3rd March 2016: Elworth (brisk)

After an exciting holiday in New Zealand for nearly seven weeks the brisk group were again complete with Clive back in the saddle but a little bike rusty.  It was decided that we would have a local start from Meadow farm café at Mickle Trafford and head to Barthomley and the White Horse.

The route was via Tarvin and Oscroft passing Dave M’s house and Willington.  Passing Rose Farm and taking a left at Jim’s corner!! to Cotebrook.

The weather for today’s ride was expected to be wet but it was around 7˚C and felt warm with little wind. Clive was in front again pushing the pedals and enjoying being on his bike again and in no time we were riding along Wettenhall straight before the left turning for Minshull Vernon.  At Bradfield Green it was along Bradfield Road on the outskirts of Crewe.

We were headed for Winterley and then on to Barthomley when we decided that we would have a change to plan and have lunch at the Holly Bush Inn but on arrival - not open until 15:00 - so on to the Nags Head at Wheelock only to find this old pub now an Indian diner only open evenings thankfully.  We had a choice now of either Wetherspoons at Sandbach or the Fox Inn at Elworth and the democratic choice was the Fox.

Our distance was now 30+ miles and refreshments needed. It had also started to rain as we arrived at the pub but we did not get wet or cold.

Food and beverage served I expect many of you can guess the topic of conversation!!! – only 20 minutes on NZ but an interesting vote on where we stood on the vote for the opt in or out debate.

Leaving the Fox we headed through the lanes of Warmingham and back to Minshull Vernon. Spring is on the way with many hedgerows bursting into green leaf and the daffs and snowdrops all along the ride looking splendid.

At Alpraham John wanted to get back to Chester so left us to race along the A51 back to Chester.  Clive Tom and myself carried on to Eaton and Tarporley with a cross wind trying to blow us backwards.  At Hargrave we continue along Long Lane to Christleton and Mickle Trafford for a very enjoyable 52 mile ride for me but 60 + for the others.

ID