28th June 2018 : Graig Fechan (brisk)

It's a Hawarden start and its hot so, of course, the brisk riders are out in force for a hilly adventure. 

Ivan took a day off from route planning and settled for my offering of a ride to the Three Pigeons Pub in Graig-fechan. The pub was slightly less than half way so there was some discussion about adding a few more miles, and 1000 feet of ascent! The fact that Clive clearly thought we were mad to be taking on the hill over Eyrys on a steaming hot day persuaded us that we didn’t need to add more hills to the route.

For once the brisk team outnumbered the moderates. With me were Ivan, Nick, John W and Paul. Off we went up through Ewloe and Buckley eventually emerging on to the A5118 near Padeswood and after a short run turning on to the B5444. Very shortly afterwards starts a four mile, 1000 ft climb up to Eyrys. The slope averages about 5% but (according to Strava) there are a couple of bits at around 19%. I decided to take it easy (not much choice really!) but the others seemed to take it all in their stride. We did however pause for a photograph at the top. 

At the top!

There were a few more less serious ups and down before the very fast 2.7 mile descent towards Llanbedr DC along the winding A494. Speeding down in glorious sunshine I recalled the last time I descended this with easy riders in pouring winter rain. Clive had warned us to take it easy and I did so heaving on my ineffective wet rim brakes. Sighing with relief at the bottom, making the slow right turn I found myself on my back sliding along the road with a car following a few yards behind! This time no such dramas as we gathered to consider why Nick's chain has a habit of throwing itself off the chain-ring at the most inappropriate times. He’s tried almost everything to fix it and the consensus was that it may need a link or two removed.

We join the B5429, enjoying the very pleasant views of the Clwydian Range that distract us from the fact that its a few uphill miles to Graig-fechan and the Three Pigeons Pub where we arrive at 12:15. I notice that the route continues uphill but we forget that for now as we settle for lunch in the shade of the verandah at the rear of pub.

Its a well furnished, characterful pub with extremely pleasant staff and great beer. The menu contained a good range but some of the main courses looked a little expensive. Our choices were mainly soup of day and sandwiches but John W had the Farmers Lunch which was massive and probably enough for two. The conversation turned to youthful misdemeanours with one of our company admitting to once being locked up overnight in police cells. We also learned that it isn’t wise to go cold calling at John W’s house! 

The temperature has soared higher as we set off from the pub. The road continues up hill on a stretch which I understand is known as “the mantlepiece”. Its an ascent of over 500 feet to the top a couple of miles away. Anyway Paul attacks it followed by the rest of us. A gentle incline follows for a few miles along the B5430 before a short climb into Llanarmon-yn-lal. I’ve already quaffed my water supply and call for a halt in the village to get a top up. However, the offer of ice cream is too tempting to resist so its Magnums all round plus a litre of water for me! What a picturesque location. Its a pity that the Raven Inn isn’t open during the day! 

More bumps follow along the B5439 towards Graianrhyd. As a reward, we enjoy the luxury of a couple of long descents between Llanfynyd and Cefn-y Bedd on the B5101 and B5102. Then we motor along a flat run incorporating the traffic free and wooded Springwood Lane running parallel with the A483 which delivers us to the lower reaches of Marford Hill. Now diverting from the planned route we turn left heading to the roundabout. Nick had to return to Hawarden for his car and, escorted by Paul and Ivan, takes the B5102 left (big hill!) towards Hope and onward to Hawarden whilst John and I keep straight on for Chester via Pulford, Dodleston and over the Dee at Saltney. 

The planned route was 43 miles. Nick rode 48 miles from Hawarden and back climbing 4000 feet. John W, Ivan and I completed well over 60 miles including our rides from home and back. Paul had done a circuit via Holt before the start and clocked up 88 miles. It’s worth noting that almost 3000 feet of climbing was done in a section of under 24 miles starting with the climb to Eyrys. 

It’s a lovely route and one worth doing again albeit in cooler conditions. It was a great day out with excellent riding companions. 

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JM

Photos by ID

28th June 2018: Gwaenysgor (mod)

Hottest day of the year so far?  Let's climb some hills!

