Today's ride weather prospect
was one of blue skies but windy. I decided on fewer clothing layers
and, as the roads should be dryish, a lighter bike but no mudguards!
(Okay if your in front).
Meeting at Cleopatras
in ‘Holt’ there was a good turnout for both groups of riders
today.
Out with the Briskers
were – Ivan (leader) Steve T, John M and Nick. I had a couple of
routes planned but decided on Ellesmere and the Red Lion inn. The
other was Llangollen and hilly.
On setting off, I
immediately went the wrong way. The route was reversed in my brain
and the planned route not switched on via the Garmin. We set off for Cross
Lanes, Wrexham instead of Tilston and Malpas, so I decided on a
mystery tour going in the general direction of the Red Lion.
Heading down the B5130
towards Cross Lanes, we take a left and head for Bangor on Dee. Over
the bridge and head on to Holly Bush. Riding along the A525 passing
Horseman's Green, we take a right skirting Hanmer but encounter the
muddiest road this year. Bike wash needed again and a wash for Nick
who hadn't realised I had no mudguards. Passing Bettisfield, the old
railway station is a café and looks very nice with lots of railway
memorabilia on display from the road and looks worthy of further
investigation. Through the pretty village of Lyneal we take the left
fork to pass the Meres.
The lanes we are now
travelling were last explored with Clive. The three Meres are The
Mere, White Mere and Cole Mere. There is a big construction site
after passing Cole Mere going up the hill and it doesn’t seem much
different from the last time we passed the site.
Joining the A495, it is
a run down into the town of Ellesmere and our lunch stop. Due to my
map skills reading we have knocked 7 miles of my scheduled route.
This is a pleasant surprise for Steve as he is still recovering from
the temperature drop between Antigua and Salop, some 25 degrees. It
was colder in the pub than outside, but we were unable to bag the
table near the open fire.
A
reasonable lunch was provided but we can’t wait to get back in the
saddle and the warmth provided by nature.We leave Ellesmere via the
A539 along Hollybush lane taking the route towards Threapwood and the
usual route back to Farndon via Shocklach.
We arrive back at
Cleopatras having only covered 45 miles on such a lovely day, is it
nearly spring? Anyway, we enjoy afternoon tea and cake in comfort and
leave Steve to await arrival of the Mod’s who do arrive back just
as we are leaving to head back to Chester.
Overall mileage was 43 miles around and 63
miles to and from Chester, so not too bad.
Enjoy cleaning your bikes and see you all next week.
ID
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