Steve had been chauffeured to Rose Farm by Lynne (my wife),
and it was great to have him in the mix again. Lynne was favourably impressed
by the company I keep. Perhaps, I had painted too much of an 'old lags in
Lycra' picture at home, when describing our Thursday interactions! In a year
when their changed circumstances had meant some individuals not renewing their
membership, it was great to welcome Colin and Neil as fully paid up new
members.
Route-wise, the moderate riders were without a clue, so
chose our favourite default destination:
The Bhurtpore. Mike, Keith, Andy, Neil, Dave Pipe and myself formed the
moderate group. We took the route through Cotebrook and along the narrow lush
lanes, next to the baking brick of Oulton Park boundary. At Oultonlowe Cottage
we turned right and took a quiet lane favoured by Ivan and Clive. Andy wasn't
keen, having remembered a rough section of tarmac from a few weeks back. As he
was on his tank-tough heavyweight steed, no harm was likely. From Wettenhall we
made swift progress down Welshmen's Lane, and turned off through the park just
before Nantwich centre. The paths were dry and the greenery relaxing as we
passed the ox-bow lakes of the River
Weaver, and joined the A530 for only yards before heading south down Coole
Lane. We then had a bit of an 85% thrash with the wind in our spinnakers,
before turning north-west up Back Coole Lane. We crossed the Whitchurch Road
into Aston to a very hoppy aroma. The surprisingly large grain mill in this
small village was the source of the heady scent. We, of course were very at home
in The Bhurtpore. We sat outside under canvas, and had a good selection of ales
and curries to choose from.
 |
| Photo by Mike G |
The route home took a turn left down Pinsley Green Road, for
a change, and so by-passed Wrenbury. At Marbury the revamped Swan looked worth
trying for a future lunch break. Ray Hardman used to have a drink and snack on
the south side of the church with a lovely view over the Big Mere, which you can't even see from the
road we are on. We should stop and try 'Ray's View' next time. We headed north
to Chorley Bank via Norbury and Gaunton's Bank. We crossed the A534 at
Brindley, passed Tilly's in Bunbury with difficulty, climbed Tilstone Bank, and
headed for The Old Fire Station at Tarporley. We took our bikes through the
cafe to the back, and sat at a shaded table. We had our usual friendly
reception, and were supplied with jugs of water with slices of lemon. Dave Pipe
and I enjoyed ice cream cornets as well as cake and coffee. It had been a hot
day, but as I made the final ascent to Rose Farm, I was alone. Everyone had
ridden their separate ways home, even Keith to Runcorn. About 43 relaxing miles
for me, closer to 90 for Andy, and somewhere in between for the rest of the
gang.
DH
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