There were a lot of riders out at Hawarden today. The Mods were outnumbered nearly 2:1 by the Brisk group who were going off to "Climb every Mountain".  This left Dave P and Andy B and myself to try to decide what to do. I offered to cobble together a ride loosely based around the one that the three of us had taken in January 2017 to Rhuddlan when the temperature was 25C cooler.

It was good to see Macca out for the first time since his knee operation. Understandably he was taking it very easy, so made his own ride homewards.

So we set off the usual way to Northop. Here I gave a choice of the route out to Halkyn Mountain and the "pretty" route was chosen i.e. the tiny lanes up to Rhosesmor. This afforded us much needed shade as we avoid the "Steve T" section of the lane. Up and over the Windmill, Andy decides we are going left up towards the quarry - so, no matter, I re-route on the fly. Out through Babel we head north towards Lloc then take the left turn down the No Through road to get over the A55. As I rode down the lane I thought I recognised it. This was the lane taken in October 2011 with a section under 6" of liquid manure which required the then riders' bikes to be jet-washed at the Pet Cemetery cafe!

Dave requests we stay "high" so I re-route again and take the delightful lane passing Llyn Helyg to eventually arrive in the middle of Dyserth. We try to find the waterfall, but to no avail, and, giving up, we head ever upwards towards the "Eagle and Child" pub arriving after after 24 miles.

Lunchtime conversation is as varied as ever as we sit under the sunshade out in the garden. However the heat is rising, and we need to get on, so after a brisk climb to the top of the hill for a panoramic vista of Liverpool Bay and the Snowdon range, we head for Llanasa. The pub here is open for business but not at lunchtimes apparently.

Liverpool Bay with fittingly, two "red shirts"

Following the cycleway towards Whitford, we are out and up going towards the Friary St Pio's cafe for a cuppa. A quick uphill diversion via Carmel finds us at the cafe after just 9 miles opting to sit inside to get out of the heat. The route back to the start is predictable and the breeze up on the mountain tops is very welcome. Andy leaves us at the Bluebell pub heading for Mold, and Dave suggests we take the "Steve T" route back down to Northop. Mindful of recent events, we ride downhill with some reserve.

Outside Northop, Dave and I opt for the downhill run into Shotton and the greenway. If we had run back to Hawarden, it would have been 47 miles with 3500ft of climb. So as ever, each ride brings it's memories and companionship moments.

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CA

21st June 2018 : Barthomley (brisk)

A fine dry day was forecast but with an northerly wind. The ride out from Chester to Delamere for the café start was testament to the predictions. I met John at the Meadow Lea end of the Greenway. Although a reasonable turnout at the cafe, most other riders were opting for a moderate ride to Goostrey so John and I set of for a ride to the White Lion Inn at Barthomley.

Leaving the café, we turn right to head out along station lane towards Nantwich. Wind on our backs we cross over the main roads A556 and A54 then A49 at Cotebrook. Up to Eaton and turn left at the sigh post and we are Wettenhall bound. Rounding the corner at Reaseheath College it isn’t 11:30 yet so very good time made over 18 miles.

Through Nantwich and direction Wybunbry, we go through the village and turn left onto Wrinehill Road. This is a good lane to ride along and turning left at Wrinehill village we head towards Betley. It is now a little climb to get up to Balterley but no problems as we still have the tail wind. Arriving at the lunch stop at 12:20 we are soon enjoying the famous steak and ale pie.

When we were riding towards Nantwich and on Fishermans Lane, we swopped bikes to allow me to test the suspension on John's bike; so at lunch time we have the best buy guide on suspension bikes, (look out Marilyn and watch the account!!)

Our route home is via Crewe and on arrival at Crewe Green out of 5 exits on the roundabout only two open to traffic. We navigate the footpath and eventually find our booked route Sydney lane to take us to Maw Green and Bradfield Green. We have experienced only a few occasions of head wind but with J on the front! No problem. At Church Minshull, we head towards Darnhill and up the 10% with a head wind in front and big bus behind, makes you get up quicker! We keep to the outer roads to pass Winsford and keep to the B5074 and on to Foxwist Green and Sandiway. Its then undulating roads passing Cuddington and Norley and at Hatchmere taking a R/H to return to the café at Delamere for a chunk of the delicious looking cake spotted at Breakfast.

