Just riding the 3 miles to Rose Farm showed how wet it had
been with flooding across the lanes and mud aplenty. Still the forecast promised a day that would
be dry from above if not below. The
moderate riders were Dave & Liz, Keith, Petar, Mike G and myself. I suggested a ride to Whitchurch because
travelling south and north would avoid heading directly into the westerly wind.
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| Photos by Mike G |
We had an uneventful initial outward journey through Tattenhall,
then stopping at Tilston, where we put Dave & Liz in the stocks.
Approaching Malpas from the west, my bike suddenly went “wobbley”. This
diagnosis of mine was improved by our technical experts who identified loose
spokes, not a couple, but most of them, on the rear wheel. We called up Pipe’s Mobile
Repair Workshop, who effected a transformation, allowing us to proceed. First through
Malpas to Higher Wych and then east to Grindley Brook and into Whitchurch and
the Black Bear. We thought we may have
lost the Pipes, but they eventually turned up. I think they may have been
looking for more repair work.
Lunch was as good as usual, substantial fare. The return
took us east on Route 45, despite the “Road Closed” sign. Major works were
underway on the railway and we passed under the bridge through mud and potholes
as tracked vehicles crossed the road. From Wrenbury it was north towards
Brindley, stopping only to clear mud from mudguards and make minor adjustments
to machines.
The longer days gave us time for a café stop and we pulled
into Tilly’s at Bunbury for refreshments. Mike left us here to catch his train from Shotton, and then Petar at
Eaton to head home, while Liz and Dave chose to drop back, and it was only Keith and myself who
arrived back at Rose Farm at about 5pm.
As well as café stops, longer days allow us to lengthen our moderate rides with
50 miles covered.
SH
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