25th August 2022 : Rhyl (brisk)

Apologies to Dave who has arranged a great day out for the club riders today, but unfortunately my group of brisk riders were not able to take part on this occasion

Setting off from our booked start café at Hawarden joining me was, John W, Ken and Richard.

Richard is a new cyclist to the North West and Wales area so as we are in Wales, I thought I’d try to combine hills and flats with scenery in between the miles. Leaving Hawarden, the next 23 miles is only upwards, riding along Wood Lane and to Buckley then Nercwys and up to Maeshafn and up and over Moel Famau. 

We can now enjoy down hill and flattish roads to Denbigh and our final climb into the town. From here the route went via Henlian to Trefnant and on to Waen before heading towards Rhyl but an old bridge closure over the river Clwyd (where road blocked signs were prominently displayed but ignored by us!!) prevented the continued route so about turn and head towards St Asaph. 

Definitely Closed!

Riding the esplanade

The plan now was to follow the river Elwy into Rhyl, but I’d mixed my location up and instead we explored a cycleway to the main A525 which we ride along on the very good cycleway, although noisy until Rhuddlan where we were able to pick up the North Wales cycle path into Rhyl.

There were no grumbles from the group regards the detour or the hilly route to Denbigh and I was hoping that a quick lunch at my favourite Wetherspoons at Rhyl would be as good as usual. Unfortunately, we had a grumpy bar person who split our order up so there were two early diners and two late diners and the food was definitely not the standard fayre we usually enjoy.

The Sussex is a North facing pub and the front is always in shade and sitting outside after all our hard work and sweaty bodies it did get a little chilly and as soon as food eaten, we were off to get into the lovely summer day. The cycle way along the coast was very busy with holiday makers enjoying a sunny afternoon. There were bathers in the sea but certain the water was far from warm today!!

Enjoying the cycle route 5 along the coast on arrival at Talacre / Point of Ayr we stop for an ice cream – lovely. Joining the A548 at the end of the coast path we now enjoy a tail wind to blow us all the way home to Chester.

At Connah's Quay we say farewell to Ken who is riding back home via Hawarden and we three continue with the millennium greenway to Chester.

The route is a 65-mile round trip starting at the Gallery tearoom with a lumpy start but on a fine day as today the views are better than photos can produce although I’m sure some good shots have been taken today.

Thanks to my buddies today for a great day out and hoping this weather lasts until December at the worst!!

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

Photos JW

A date for calendars: -SEPTEMBER 27^th:  MacMillan coffee/cake morning at John W’s mum's house, so please give your support to this very worthy charity.

Highfield Road, Blacon from 10:00 am

25th August 2022: Waddington - Special Ride (mod)

On Wednesday morning it looked like it could be just me and Steve Tan travelling up to Whalley, which having recced the route just two days ago with Keith, was not an ideal outcome for staging a club ride. John Mills was very interested, but would he really want to tolerate my slow progress in such hilly country all day? In the end, John, Alan, and Andy Barber also fancied the route enough to rise early, and make the drive north.  Tastebuds in Whalley proved an ideal meeting place once again. The staff were very friendly, and opened a separate dining room for us. We enjoyed tasty light breakfast offerings, before departing a little after ten.

The rising lane after Sabden Brook was a very steep introduction to the variety of climbs ahead. The quiet, narrow lane that followed emerged from a green grotto onto the ridge of Padiham Heights, with its beautiful views across the moors to the left, and over the old industrial towns such as Burnley and Brierfield to our right. We took Steve Hughes' advised route to Barley via Roughlee, which worked out well, and avoided a couple of heart attack climbs on the Newchurch route. Steve used to live at nearby Higham, and if his son had not been visiting from faraway, would no doubt have joined us. Alan is also familiar with the area, as Steve and Alan have been mates since their schooldays, and they have ridden together up here. Close by is the only remaining Clarion Room in the country, and, perhaps, the grave of at least one of the “Pendle Witches” in St.Mary's churchyard, Newchurch. There is also a metal statue of Alice Nutter on the roadside to Blacko, installed in 2012, as part of the four hundredth anniversary remembrance of the Pendle Witches.