I assume we return before the mods as its only 14:40 and enjoy our desert sitting outside in the sunshine. From the café we return through the woods and it is a reasonable route and a good short cut as we came out not far from the railway bridge. It is only a matter now of getting up Goshawk bank but up and over it is now the bumpy road along Manley lane before the main A56 into Chester.

As John and I had been out Tuesday with train assist to Shrewsbury then cycle to Welshpool and back to Chester todays ride was not as taxing but we still had a ride of 76 miles round trip. 

A very good day out on fantastic lanes and no incidents. Thank you, John, for bearing the brunt of the headwind but it still feels hard behind you.

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ID

21st June 2018: Goostrey (mod)

The summer equinox, the longest day and the first day of summer, and yet it felt more like autumn.  The temperature had dropped and there was a strong NNW wind. At Delamere Station Café, Ivan and John W were on a brisk ride, Dave & Liz P were on a leisure ride, which left Andy B, Bob, Clive, George, Mike, Neil and myself as the moderates.

We usually cycle out to Goostrey from Rose Farm, so it made a change to go there from Delamere.  The route was largely familiar: out by Acton Bridge, Combermere and Great Budworth, where the through road is still closed to cars because it has been undermined by moles.  Plumley was next, where I noticed that the Plantation Garden Centre had been renamed the Plumleys Garden Centre (perhaps because of the connotations of a plantation). At Lower Peover crossroads, instead of taking the familiar B-road, we went straight on and came across the Tree of Imagination. This is an intricately carved, spectacularly decorated and inventive transformation of a large old oak stump: www.lower-peover.co.uk/lower-peovers-tree-of-imagination/

Photos by Mike G

A few miles later we emerged back onto familiar lanes and headed into Goostrey and to The Crown, a favourite destination. I noticed under the menu heading of “Pub Classics”, they offered Avocado, Feta & Pomegranate Seed Salad!  We all chose more traditional meals from the £6 lunch menu of substantial fare.

The route back took us through Lach Dennis and, even though we hadn’t travelled far from the pub, into the café at Shipbrookhill Farm. Here about half of us chose the ice cream despite the temperature.  After Davenham, we took the rough track from Moulton to cross the Weaver Navigation, not much worse than some Cheshire lanes.  Then, taking advantage of the dry ground conditions, we followed the Whitegate Way towards Oulton Park.  Here we had the only technical difficulty of the ride when a twig got stuck on Andy’s drive belt and pulled it off. Fixing it was a bit more complicated than putting a chain back on, but a lot cleaner.

At Cotebrook, half the party headed off towards Waverton and points homeward. Andy, Mike, George and myself continued northwards towards Delamere, though I turned off to slog up Heaths Lane. We’d had a relatively short ride for the day of the summer solstice, but it was enjoyable. The circuit from Delamere Station was 46 miles.

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SH

14th June 2018: Coedway from Waverton - Long Ride

A long spell of calm weather seemed to be ending as Storm Hector battered the north of the UK. In Cheshire gale force gusts were predicted, not ideal conditions for a long ride; however it was forecast to be dry. Nine Easy Riders arrived at the Waverton canalside car park for an 8am start: George, Nick, Ivan, Trevor, Keith, Dave H, Paul, Clive and myself.  Clive was a late addition, having shortened his sailing trip in response to Hector.

Our first goal was the Midway Truck Stop at Prees Heath, about 26 miles distant. We headed towards Tattenhall, then Tilston, into Malpas from the west, and out to Whitchurch.  The main road was closed at Bradley Brook, but a short diversion kept us on track. From Whitchurch we took the Calverhall road, but turned off to pass through the placid Brown Moss Nature Reserve. Then we walked across the busy A41 dual carriageway and into our first stop.  No-one was tempted by the Desperate Dan all-day breakfast, though a cooked option was taken by some – all good value, substantial fare.

Re-fuelled we headed on through Tilstock and Hollingwood towards Northwood.  During this section the brisk riders (Ivan, Paul, Nick and Clive) broke away and forged a path to our pub stop, 30 miles distant.  The rest continued more leisurely through Lyneal and Colemere, to Lee. Here we struck southwards to Lower Hordley and Stanwardine in the Fields, before entering Ruyton XI Towns. Turning left up Little Ness Lane, we eventually crossed the A5 and entered the Severn Valley. Passing the Royal Hill pub (a possible destination for a Chirk ride), we made for Melverley, entered Wales, passed over the Severn on a single track bridge and entered Crew Green.  From here it was little more than a mile to our lunch stop.

