Having led 106 rides in
the last three years with CER, it becomes increasingly difficult to
find a different ride from our starting locations. So I set about
with today's ride to Sandbach to try to find new roads and lanes to
go down on the way to “The George” pub in the town centre. So the
Famous Five, consisting of John²
(M and W), Tom, Paul and myself, set off in and out of Tarporley
bound for Wettenhall. NCN551 runs some 6 miles down to Nantwich, and
it was pleasing to see that at least some of it has been patched up.
No such luck for the “Boot and Slipper” pub which has been
demolished! We take the ring road around Nantwich and then the
parallel cycle path towards Winsford. Here we wander through
Wistaston before arriving in Shavington. The pace is somewhat fast
but I'm to blame for that!
We
shuffle through Basford and Weston and bypass Crewe Hall Hotel on our
way to Oakhanger and the eponymously name Moss, then to fly over the M6.
We are briefly on the Cheshire cycleway 70. Here, there is a 1.2 mile
shortcut using the 70, but I remember in time the last time I went
down this bone-shaking farmer's track and decide to avoid it. So we
loop around the edge of Alsager, passing the forlorn Manchester
University's Alsager Campus, which will be soon be demolished to make
way for 400+ houses.
After three more crossings of the M6, we pass though Malkin's Bank and into Sandbach and the pub after 30 miles at 16.5mph average. Service is swift and enjoyable at this Wetherspoons and the discussion surrounds the weighty Matters of State that are now upon us all. I can't resist a group photo in the Market Square which is heavily cobbled. There are market stalls out today as well.
It is decidedly chilly when we leave the Market Square bound for Ettiley Heath, and we are soon out of the metropolis and into the countryside. We wander through Moston to Wimboldsley, where we join the A530 before sliding around Clive Green and the edge of Winsford. Using the Hebden Green back lane, we 're now on our way to Little Budworth. As there is time, a course change takes us to the Old Fire Station cafe in Tarporley where we are expertly served by Work Experience staff from the local high school. It is getting a bit darker and colder now, and we are all wondering if the rain will hold off. So as John M heads for his car, the four of us rush down the A51 to Duddon and then via Waverton to home. I'm on 78 miles at 16 mph average, and Paul is out for his 100 today. Remarkably, a dry day!
CA
Photographs by John Wilkie and Clive Albany
Clive, thanks for another interesting ride in new territory. Interestingly, you and Paul crossed my path in Upton as I was on my way home in the car. You must have been flying after I left you in Tarporley!
ReplyDeleteYou found out our little secret! - it is always downhill on the way home.
ReplyDeleteAh ha! And I thought it was the carrot cake! 😉
ReplyDeleteYes great ride Clive managed 102miles and got a soaking on greenway coming back by Saughall, John must be right got a bit of OCD
ReplyDelete