26th April 2018: 10th Anniversary Special Ride - Chester and the Wirral (UPDATED)

Ten years of Easy Riding! What a surprise when Clive enlightened us some time ago, but here we were at the newly opened Roodee café to repeat the inaugural ride to the Wirral.

A good sized group consisting of Bryan, Ivan, John M, Trevor, Nick, John B Graham and Vicky on the tandem, Andy W, Clive, Dave H, Keith, Dave P and Liz (in the car), Steve H and myself set off round the racecourse heading for Blacon. Soon we left the outskirts of Chester and after a brief burst along the A540 turned onto quieter lanes at Puddington, arriving at our coffee stop at Ness Gardens pretty well on time. Brian Mac, unable to ride after a knee operation, had arranged with the management for some reserved tables and a separate refreshment counter, which enabled us to get organised fairly quickly. We were also joined by Glenys and David M for elevenses.

I took the opportunity to formally thank Bryan for all the work he has put into getting the club off the ground and ensuring its smooth running. It is significant that we now have 5 volunteers taking on the various tasks that Bryan did on his own. Brian Mac then presented Bryan with a bicycle themed gift, organised courtesy of Ivan, and engraved with a short inscription.

Bryan informed us that he was not leaving the universe - just going to be commuting between properties. We were pleased to be updated on the progress of Steve Tan and we send him all our best wishes for a continual recovery.

Photos by Macca

Then it was time to hit the saddles again, into Neston and onto the Wirral Way. We were making good progress until we approached Caldy, when John B picked up a puncture. As we were near to our lunch stop, Clive, Dave H and Dave P stayed behind to assist while the rest carried on to The Old Rathbone at Frankby. We were joined by Brian Mac and Glenys for lunch but had nearly finished our meal when the puncturees arrived. Despite the considerable skill of all 4 members John’s wheel could not be fixed and he had to phone for transport home. Dave H, wearing his team manager’s hat, gave us all an individual aspirin sample to put in our wallets in case of any future medical emergency of the sort that a group of elderly cyclists might encounter!  Bryan then informed us that his remaining role, of club secretary, was being taken over by Dave H, who then made a short speech confirming his commitment to the ethos of the Easy Riders.  Admin sorted, we set off towards Irby and then Landican where Bryan decided to follow the scenic and at times very muddy Landican Lane as per the original ride. Fortunately we only encountered a couple of muddy sections and soon emerged on the lane at Storeton. From there it was south through Brimstage, Thornton Hough, Raby and back to Ness Gardens for afternoon tea. Here Graham and Vicky left us to return by car while we took the boardwalk and Greenway back to Chester. The group separated again outside the college with the residue continuing to the end of the Greenway.

Approx 52 miles of pleasant, steady, typically Easy Riders riding.

Here’s to the next ten years, and thanks again Bryan.

See John M's video 

See route map and/or gpx file download

JD