We all gathered and rode out together at the
Roodee café Chester for today's top billing of the year as Bryan led
the 10-year anniversary ride to Ness Gardens.
After coffee and
speeches, the Brisk group consisting of John M, Nick and myself rode
on to Frankby and thence meeting up with the Mods at the “Old Rathbone”
(formerly the “Farmers Arms”) who were keeping to the original route
of ten years ago.
Our route out, via
Parkgate and with clear blue skies the view across the water to
Wales, was very spectacular. We kept left of the A540 skirting the
mega houses on this peninsular side and negotiating Oldfield Drive
which must be the only unadopted steep path/road on the Wirral. We
stopped for a photo shoot at the top, one to get our breath back and
also to take in the view on offer.
 |
| Top of the "climb" |
It was then on to Irby
before dropping into Frankby and the 'Old Rathbone”. It was
surprising that we were there first, but the remaining group arrived
10/15 minutes later minus 3 riders. Have to read their blog for
further info!
After a good lunch and
speeches by Bryan and Dave H, we set off on a different course home
again from the main group and did a loop around Frankby up to Greasby
and Woodchurch. I had a cycle route through this area but was unable
to locate the route; too many houses new and old.
We crossed the busy
A552 and headed up Landican Rd. The mods were also heading out this
way but they were either too fast or to slow as we didn’t meet or
catch sight of them. Carrying on through Pensby and Hesswell to
Brimstage and then turning for Thornton Hough.It doesn’t seem to
take long to get out of the one half of the built-up Wirral before
entering the opposite half which becomes mainly fields thankfully.
Raby Mere was next before heading down Rivacre Valley.
We had the wind behind
us most of the return ride and were enjoying this particular stretch
of road. We are overtaken by a car who slows to a stop on passing us
before starting the climb out of the valley. As we get up to the car
it set off at full gas !!!! We now have the ride through the port and
this town will never win architectural awards either. Crossing over
the main street we head down Cromwell Rd which is now a massive new
housing estate.
We take a “Clive
short cut” at the end of Thornton Rd and pass under the M53 and up
to the main roundabout for Cheshire Oaks. As soon as we arrive at
Stanney Mill Road the traffic is very noticeable with queuing traffic
either direction. Pavement riding up to the old Cheshire Oaks Cycle
shop (now closed) we circle anti-clockwise round the roundabout via
the cycle way and crossing lights.
After negotiating the
standing traffic, we are on Little Stanney lane heading home. Through
Stoak and Wervin and into Upton where we say farewell to John. Nick
and myself ride on to Brook lane where we join the greenway and
branch off along the canal to Telford's Warehouse and the Roodee
café.
Today’s Wirral ride
was a 60-mile ride out and back which was a little further than the
inaugural ride of 45 miles. With 18+ riders taking part today with
two groups of riders to mark the event, it was every bit as special
as that first ride 10 years ago.
ID
Photos by J Mills
Photos by J Mills
No comments:
Post a Comment