This was the third consecutive week when the weather
forecast gave ample reason not to go out on a bike. This time, there turned out
to be no ice problems, and the chilling air was ameliorated by conditions being
far less windy than we anticipated. The two Steves, Keith and myself arrived
first at Rose Farm. Dave Matthews joined us for a coffee, he was still
recuperating, and also on grandchildren duty. Dave Pipe had been expected, but
hadn't appeared as we mounted our cycles. But, then, someone must have rubbed
their front lamp, and Dave appeared: a last minute genie in one of his many
costumes.
My suggested destination was The Lord Combermere at Audlem,
with an option of Aston depending on conditions. We were soon on our way
reasonably briskly, heading for Cotebrook, and then Wettenhall with steady
drizzle necessitating waterproof additions for some. Everyone was glad they had
made the effort to get out, and we made short work of the easy riding route to
Nantwich. Our final approach was via the winding Welshman's Lane, passing
Henhull Hall to our left. We avoided the busier roads around Nantwich centre by
turning off Welshman's Row, and crossing the Shropshire Union Canal on our way
to Ravensmoor. We then headed south to Sound Heath, crossing Whitchurch Road,
and down the quiet lane past Hall o' Coole until we hit the T-junction, and
turned south, with less than three miles to go for lunch at Audlem. We were over the twenty mile mark, when the
pull of the Bhurtpore Inn became too much to resist, and we turned north-west
to Aston.
We were wet and cold, and our gear was soon laid out in
front of the welcoming, hot, open fire. The curries were really good, and the
staff friendly, as always. The conversation was convivial, as usual, and we
marvelled at the 105 year old Frenchman who cycled for an hour faster than we
normally go. We seemed to all go out together for our return, but 60 yards down
the road we realised we were not all there! I still don't know what the problem
was, but Dave Pipe was at the heart of it, of course. Did he leave his Garmin
in the toilet? Had his well-known addiction to puddings led to him gobbling
down a last minute spotted dick? Anyway, we were still a bit cold and damp on
finally starting our return.
We needed a reasonably direct route back, but we
did it slightly differently. At Wrenbury we turned right for Ravensmoor, rather
than left for Chorley Bank. Now we were reasonably warmed up. Gradeley Green
was reached by heading up to Swanley Bridge, crossing the Llangollen Canal, and
heading down Springe Lane. We then took a new route to Burland Farm, in order
to miss the muddy lane through the farm at Brindley. We turned off after short
stretch on Wrexham Road, reaching Haughton by Long Lane. We passed the
attractive Nag's Head recommended by Pipey. After Bunbury, we rode around
Beeston Castle, enduring some sleety hail on the way. Steve H mentioned how,
"You don't want to be in Tarporley when the school lets out", but
soon we were. We overtook gridlocked traffic, and weaved between lorries and
coaches on the High Street, before climbing back to Utkinton. Mental note:
return via Hoofield and Clotton next time.
We had amazingly avoided coffee and carrot cake on the way
in. We wanted to beat the light, and I suppose if I had asked Tanny he would
rather have saved five bob, and have the last of his Morrison Savers scones at
home. Unless staying out would have meant not having to put another sixpence in
the meter for his one-bar electric fire. We had also wanted to be sure of
avoiding "a Brian Mac", and having Keith's van locked in. If the girl
in the shop had known when the café closed we may had a last drink at Rose
Farm. They have uprated the decor, and it does seem more attractive as a venue
now. I can't see it rivalling The Hollies, mind you, but if you want a coffee,
teacake, and to pick up half a butchered pig to take home, it's just the job.
We covered 44mls.at about 13m.p.h. average speed. Another enjoyable winter ride
with good friends.
DH
One-bar electric fire?? That's luxury!
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