The climb around the dominating Pendle Hill is quite a slog, but before we hurtle down to Downham there is a stunning panoramic view all the way to the Yorkshire Dales to the north-east. Some claim that Downham is the most beautiful village in Lancashire, certainly it is attractive and unspoilt. It has been used for filming, and there are no Sky dishes to spoil the appearance. Whistle Down The Wind was filmed here in 1961 starring Hayley Mills and Alan Bates. The Assheton Arms has closed, which is a shame. Climbing out of the village we pass Downham Hall, the family seat of the Assheton family and Lord Clitheroe. We head for Waddington and lunch via Chatburn, crossing a pretty section of the River Ribble into Grindleton. Lunch was a sandwich or a starter sitting outside the Higher Buck in the centre of the village. This pub is very pleasant, and the food and service is reliably of a high standard. Nevertheless, I hope that we will try The Inn at Waddington sometime in the future, I just wasn't sure if the chef was back after his hip operation, and if so, was he moving quickly enough? And if they still had a “light bites” menu.

Photos by AO

After lunch we followed a secluded back road across the hillside, with a tricky little, steep up- and -down at Talbot Bridge. We passed Browsholme Hall, before reaching Cow Ark and enacting my cunning plan for the next section of the ride. Steve led a loop on a designated “Quiet Lane” past the Wild Boar Park with fantastic views at the highest point, and I saved my legs, by taking the shortest route over to Whitewell, and going my own pace, up the picturesque Hodder Valley, to Dunsop Bridge, Newton, and Slaidburn. Newton has an excellent restaurant, The Parkers Arms, frequented by Gourmet Tan, it also has a very tough climb out! I took two minutes in beautiful Slaidburn to sit on a bench in the sunshine surrounded by flowers while I had a drink. The hairpin climb out of Slaidburn was just about manageable, and I waited up the road in the shade waiting for the peloton. They had covered just over four miles more than me, so they had done well to nearly make the catch before I had stopped. Altogether now, as we crossed the fellside, and then enjoyed a long, fast descent to Holden Clough Garden Centre for a last break and drink. The garden centre was being further developed, but we eventually located the Shepherds Hut and sat chatting in the sun, in the knowledge that the run-in back to Whalley would be relatively easy.  As we approached Sawley from Holden, Sawley Lodge looked magnificent on the far side of the River Ribble. We crossed the river, passing the ruins of Sawley Abbey before ferreting around on paths and lanes to Chatburn, Worston (Where we once had a cream tea at the Calf 's Head), and crossing the A59 for a car-free few miles past Standen Hall. We completed the ride with a brisk couple of miles through Barrow and back to our parked cars at Whalley. Fifty very scenic miles covered, and nearly 4,500 feet climbed. I appreciate the support of Alan, Andy and John in travelling up, solo, from further away than Steve and myself. I really enjoyed their company, and having the opportunity to talk to John in more than just one-liners about Everton! Also, thanks to Keith for joining me on Tuesday's scouting mission.                             

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

25th August 2022: Overton - Cafe Hopping (mod)

Whilst the ‘Special Riders’ were away visiting rural Lancashire, six of us turned out at the Gallery Coffee Shop, Hawarden; JohnW, Ken, Richard & Ivan representing the ‘Briskers’ and SteveH and myself the ‘Mods’. Whilst the fast boys were off to seaside places in north Wales; Steve and I discussed the options open to us. I suggested a route I had planned the previous day of visiting all the CER café meeting places (Café Hopping) in one ride. Going anticlockwise from Hawarden to Chirk, Holt etc using as many minor roads. Steve took to it as he could drop of near where he lived.

Through Llay, traffic was relatively light where we were followed and eventually passed by two police cars who had urgent matters to attend. Wrexham was busy and Erddig Country Park soon followed. As we cycled, discussions ensued on such interesting topics of family history, building submarines and metallurgy.

At Newbridge, south of Ruabon, we came across our first ‘Road Closed’. Where the B5605 crosses the River Dee. A supporting retaining wall has collapsed, but you can cycle through with care. We had a quick inspection and concluded the solution is not easy and very expensive.

Photos by Mike G

To keep off the busy roads, we diverted towards Chirk Castle with its splendid gates.

At St Martins we came across another road closure and had to walk the bikes through the surfacing works. The looks we got were not the most welcoming. Our benefit was, almost a traffic free road to Overton for our lunch stop at the ‘Two Doves’ café, having covered about 30 miles.

