind us. As we reached Church Aston, Neil decided to press on and left us to get home early. We carried on along quiet, narrow lanes to Gnosall Heath, where we crossed the A518.

Going along an even smaller lane, the road went sharp left into a very dark tunnel – under an aqueduct carrying the Shropshire Union Canal. As I went through a car horn sounded and I yelled out a warning. Fortunately, all was well and we went on about a mile to a second tunnel which went back under the canal. We crossed the canal again at Norbury Junction, this time over it using a bridge. At up-market Norbury we crossed the A519.

All day, the mod group tended to split into two, with Neil, Fiona and Elwyn and me off at the front and the others a little behind. So, at key junctions, the front group would wait to ensure we didn’t lose anyone. This should not really have been necessary as I’d circulated the gpx route file beforehand, but old habits die hard. Shortly after leaving Norbury we took a very small road leading to Shebden. I’d stopped to look behind for the others only to see them whizzing past the end of the lane. Fortunately, my loud shout alerted them to their mistake and they soon turned around. Trevor admitted he’d been chatting rather than looking at his Garmin!

Onward through Shibden, where we crossed the canal yet again (that’s five times!), we were soon through Adbaston and Chipnall.  We got back to Morrisons in Market Drayton at about 4pm, having covered 46 miles, having enjoyed warm, dry weather, some sunshine and some superb quiet lanes.

So, thanks are due to Clive for re-working the 2019 routes and to the mod group for sticking with me on what turned out to be a really ‘special’ ride.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

25th July 2024 : Wheaton Aston Special Ride (Brisk)

Today’s ride by the three Lone Rangers aka Nick, Steve Hu and myself, was a very fast 61 mls at 16.2 mph. Steve T had asked me to review the two specials rides I had crafted for our first group ride to the Hartley Arms in Wheaton Aston back in April 2019. There were 5 Mods and only 3 Brisk riders on that day. So I set about tweaking the routes to provide additional interest to those riders who would be riding in both the 2019 and 2024 rides. This amounted to Nick (brisk) followed by Dave H, Trevor and Andy B and myself (now on the brisk ride) on the Mod ride. The total number today was 12 riders; 3 Brisk and 9 Mods.

The brisk ride took us out via Norton in Hales then clockwise down to Wheaton Aston, whilst the Mods rode in an anti-clockwise direction. Soon after setting off, Nick needed to stop to take a call whilst Steve wanted to ride on. So I asked him to stop at the church turn in Norton. Nick and I arrive and no Steve in sight. A brief call elicits the response that as the first 7 miles were all uphill, then Steve wanted to carry on and we would eventually catch him up. Well Nick pushed hard and I managed to keep on his tail as we ascended to slide around Loggerheads with no Steve to be found. We pushed on and then at Eccleshall we finally catch up with Steve. It took us 14 miles to do so!

Together again, we head in a broadly southerly direction through village after village always into the strengthening SW wind. We arrive at the pub just a few minutes after the Mods with 31 miles ridden to their 22. The pub reacted fairly promptly to our arrival with the delivery of our pre-ordered food choices yet strangely the cutlery was delivered after everyone had their food and now had sticky fingers . 

We are soon off again down to the A5 at Ivetsy Bank for a short run westwards to slide off in a north westerly direction towards the edge of Telford. We pass by Lilleshall National Sports centre hidden behind a golf course and the old abbey and all swathed in trees. It was a lovely fast downhill run before circling MOD Donnington - a barracks and fulfilment centre. 

Finally our route is turning northwards and we get a helping hand from the south westerly wind at last. Stopping in the middle of nowhere, there are two big fields of poppies. Poppies have been grown in the UK for conversion into morphine analogues and it seems there is still a commercial interest in doing so as today. Anyway - quite a lovely sight to see.

Not often seen as a cash crop!

We get back to Morrisons after climbing the last very steep hill, which was the first downhill for the Mods, to see that the Mods had only recently arrived back themselves. So a grand day out for all, with a warm and close day with little sunshine but no rain. So many thanks to Steve T for the idea to resurrect this out-of-area ride to Wheaton Aston; and thanks also to Nick and Steve for sheltering me from the wind on our fast riding sections today - the only way I could keep up!

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photo SHu

18th July 2024: Ellesmere (mod)

 The car park at Chirk was exceptionally full, but it was good to welcome Kevin as a potential new member, who made it on time despite having to ferret around adjacent roads to find a parking space. Rather more difficult was the journey for Trevor and Dave Matthews who had to take a bus at one stage, because their train from Chester was stopped because of an incident on the line. I checked today, and sadly someone had lost their life on the railway near Weston Rhyn. The moderate group consisted of Dave Pipe, Andy Barber, Trevor and myself. We departed late from Castle Bistro in order for Trevor and Dave Matthews to catch a coffee. We left Dave M to his toast, as he was riding home.

We managed the scary A5 roundabout and were soon on the quiet lanes passing both Henile and Ebnal halls on our route to Welsh Frankton and Lower Hordley. Dave Pipe adjudged that some of the lanes approaching Welsh Frankton would be too rough to be considered safe for his tandem. Fortunately, the fine weather meant we encountered little flooding, and we had plenty of smooth tarmac before lunch. We headed east for Cockshutt and English Frankton before turning north-west on the undulating lane to Spunhill via Colemere. The weather was ideal for cycling, and it was a pleasure to be out on these lush little lanes. We had an unavoidable five minutes on the main road before heading down the path to The Boat House at Ellesmere. The restaurant was busy, but as the service is usually efficient, we decided to take lunch here as planned, and managed to find a table on the shaded veranda facing the lake. Trevor had enjoyed his Nordic cruise and despite Ray’s prediction had not returned as The Micheline Man, having only put on 3lbs. Dave Pipe decide that he would give expensive beers a miss (again!), as we all enjoyed our food which was delivered in good time.

Andy had some duties to fulfil around a family event, so needed to ride all the way back to Mold without further delay using main roads as required. It was a soporific setting in the warmth on the side of The Mere, and it would have been nice to have warm sponge and custard and an afternoon nap. The route back was short but included plenty of steep banks on narrow lanes. We climbed through Ellesmere passing Beech House where the great engineer Thomas Telford had been based. At Tetchill we rode down to Onston on the Llangollen Canal, navigating our way up and across the A495 and around the Hardwick estate, over the old railway route and up to New Crickett. We checked and re-checked here before making the correct decision to turn left for Duddleston Hall, Upper Wigginton and St. Martins. We still had the A5 killer roundabout to negotiate, but then ensured a nice ending by taking to the canal towpath and crossing the beautiful River Ceirog on the aqueduct designed by William Jessop and the aforementioned Thomas Telford. There is one of those 100% efforts required to exit the towpath and reach the road. Steve Tan hadn’t been waiting too long. I think Trevor and Dave stayed for a coffee, before Dave gave Trevor a lift to Chester because of the uncertainty over the train service. I managed to get back in time to collect my son’s car from a garage in Widnes with an MOT pass and no advisories. I expect that the modest destination and timing also worked for Andy. Another typical Easy Riders day out in an attractive environment and relaxing company.

DH