20th February 2014: Whitchurch

Despite a very mixed forecast for the day a group of nine assembled at the Ice Cream Farm to discuss destinations. By coincidence, Bryan W, Brian Mac and Jim had all thought Whitchurch a reasonable target for the day. Joined by Paul, Ray, Dave H, Keith, Steve H and Dave M (who set off in pursuit of personal business) the group departed at the stroke of 10:30.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

We followed the regular lanes to Tattenhall, Clutton, Carden and then south to the west of Malpas. The breeze was a bit stiff at times but at least it would be behind us on the return. Apart from a brief shower or two, the morning remained for the most part dry as we crossed the Wych valley heading for Whitewell. Here we had a short length of A road before taking the scenic route (the leading group missed the left turn into town!) to the Black Bear for lunch.

As usual there was a good choice of ales and the food was of a very good quality, if a little pricey for CER. We were soon heading back northwards towards Marbury, Cholmondely and over Harthill.  The last few miles back to the Ice Cream Farm were a blast for those with energy to spare before we settled down to tea/coffee and cake with 38 miles done or 60 for Paul and Bryan heading back to Chester.

JD  

13th February 2014: Aston

After the wildest weather ever on Wednesday, it took real faith in the forecasters to get up for a bike ride on Thursday.  There was a good turnout in the circumstances: Martin returning from a cruise, Dave R, Steve, Andy, and usually last, but never least: Liz & Dave P.  In addition to the day's riders, Brian Mac turned up for a cuppa before leaving to see his father.  Aston was the target, and responsibility was amicably shared for leadership and route.  We headed east along the river from The Little Roodee, passing through Huntingdon, Saighton and the back road at Aldford.  Although Steve was thoughtfully keeping the tandem company, we slowed down too late and Dave & Liz had decided to take their own route at an easier pace.  From Churton we headed generally south-west toward No Man's Heath.  The weather was great and the back lanes pretty and quiet.  We encountered our first large fallen tree and clambered across whilst having a cheery chat with the householder whose garden it had landed in.

Photographs by Martin Donaldson

Our feet were worryingly close to the still-live power cable that had been dragged down in the fall!  Turning right at Wrenbury by the special bridge over the Llangollen Canal we encountered our first flooded road. A Range Rover slowed for some banter, but we were able to show him that one-wheel drive was perfectly adequate to negotiate this particular hazard.

The Bhurtpore Inn was candlelit, but had gas to cook our lunches.  Andy and Martin had interesting veg and herb-packed curries.  Steve had battered whale and chips, and having been served first had to suffer our unseemly, slavering interest in his meal.  Martin told us of the Asda Valentine's meal for two that he had bought but had largely eaten himself before the day. Very romantic, Martin!

Our return was largely into the wind, and the weather was not as bright, but we worked well as a unit and made effective progress.  We did ignore another "Road Closed" sign, and on passing a cut- up tree cleared to the roadside thought we'd got away with it.

A mile later we were stopped by a very large tree which we almost needed climbing gear to surmount.  Anyway, we managed it, some of us in a more ungainly fashion than we would have chosen.  From Chorley Bank we headed to the challenge of Harthill.  It may not be The Alps, but if you are old and 14st 6lbs it's hard work!  Hanging onto Dave's wheel aided progress past the Ice Cream farm with Dave and Steve heading in Kelsall direction at the crossroads.  Andy, Martin and myself continued to Gatesheath and Saighton where we ran into the expensive car school run around the college.  I was a little uneasy at these two-ton Tonka toys barreling around the small lanes.  One yummy mummy was texting with her phone in the middle of the steering wheel as she loomed towards us at a fair lick.  Martin was beginning to feel his month off the bike; three months riding across America should improve his fitness shortly.  Many thanks to Andy and Martin for their navigation.  After the last climbs into Boughton we parted ways at about 16:00. Roughly 55 miles in very convivial company. 

DH 

5th February 2014: The Plassey

With a belt of severe rain forecast to arrive by mid afternoon, the group, consisting of Dave H, Dave M, Ray, Roy, Clive, Steve H, Jim, and Dave & Liz on the tandem, set off sharply from Hildegard’s for the delights of Wrexham Industrial estate, with the aim of getting to Gobowen and back in the dry. As usual the journey through the estate was fragmented with traffic islands and HGV’s but the group finally re-assembled on the lane leading southwards. At this point, Clive, feeling that progress had been a bit on the slow side, decided to leave the group and set off on his own. 

We then had a change of plan, nominated Dave M as leader and set off again with the intention of lunching at the Plassey craft centre. Dave led us out down a whole series of delightful Welsh lanes to the east of Wrexham arriving at the venue in good time for a relaxing lunch. The return journey was more direct, through Bangor on Dee and Worthenbury, where Dave left us to head off towards Malpas. With the wind behind us we made good time back to Holt, in fact Ray was going so fast he melted his mudguard bracket! 

Back at Hildegard’s, we just had time for a quick coffee before loading up the cars in a light drizzle-arriving dead on time at 15:00.

For the Chester riders about 55 miles: a bit further from Runcorn!

JD