Having feasted, good progress was made to Holt. In Farndon we experienced a set of traffic lights causing havoc, this was not helped by parked cars. From Churton to Coddington was one of the roughest lengths of road I have cycled for a long time. The damage is generally caused by heavy agricultural traffic and lack of maintenance. It was not helped by the dark shadows cast by the trees from the strong sunlight. We also noticed on a lot of other sections of minor roads we cycled, wide longitudinal cracks randomly occurring that your wheel can drop into, with the potential to either cause damage or throw you off the bike (accident waiting to happen).

Photo by Mike G

Shortly after Clotton we went our separate ways as Steve was so close to home and Rose Farm Garden Centre was not on his ‘hit list’. Overall, a lovely day’s cycling, Steve covering in excess of 80 miles and me a little further because of a minor diversion to Ness Botanic Gardens.

See route map and/or gpx file download (Full Hawarden to Hawarden circuit, 93 miles)

Mike Gilbert

18th August 2022 : Dunham Massey (brisk)

Starting from the station café at Delamere for today’s start, John and I join up along the greenway for the ride out and have to suffer this on the return journey also. Andy passes us as he’s sprinting along station lane on his ride from Mold. We pass Richard on the Warrington Road but failed to recognise him.

Arriving at Delamere, we meet up with Ken who was out only for the coffee along with John M and Nick both journeying out by car. Richard arrived shortly after giving the Brisk group 5 riders today. Excellent!!

The only pic of the day!

As a route had been previously distributed, we were ready for the ride to Dunham Massey and our lunch stop “The Vine Inn “secretly hoping they were open as our last visit it was locked up.

Setting off at 10:30 prompt, bidding Ken farewell until Tuesday, the 5 of us head towards Hatchmere. Taking the turn onto School Lane it’s a stop! Garmins not working for Nick, John, and myself. A reboot of the route and were off via Cuddington and Sandiway. Our first road closed sign along Norley Lane but we had easy access through. The next on the second uphill hill to Sandiway we were greeted with another road closed. Fixing potholes but we were allowed through.

On arrival at Winsford my navigation went haywire. Whilst the main group followed my route I deviated and headed the wrong way. We are so geared to heading up Station Road I am heading in that direction whilst the rest head up to Wharton Rd. Catching up with them, we continue through Winsford joining London Road and leaving Winsford behind. Through Davenham, we navigate to Lostock Gralam and skirting the picturesque village of Gt. Budworth. Heading up to High Legh we arrive at Bucklow Hill greeted by another closure of a past lunch stop. The inn now boarded up. Crossing the main Chester Rd, we take a sharp left to Rostherne. At the end of the lane, we are opposite Tatton Park and the straight Ashley Road. It’s the only time today that its heads down and pedals whizzing round as we motor along the road at a good pace. We take a track called South Downs Road to cut the corner on Park Road taking us into Hale. Between Hale and Dunham is the expensive homes of Bowden but the road surface is very poor surface. The expensive cars using this road are usually Chelsea Tractors, so I don’t expect too much of an issue for them, but our poor bikes and bodies didn’t appreciate it. 

Crossing the busy Dunham Rd, we’re not far from lunch. Arriving at the Vine, I am pleased to see the car park busy so looking good. It's open and we sit outside. Selection of lunch and lime and soda ordered we enjoy the warm sunshine. Due to the excellent beer, I can’t remember what the discussion over lunch was about!! Therefore, we continue our ride back towards Delamere with a mere 22 miles to ride. We’ve ridden 40 miles before lunch, and it was hoped we’d have a tail wind but no such luck. Our general direction now is back via Heatley and Lymm and Sworton Heath before changing direction and riding along the concrete surface alongside Arley airfield. Along the pleasant lanes to Antrobus we join Hall Lane and Cogshall Lane leading to Antrobus and Soot Hill which is still blocked but open for cyclists. Winnington and the climb up Burrows hill its now the usual ride to Norley and Maddocks Hill. Over the top we arrive at Hatchmere where John M and Nick leave us to return to Delamere while John W, Richard and I ride on to Chester.

A circular route of 62 miles with 2 climbs and 3000 feet of total ascent its a note that require effort!!

it’s been a good ride and the only bike incident was three chains bouncing off due to road surface.

