After the recent spell of warm autumn weather the air had a distinctly chilly note this morning although the forecast was for bright and dry conditions. Leaving early I took the opportunity to check out progress on the Millennium cycle path extension to Mickle Trafford, which appears to be almost complete except for the surfacing. By the time we next ride from the Windsurfing Centre it should all be finished.
Jim, Ray and Dave soon joined me over tea and teacakes while we discussed today’s ride. Ray suggested Barthomley for lunch and outlined his proposed route through Cotebrook, Rease Heath and Hatherton. Then with everyone in agreement Ray led us off up the first of many hills, over the Yeld, past Summer Trees tea rooms and on to Cotebrook. Once on flatter terrain we were soon bowling along at a decent pace with the wind behind us. Conversation was animated but I do recall passing Venetian Marina and the agricultural college before tacking the Nantwich traffic. I had been a little sceptical of the wisdom of using the stretch of the A529 down to Hatherton but the leaders choice was soon vindicated and before long we were back on the lanes to Wrinehill, and the final stretch to Barthomley for a late lunch with 40 miles done.
One couldn’t wish for a better lunch stop than the White Lion: full of character, popular with the locals and excellent food and ale. Then with a delicious hot-pot inside and conscious of the passing time we were soon back in the saddle heading for Nantwich via Wybunbury to sample kwazulu tea at Inglenook Tea Shoppe. Suitably impressed by the tea and proprietor Bob’s description of its origin, but with tiring legs and with pleas for a flat route we were soon heading back towards Manley Mere with the dying sun casting long shadows across the roads as we revelled in the early evening light. Past Beeston, Kelsall, Ashton and we were back at the Windsurfing Centre and all that remained was the ride back to Chester in the gathering gloom.
Another fantastic day: thanks to Ray for the choice of route, lunch stop and afternoon tea.
BW
No comments:
Post a Comment