23rd October 2008: Wrenbury

Forecast, rain and high winds. Outlook, poor turnout. And so it was exactly the same group as last week setting out from Rose Farm with no dissent regarding destination and no prospect of dropping anyone off the back. The rain was very light and easing as we headed east towards Cotebrook and Rushton. I missed the staccato buzzing of the 12000 rpm V sixes from Oulton Park as Kings Lane approached but as I crossed the A51 at Tilstone Fearnall there was a cacophony created by crows in the massive oak tree on the left to add atmosphere which was lacking at Oulton. A Jay added colour as it did a spot of low flying across my bows, no doubt laden with the plentiful acorns. Over the canal and railway line to drop down to the flood, which had lessened markedly since Sunday, and then it was out via Bunbury to Faddiley with the roads drying rapidly in the warm, strong south westerly. Down Ikey Lane and then through Swanley to Ravensmoor where a lower gear was necessary to keep the bike moving against a 30 mph plus headwind. Respite was soon at hand at the Cotton Arms in Wrenbury where lime and soda (75p/pt) and a baguette replaced some of the calories given to the wind. The landlord had moved in three years ago from Huyton and still seemed to be suffering from the shock of the change. But now the wind was encouraging me as I headed north through Cholmondeley to Bickerton where Hart Hill was waiting to warm me up before the fast descent cooled me down again. I resisted the charms of the Ice Cream Farm and weaved my way through Greenlooms and Waverton on the last leg home in the final burst of sunshine which heralded the evening rain. A total of 60 miles from home. Climbing? Not a lot but the very high winds more than made up for it.
RH