Apparently the Old Hand in the pub’s name refers to the Red Hand of Ulster, while the Diamond refers to gold trading.  For a 17th century inn there are also reputed to be two resident ghosts. The brisk group were well into their lunch as we ordered.  In celebration of his coming birthday, Clive generously bought everyone drinks and we settled down to eat. The roast dinner was a favourite, good value and must have replenished quite a few calories. Before long the brisk riders decided to depart, minus Clive who chose a more leisurely return.  The strong winds of the morning hadn’t caused us any great difficulties, and we looked forward to an improved forecast for the afternoon.

Pub phots by SH

Prior to heading back northwards, we took a short circuit of the hills to the southwest and appreciated the enhanced views towards Llanymynech. Back over the Severn, into England, we headed towards Maesbrook.  In the morning we had enjoyed some lovely tranquil lanes and here were some more. Next we made for Maesbury Marsh and then into Oswestry from the east.  By this time the schools traffic was diminishing and we headed towards the Old Oswestry Hill Fort. 

Oswestry Old Hill Fort, photo by ID

Here we met the only unfortunate incident of the day. Cycling up the narrow lane towards the fort, we were aware of a car just behind us.  As there were no safe passing places, we pulled into a layby to let it go by. Instead the car swerved towards us and stopped only inches from my bike.  A middle aged Mr Angry started shouting about how we were in his way and in the wrong. He climbed out of his car, perhaps to accost us, as his wife looked on embarrassed. We refused to move without an apology, and Mr Angry backed down and reversed away, threatening to ‘kick our tyres in’. That was all the result of our trying to let him pass.

Chirk Aqueduct, photo by ID

Photo by ID

From Oswestry we continued north through Weston Rhyn and into Chirk for our café stop. We weren’t surprised that the brisk group had already passed through. Large portions of cake and scones were consumed to help us on our way. We left heading for Cefn-Mawr and Ruabon, and then onto lanes to Cock Bank and Cross Lanes. Approaching Holt, Clive announced we had reached 100 miles, and we stopped outside the Spar for further refreshments and observed a minor scrape between two cars.

Between Holt and Aldford a race to the finish started between Clive and Keith, while the rest of us continued, enjoying a pleasant end to the ride with blue skies and fluffy white clouds above.  Our starting point was finally reached about 7:30pm with 108 miles completed. I later heard that the brisk riders had also successfully finished their ride an hour and a half before us. We had all been lucky with the weather and enjoyed some new territory, excellent lanes and good refreshment stops.

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SH

7th June 2018: Ellesmere (mod)

Twelve riders turned up at the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall on what promised to be a fine summer’s day. Three wanted a brisk ride while three wanted a leisurely ride, leaving six of us (Bryan, Keith, Bob, George, Neil and myself) to indulge in a moderate ride to the Red Lion at Ellesmere.

We set off down Newton Lane, turning right at the end and heading round the back of Bolesworth Castle. Crossing the A534 we sauntered through Brown Knowl and Duckington, crossing the A41 at Edge Green. Then briefly down the Cheshire Cycleway before turning right into Whitewood Lane at Kidnal. We turned left in the direction of Chorlton Lane and Cuddington Green and continued through sleepy Threapwood before crossing into Wales at Tallarn Green.

As we left Tallarn Green we turned right and then left and headed down towards Three Fingers and Little Arowry, before cycling on to Hanmer. The Hanmer Arms has always been one of our favoured stops and after closing down for a while has now reopened. It was not our intended destination today but Bryan decided to turn back here having ridden out further on a CER ride than he has for some time.

The remaining five of us continued out of Hanmer and past Bettisfield Park which was looking idyllic in the warm summer sunshine. We ran for a short time along the A495 before turning off for Bettisfield itself, crossing the Llangollen Canal as we did so. A loop round to Balmer Heath took us back into Wales once more.

