26th February 2009: Port Sunlight

Photographs by Glennys Hammond

Eight riders met for elevenses at Ness Gardens. It was good to see Graham Payne (one of the inaugural Chester Easy Riders) now fully recovered and joining us again. Bryan proposed an “interesting” route (shorthand for “I’ve never cycled this route before but it looks OK on the map”) and with the tacit agreement of all we set off towards Willaston and a short section of The Wirral Way. From there we followed the lane to Childer Thornton, over the motorway and down to Eastham Ferry to arrive, with superb timing, to see one ship entering and one leaving the Manchester Ship Canal. After the photo opportunity and a brief history from Brian McD we followed a cycle path along the coast before turning inland through the industrial estate and onto the path we hoped would take us to Port Sunlight. By the time we reached the A41 it was apparent we had missed the turning onto the old low level rail path which we could see below us! Ably led by Brian McD it was back a few hundred yards and onto the traffic free path into Port Sunlight where we lunched at the busy Garden Centre Café. This proved to be a good choice both for food and the opportunity to chat. Emerging an hour later we did a short cycle tour of Port Sunlight with another photo opportunity outside the Lady Lever Gallery before taking a circuitous route through Storeton, Landican, Irby and Thurstaston to reach the Wirral Way and onwards to Parkgate for the compulsory ice-cream stop. Brian McD suggested tea and biscuits at his home in Little Neston; an offer which was enthusiastically accepted. Then it was back to Ness Gardens, dropping off those who had started from there, while the remainder cycled back towards Chester and their respective homes with a fox trying to outrun us on the way.
A great ride; very different ride to usual, but that’s what the Chester easy Riders is all about.
Distance from Chester and back 53 miles.
BW

19th February 2009: Hanmer

Photographs by Ray Hardman

Having only returned to Chester the previous day, after being away for over four weeks, it was immediately apparent that my fitness had suffered. It was some consolation then that temperatures were reasonable and the weather dry, plus today’s elevenses was at Bellis Garden centre promising a reasonably flat ride. Brian was already there when I arrived quickly followed by Ray. When Graham, Dave and Liz arrived we were in new territory. Six riders and it was only 11.00am. Then when Jim and Dave arrived to make it eight Ray insisted on a photograph to mark the occasion!
The ride south to Hanmer was taken at a steady pace evidenced by the buzz of conversation from the following riders. Shocklach and Threapwood were quickly passed and we were soon in the undulating lanes that characterise the area around Hanmer. The Hanmer Arms Hotel was as welcoming as usual with a table prepared by a roaring log fire. The Adnams and baguettes went down well and after an hour or so of chat it was time to make a move. More interesting lanes followed until we reached Penley from where we turned towards Bangor on Dee, Wrexham Industrial Estate and thence back to Bellis at Holt. After further sustenance (they do a very tempting carrot cake) and discussion the group split up with riders making their own ways home.
What a great day this turned out to be.
Distance from Chester and back 51 miles.
BW

12th February 2009: Wettenhall & Tarporley

It was a bitterly cold wind from the north, only 2 - 3 degrees C, so I was not surprised when no one else had appeared at Rose Farm tea rooms. Ray had said he would not come if it was icy & where vehicles had splashed in the kerbside pools, they left a thin sheet of ice along the quiet lanes for 50 metres. Ray had made a wise decision as I spent the whole ride with my eyes glued to the road looking for the telltale smooth surface change.
I set off east past Oulton Park, then south through Wettenhall towards Nantwich. I kept a fair pace up just to keep warm, but never warmed up properly all day, even with 4 layers on top and 3 on my legs. Then it was back to Bunbury, Beeston Castle, Tattenhall and Tarporley for a late lunch before finally heading back to the Garden Centre. 25 miles in less than two hours.
My first ride "with" Chester Easy Riders, but not my last. I do like the idea of seeing places further a field from my home area of Little Neston which this group provides. It can be a bit monotonous covering the same lanes to / from the Eureka.
BMcD

5th February 2009: ride cancelled

Today's ride is cancelled due to icy roads and the poor conditions generally. Next week's ride will take place as usual.