Only one day off the spring equinox and with a glorious sunny day in prospect this was going to be a day to savour. Just riding out to the Windsurfing Centre along familiar lanes was a pleasure. I arrived early and settled down outside to the usual tea and teacake. Checking Twitter I gathered that Graham had set off to join us. Glennys turned up for a chat (too much CTC work to join us for today’s ride) and within a few minutes there were six of us chatting. Today’s destination of Knutsford was decided quickly after checking the map for approximate distance. Then cutting it very fine indeed, Dave and Liz arrived on their tandem to join us.
We decided on the straightforward route through Delamere Forest, Acton Bridge, Comberbach and Great Budworth and made good progress until we crossed the Trent & Mersey Canal by Valley Farm. Bryan, our leader, stopped to remove a layer and was promptly dropped. Now which way did the group go, via Little Leigh or Ash Tree Farm? “What a comedy” says Ray when we all meet up; the leader having discovered that he is easily dispensable. Dave and Liz decided to lunch in Great Budworth while the remaining five pressed on towards Knutsford at a good pace on beautifully smooth roads lined with daffodils. Lunch was taken at the White Bear where the landlady unlocked the beer garden gates for us. The Theakstons was perfect and the sandwiches and baguettes excellent.
The return journey was made south to Lower Peover where we turned west to Plumley and Higher Wincham. Dave insisted that we cross the Weaver Navigation at Dutton Lock. The last time I had done this route the section on the south side, under the viaduct, was little more than a muddy path: now it was a proper cycle path. Then it was up Norley Bank through the Forest and back to the Windsurfing Centre just in time for tea and cake before they closed at 5pm. There really is no better way to enjoy a sunny spring day than a great ride with friends.
Distance from Chester and back 65 miles.
BW
No comments:
Post a Comment