As this was my first full day back with the group after two months absence I took it easy on the ride out to the Ice Cream Farm and revelled in the early autumn countryside. Arriving early I settled down to tea and teacake before being joined by Dave H, Glennys, Ray and Brian. Conversation turned to the Tour of Britain and the stage through the Forest of Bowland that we intended to cross on the 11th October. Dave reassured us that it wouldn’t be too strenuous once he had sorted out the route! With that we turned to today’s ride and Ray’s plan for Market Drayton, but as this was my first day back something a little shorter was called for, so we settled on a joint ride to Wrenbury where those wanting the shorter option would turn off to Whitchurch while the rest carried on with Ray to Market Drayton.
Ray led us out at a relaxed pace passed Bolesworth Castle and up to Brown Knowl before dropping down to Bickerton and on to Cholmondely. At Wrenbury we dashed across the canal bridge just before the bridge was raised for a passing narrow boat: this was in marked contrast to our previous visit when Brian’s canal experience was called upon by Dutch navigators. A mile further on we stopped in Aston to regroup where, with Ray’s directions in mind, four of us headed off for Marbury and Whitchurch.
The White Bear in Whitchurch did us proud for lunch assisted in part by a pint of Cock a Hoop and animated conversation. The return journey via Malpas, Tilston and Tattenhall was made in good time so that by 15.45 we were back at the Ice Cream Farm savouring a cream tea special. Once relaxed Dave H had a proposal to put to us: with dark nights drawing in why don’t we meet half an hour earlier in the morning? Aware that only a few members were present it was decided that a change of more than 15 minutes could not be justified. It was therefore agreed that from the 1st October the meet/start time would be brought forward by 15 minutes and the views of the other members would be sought before further changes were made.
Distance from Chester and back, an enjoyable 57 miles.
Distance from Chester and back, an enjoyable 57 miles.
BW
Very pleased to see Ray and Glennys out with us it was a lovely day and I was on Bikeability duties. I am happy to start at 10.15 or even 10 if that were the consensus but let's try 10.30 and see how that goes first. Sorry to be AWOL as now away till 8 October but should be out then and on 11th
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