Today's brisk riders are the dynamic duo called John W and Ivan. The remaining brisk riders are all enjoying leisure pursuits North and East of the country. So John and I ride out from Chester to Cleopatra’s at Holt. Not too many riders congregating probably due to forecast of rain and thunderstorms.
Undeterred, John and I set off leaving the moderate riders and head towards Bowling Bank and Cross Lanes. Across to Eyton and there the start of 5 miles of steady climbing. There are no algorithms to the ride today except ride easy, so it’s steady onwards and upwards chasing zero KOM points. It was my intention today for a different route to Ellesmere and John was convinced we were heading Llangollen way.
From Pen-y-cae we are enjoying a long descent to Trevor before the uphill to Pontcysyllte. Crossing the Dee we stop for photo opportunity of the aqueduct and a rider visiting from Norfolk offers to take photos of us and the views. Advised him we only wanted a scenic shot but had a good chat with him. Clive wouldn't have departed as quickly!
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| The Dee plus Aqueduct |
It’s upwards again up Gate road running parallel to the canal before we join the cycleway and rejoin the road leading to Chirk. It's still feels like riding uphill passing through Chirk and traversing the busy roundabout to take us up to St Martins
A suggestion to stop at Stan’s for lunch was discounted as, passing the petrol station, it is very busy with police activity. Later we found out that a serious incident had taken place. Turning right, we head along Church Lane and the impressive St Martins church, and then ride 6 miles of lanes to Ellesmere.
We head to the Texaco garage and enjoy coffee and hot sausage rolls and cake. Quickly back on the saddle, it’s riding now towards Penley. Crossing the Whitchurch Road, then Sarn, Threapwood and Shocklach and we're back at Farndon before 14:00.
We decide to ride on to Chester. I enjoyed a overall ride of 66 miles in mainly very sunny 18/20C and 98% humid conditions and slight southerly wind speed of 4mph. This route round was 45 miles however.
Only a few rain spots fall when we were at our lunch stop but we are under the garage canopy. A good day out, and glad we were not put off by the weather forecast.
ID
Photo by ID
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