The extended ride out and back gives a total of 91 for Richard, 89 for John and happy with 82 for me and covered at an average of plus 16mph. Well done all and a very enjoyable day in your company and to Ken for making the effort to join us for coffee. Until next week – enjoy the weekend.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

18th August 2022: Goostrey (mod)

 A dozen CER members gathered at Delamere Station café on a warm but overcast morning. The forecast was for rain, but not until the afternoon, so we would at least start today’s ride dry. When we’d sorted ourselves out into ‘briskers’, ‘mods’ and ‘only here for coffee’, there were four hardy souls prepared to undertake the ride I had planned to the ‘Pastimes’ café in Goostrey.

So it was that Trevor, Dave H, Andy B and yours truly set off through Hatchmere, taking Forest Lane and Beech Lane to drop down onto the B5153 at Crowton. From here we took the usual route past Acton Bridge and the fast run down to the A49 at the swing bridge. Then followed the steep climb out of the Weaver valley to reach Comberbach.

We diverted to Budworth Heath to avoid Great Budworth village and proceeded through Plumley and Higher Wincham to reach the crossing of the A556 at The Smoker pub. From here we ran the length of Plumley Moor Road to reach Lower Peover. We then followed Free Green Lane to its intersection with the A50. A short run along the A50 took us to Booth Bed Lane after which we were soon in Goostrey, arriving at the Pastimes café just before 12.30 with 24 miles completed.

The lunch menu at Pastimes is quite varied, offering sandwiches, paninis as well as more substantial fare. When we arrived it was fairly quiet, but it’s clearly favoured by cyclists as more and more arrived whilst we sat outside and ate our lunch.

Our route back took us through the Allostock stockbroker belt with their huge mansions, Lach Dennis and Davenham. Crossing the A556 here, we rode up through Hartford to pick up Hodge Lane which led us to the crossing of the A49. That left us with the run up Norley Bank and Maddocks Hill before we turned down Post Office Lane to reach Hatchmere and our starting point at Delamere.

40 miles covered  at an average moving speed of 13.8 mph, with only a few spots of rain before we got back to Delamere. I rode home and had just got in when it started to rain ‘properly’, so I guess that, whilst Dave H and Trevor also stayed dry,  Andy B must have got wet before he got home to Mold.

Thanks to my compadres for their support and company on yet another dry day out in the Cheshire countryside.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

11th August 2022: Loppington (mod)

 I set out late due to someone taking my bathroom slot at home, and I was soon executing a three-point turn, as the police had closed the main road to the M56. Next up was Frodsham Market, and then three sets of roadworks between there and clearing Helsby. Just to cap this un-promising start to my journey to Chirk, I became stuck behind two humongous, yellow combined harvester type vehicles which ground slowly toward Mickle Trafford. Were any moderates likely to arrive at Chirk this week? Apologies had already been made by some, from those that were out the region, to those that thought their Malibu Factor20 wouldn't cut it for a day in the forecast intense heat. I reached the A55 at Chester, with doubts of being able to arrive at The Castle Bistro before riders, (if there were any), had left. I decide to go for it! 

I walked through the door at Chirk at 10.20a.m., and was pleased to find Ivan, John, Ken and Dave Pipe sat out the back. It is very pleasing to see Ken, apparently fully recovered, now regularly out with the Fast Lads again. So, unless he had a lasso, or had a GTi pacemaker fitted, it looked like Dave would have to settle for riding with me. In true easy rider fashion, we ordered another coffee, whilst outlining an intended route. We eventually headed out over the A483 and down the little lanes, passing Ebnal Hall and reaching Hindford. I missed a turn left, so to avoid the main road, we retraced our steps. Being just two of us, we could easily agree. This assertion does not necessarily apply to long-married couples. At Welsh Frankton we passed the now familiar line of coloured mobility scooters for sale, believed to be the biggest collection outside of Llandudno. We swooped down to Lower Frankton with a pleasant breeze welcome in the increasing heat. This is the lane with the two ridiculously steep hump-backed bridges, which you have to attack in the correct gear, or else. I had intended to take a southerly loop via Rednal and Wykey, but setting off a little late, and considering the searing sun, caution won over in order to ensure reaching lunch in good time, and limiting our mileage. We turned right to Lower Hordley, and then sought out a narrow lane past Kenwick Park and then through Cockshutt, English Frankton and Brownheath. Dave had left his Garmin behind, so Yozza's input was definitely missed, as I scratched my head for the correct direction, in some of these small villages with a number of little lanes out. 