Then on through Lyneal to Colemere where a vineyard, which was planted a few years ago, is now starting to look established. A sure sign of climate change. Picking up the A528, we cycled into Ellesmere. The waterfront at Ellesmere was busy in the warm June sunshine so we avoided The Boat House and headed on to the Red Lion.

The Red Lion Coaching Inn usually offers an ‘over 60s’ two course lunch for a reasonable price but on this occasion we were to be disappointed. The normally busy pub was quiet due to a kitchen refurbishment which was in progress. We were given a warm welcome but were advised that there was a limited menu in operation. We still managed to find plenty to our liking and were soon tucking in to paninis, ploughman’s lunches and the like.

Leaving the Red Lion we headed right at the roundabout, up Swan Hill and then left up to Sandyhill. Then it was into Lion Lane, a tiny road alongside Lion Lane Wood which leads on to the A539 at Sandy Lane. After only a short distance on the A-road we turned right into quiet Burgess Lane and headed up to Holly Bush and Worthenbury.  From there we went through Shocklach, Tilston and Clutton along the quiet and flat lanes of the Cheshire Plain before reaching Tattenhall. As we passed through Tattenhall Neil left us to head home and instead of turning right into Newton Lane to return to the Ice Cream Farm the rest of us carried straight on to return to our own cars or home.

49 very pleasant miles on a dry, warm summer’s day (plus our respective return journeys) in classic ‘Easy Rider’ fashion.

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TC

7th June 2018: Aston (leisure)

With the moderates heading for Ellesmere, the Leisure group consisting of Jim, with Dave and Liz on the tandem set off for the Bhurtpore Arms for a curry. The route took us through Beeston, Bunbury and then the outskirts of Nantwich. We approached Aston past the bunker (formerly known as secret) followed by a short section of main road, and arrived about 12.30.

The meal was excellent as usual and we were just finishing when Dave H appeared, having had a late start from home. Unfortunately, to gain time, Dave took the ‘crud encrusted shortcut’ only to be beset by mud and nettles, and soon realised why we had chosen not to go that way a few weeks earlier.

The return route was through Chorley, Larden Green and Brindley to have a short break at Tilleys in Bunbury for coffee and cake.

A very warm day, with good cycling of about 37 miles.

JD

31st May 2018: Spurstow (leisure)

The group consisting of Dave and Liz on the tandem, with Jim and Bryan, joined the moderate group as far as the end of Beeston Castle Lane when we turned towards Peckforton, past the castle gates, and then entered Bunbury by the back passage, so to speak. The Yew Tree, on the corner at Spurstow was our lunch stop, after a couple of sorties past a set of road works when the workers had to move their diggers to allow us past. The pub has been re-furbished and offered a reasonable choice of ales and dishes on the menu.

The return journey was through the village, turning left by the church to emerge on the A49 just uphill of the Wild Boar Hotel. Then Left at Tiverton and back through Huxley and Greenlooms.
A total of 37 miles.

JD

7th June 2018: Mow Cop (brisk)

After last week's ride to the FOB, this week was going to be hard to follow. With the weather being so great I thought the annual ride to Mow Cop would be good.

Arriving at the ICF with John W, we were soon joined by the group but mainly moderate riders. Ken was out so the two of us set of on a warm and sunny morning. We ride via Beeston, Bunbury and the usual lanes to Nantwich. We get held up at the level crossing and enjoy the quick rest in the sunshine. The barriers raise and the ride is on again heading out towards Wybunbury then Weston and Radway Green. Alsager main road has three sets of traffic lights along a half mile stretch – pot hole filling!! At least road was not closed.  At the lights at Church Lawton, we join the A34 for a short distance before the right-hand turn to Mow Cop, signposted as two miles. From here it begins the gentle rise and arriving into the village we decide to head along to the drag up to the summit. Immediately joining Station Lane, the gradient goes to 14% and increasing. We hit the 24% steep bit and it’s a push to keep going at 2mph!

The T junction looms the top and we head up to the tower. Taking in the views of Cheshire and Staffordshire from this vantage point is spectacular. The tower was built as a summer house during 1754 by the local lord of the manor, more money than sense or cheap labour. It is 355 feet high and gives fantastic views. The best part of getting up here is the easy ride down again and hopefully lunch. We spin down the hill and again get stopped at the rail crossing for the busy Manchester- Stafford line. We wait for two trains on this occasion but again we can proceed and head towards lunch at the Blue Bell at Smallwood.

