As a result of seeing in the New Year and partying until late I didn’t get back to Chester until past 10:00 this morning. Without sufficient time to ride to Christleton to join the Chester CTC for their ride out to Churton I determined to ride directly to Churton. David Mathews had already telephoned to warn that the lanes around Oscroft were icy so I decided to stick to the main roads. The ride out was crisp, dry and uneventful making a pleasant change to the mild wet weather that has so far characterised this winter. The forecast was also good although with some rain likely in the late afternoon.
I arrive at Churton just after 12:00 noon to find the garden of the White Horse overflowing with bikes and the back bars choca with cyclists. Today is about meeting up with cycling friends from the various CTC groups and affiliates in the Chester and North Wales area. Amongst the CER members present I noted David M, Andy, Dave P, Ray and John (with apologies to those not mentioned). Overall 50 cyclists were present, although not all in cycle mode. Having shaken hands and exchanged New Year greetings with a high proportion of these it was time for the hotpot lunch (meat or veggie) as arranged by David M. Unfortunately with only 30 riders expected, but 50 actually turning out, it was inevitable that some would miss out: and so it was. Never mind, it didn’t seem to dampen their spirits.
After lunch Mike Cross did the presentations, including a special certificate for Harry Watson in recognition of all the Watson’s Wanderers rides he has led. It being noted that he has ceased to lead any further rides, although there was speculation that Harry might not have been informed of that detail!
Outside the sky was clouding over and a light drizzle just starting. It seemed that the forecast rain had arrived early. A quick ride back, retracing the morning’s route, meant I arrived home more or less dry, before the heavy rain started, to complete a great start the New Year.
BW
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