 The Dickin Arms was excellent as ever: friendly, efficient service, excellent food, and really good value. We both enjoyed our Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous. Dave exclaimed that his was, “Tasty, tasty, very, very tasty!” Dave also enjoyed a favourite Bishops Castle, Shropshire ale. It felt like ten years ago chatting to Dave. Bryan and Jim would have enjoyed it. Come on Jim, try that ebike of Andy's! We set out back past the grounds of Loppington House, which led to one of my favourite well-surfaced, quiet lanes to Lyneal. Drifting along this lush summer lane encapsulates the essence of easy-riding. Passing Colemere and White Mere, it is surprising just how large and attractive these meres are, with plenty of sailing available on both. We climbed up to Lee and carried on to Tetchill, before heading alongside the Hardwick estate after negotiating a small section of main road. The disused railway line was crossed at Crickett and we were soon heading for St.Martin's and back to Chirk via the Cyclists' Suicide Roundabout. The terrain is quite lumpy and the heat was full on. We had agreed to give the Pont-y-blew wooded gulch a miss, but Dave suggested using the canal tow path in order to avoid the last main road upward grind. It was nice to finish crossing the spectacular Chirk Aqueduct 70 feet above the beautiful Ceiriog River. The path up to the road required maximum effort in order to stay on, particularly in the face of two young mountain bikers heading down. Dave fancied an iced coffee, but I needed to beat the traffic to Runcorn, and take the dog out in the local woods. I went in the supermarket for bottled water, but the shelves were bare, so bought a large bottle of cool pop, and slaked my thirst in the car park. Not quite forty miles covered at a guess, but in trusted and relaxed company, and the heat had no ill-effects. Just another beautiful Chester Easy Riders day on the bike. No pictures, because we didn't think people would be gagging to see a picture of one ancient gent, taken by another.

  DH 

11th August 2022 : Pentre (brisk)

Today's ride is from Castle Bistro in Chirk and John W and I are travelling via train from Chester. The service is on time and unusually very quiet. Arriving at Chirk the temperature is already warming up for the making of another day in the sunshine. August already and this weather will soon be a memory as we face the wind and rain!!

Arriving at the café and joining the other riders in the garden, it was a surprise that only two other riders present – Ken and Mr Dave P who is incredibly 30 minutes early. Now we know it's Liz who makes him late, our secretary arrives shortly after and that was it for today. 3 brisk and 2 mods riding today.

Ken has put today's ride to the group and so the three of us set off heading out to Weston Rhyn and Oswestry. We then head up Mount Road !!! a two-mile slog of up to 8% ughhhh and the sun is truly on our backs. At the top, we make a left onto a lane to head towards Morda. A down hill but another hill to climb to summit Sweeny Mountain. John has a puncture and, with riding tubeless, we sit on our bikes for a couple of seconds whilst he holds his finger on the hole to keep the white stuff in. All sealed and no problem we continue to the summit. That’s the hills out of the way and now we have a relative flat ride with only rolls to hinder us. Llclys is soon passed, and the road traffic is non-existent except for three hay-baled tractors and trailers.

Our lunch destination is The Royal Hill inn, Pentre near Edgerley on the banks of the River Severn.

 

River Severn opposite the pub

The pub - Royal Hill inn

This has been our lunch venue several times now and the pricing and meals are good value. A 17^th century inn with friendly staff. We enjoy a table outside and are soon served with our food which as usual was excellent. Unfortunately, we must re-join our steeds for a short 25 miles home back to Chirk.

After passing Whittington, we decide ice cream would be pleasant and call into the Derwent college garden centre and enjoy lollies. Onwards to St Martins and down to the A5 roundabout taking us back to Chirk. John and I make our way to the station and Ken continues home to Rossett.

Ken's route today was a circular 46 miles ride with 2684 ft of ascent. You can miss out the lumps at Oswestry and head towards Morda via much flatter roads but not as interesting or scenic. 

Thanks to Ken for a super route and one we MAY do again. Ken covered 80 miles cycling out and back 

John and I had also ridden on Tuesday riding an audax route of 200k, so today's effort was sufficient.