We can enjoy lunch as the continuing route home is flat and "downhill". Getting back on the saddle again we continue Hassel Green and then ride on the A533 road into Sandbach. The route then takes us through the lanes to Bradwall and towards Middlewich. On through Warmingham it is then Occlestone Green and Wardle. We are stopping for afternoon tea and cake at Tilly's, and arriving at the café, we enjoy the slabs and a refreshing drink of tea and milk shake (mine)

Back at the ICF, we part ways and Ken heads of to Rossett and I back to Chester.Although only the two of us today it was a good day out. The route was 64 miles as a round trip and with the ride out and back it was 83.2 and Ken’s and extra 5-10 miles further. Riding at an average 16.3mph in great sunshine and good company.

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ID

31st May 2018: Audlem (mod)

It was great to see Steve Tan and Lesley at coffee.  The fast lads had been up in Bowland, and we had already discussed having two moderate groups on the day. Most weeks recently we have been able to add a 'Leisure Group' ride for those moderate riders who would rather go slightly slower and not too far. This also means that valued senior members can continue to ride with the club, and enjoy lunch together.

This week the 'normal' moderate group consisted of Bob (just back from France), George, Neil (a welcome guest), Mike and myself. Dave Matthews was able to join us for a few miles, before returning for granddad duties.

Steve H was at coffee, but wasn't available to ride. I suggested Little Bollington and  The Swan with Two Nicks, which was accepted, but we actually went as one group with the Leisure riders as far as Bunbury in the end!  At Waverton I asked those at the front if they were O.K. riding the canal route for a change, only for loud , insistent shouts from the mob behind that we turn left. Jim was the main culprit for all this, probably forty years of issuing instructions is a habit he can't break! Bryan was being apologetic to Neil, trying to assure him that we were not usually so shambolic. I couldn't make my mind up if this was democracy in action or anarchy. C.T.C. sticklers would have definitely been tutting! Dave Matthews took his leave, as we meandered through Greenlooms to Hargrave, meeting the tandem before Huxley! Don't, ask! At least this proved  we had been travelling at the correct leisurely pace.  The Leisure Group turned off at Beeston, and the famous five pressed on through Bunbury to Brindley, and then headed east to cross the Shropshire Union Canal, before turning south to Sound via Ravensmoor. We took the quiet lane past the moated Hall o'Coole, and in short order were diving down and driving up to Audlem central. The Lord Combermere staff are always friendly, and the food is consistently good. I do think plates are a better for holding meals than wooden squares though. How many of us, at home, would prefer to eat off a wooden place mat or a small bread board, rather than use a decent sized ceramic plate?  We parked our bikes by the back gardens, and away from the bins, because it is bin lorry day on Thursdays in Audlem. We sat on the verandah in the relative cool on a warm afternoon, and relaxed. We found out that Neil was a keen golfer as well as cyclist. He had only just moved to Cheshire, and had spent a long time with the R.A.F. It was obvious that with flaps retracted he was capable of more speed. Perhaps he will have a go with the brisk group next time.

Our return journey was via Aston and Cholmondeley, but we avoided  Harthill by turning left before the A534 and heading north from Brown Knoll and past Bolesworth Castle. Neil headed home at Tattenhall, where Alison's had customers inside, but a 'Closed' notice on the window. It had been a warm humid day and a cafe stop was needed, particularly with the Welsh contingent set to top 80 miles. George suggested Old Ma's. They were nominally closed, but waved us in. The mature gentleman, who I presume was the owner, was delightful company, and Bob told him that it was the best cup of tea that he had ever drunk! (I think the heat had got to Bob at this stage). Fortified by two slices of bara brith we fairly put the pedal to the metal back to Meadow Lea. Sixty miles covered, mostly just the brisk side of moderate. No thunderstorms, and enjoyable company. Jim and Dave Pipe let me know that their group's ride went really well. Out of initial confusion, organic democracy produced inclusive cycling satisfaction at the end of the day!( As Alastair Campbell may have put it).
                                                                                                                             

Photo by Mike G

See route map and/or gpx file download

 DH