A great day out and thanks to my two buddies

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

4th August 2022: Ellesmere (mod)

 For two reasons, it was with some trepidation that I offered a moderate ride to Ellesmere from Tattenhall. First, I was going to use my new bike computer for navigation. I’d never used if before and I hadn’t even got the route loaded. Secondly, I could see that the group was going to be very large and I had read about Trevor’s problems of last week in losing people.

However, after engaging the help of our resident ‘techie’ (Steve Hu), I had the route up on the computer and just before 10.30 there were 10 mods ready to go - Steves Hu, Ha and T, Daves P and H, Trevor, Andy B, Alan, Richard and Electric Pete. Then, just as we were about to roll, Neil turned up, gasping for breath. He’d gone to Meadow Lea, having mis-read the blog. He only realized his error when he got there, even though he’d passed Trevor going the other way. So, he’d hot-footed it the twenty odd miles to Alison’s arriving at 10.29.

There was light drizzle in the air as we set off, but the weather was forecast to get better as the day went on. We’d got as far as crossing the A41 when the cry went up to wait. Trevor’s chain had come off and it took a few minutes to rectify this. Fortunately, that was the only ‘mechanical’ we suffered all day.

The route took us through Clutton and Tilston to Malpas. As we approached Malpas, Neil decided to go his own way. He’d already ridden from home to Meadow Lea and Tattenhall, so another 40 miles was not appealing to him.

After crossing into Wales at Higher Wych, we were soon in the Shropshire lanes, with little traffic and (mostly) smooth roads.  A brief stop was made at Starks Bridge over the Prees Arm of the Shropshire Union Canal for a photo call.

                                                              Photo SHu

Passing through Lyneal and Colemere, we arrived in Ellesmere just before 1pm. There followed a degree of confusion about where we were going to sit (inside or out) and when we could order what (drink/food) and pay for it. The peculiarities of the system run at The Red Lion were baffling, but we eventually ordered and paid for our food and drink and the food arrived surprisingly quickly. We sat outside in the sunshine, batting away wasps which seemed to be attracted even to chips!

We left the pub along Church Street, taking the right turn into Swan Hill, where we paused for a second photo beside the unusual ‘Toad crossing’ road sign. Apparently, the road is closed between 19.00 and 05.00 throughout March and April each year to allow toads, which have been hibernating during the winter, to migrate to their traditional breeding grounds in ponds and the mere. Volunteers help them across the road.

                                                             Photo AO

Our route back took us through Penley and Worthenbury to Shocklach. As we turned right for Tilston by The Bull pub, Alan, Andy B, Richard and Electric Pete left us, heading for their respective homes. As we turned left at The Carden Arms, heading for Stretton, Dave P suggested a stop at The Lost Barn. It was set up in 2018 and has built up a strong reputation for their speciality coffee, which is roasted on site. Five of us stopped here, but Steve Hu pressed on as he still had plenty of miles to cover. 

Suitably refreshed, the ‘fabulous five’ pressed on to Tattenhall and our journey’s end.  My initial trepidation turned out to be unfounded as we didn’t lose anyone and my new computer took us around the planned route without any problems other than those I brought on myself through lack of familiarity with the new device. Thanks to Steve Hu for acting as ‘sweeper’ and to the rest of my companions for a great day out in the English and Welsh countryside.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

4th August 2022 : Welshampton (brisk)

Alison’s was  buzzing this morning with a good dozen or so riders assembled for today’s rides. I had no idea which direction the mods were heading but the brisk group,  consisting of Ivan, Clive, John W and yours truly, set off  towards the Sun Inn at Welshampton on a route devised by Ivan.

Leaving promptly at 10:30 we headed in a SE direction towards Wrenbury and with a following breeze, the riding was a ‘breeze’. We arrived in Wrenbury just as the canal bridge was being raised this allowed a welcome pause  whilst the marine tourist traffic passed through.Once over the bridge we endured a brief high speed burst on the A530,, before turning off onto more favourable cycling roads to enjoy the villages of Ash Magna, Prees Heath and Welsh End before arriving at the Sun Inn.

We all opted for the healthy option off the light bite menu, fish or sausage accompanied with a portion of chips! The refreshment was from the Purple Moose brewery. Our meals arrived promptly and conversation revolved around the up coming energy price rises and associated cost of living payments.

Back on the bikes, the return route headed directly north which meant riding into a head wind this was compounded by  the poor quality of the roads around Hanmer and Threapwood. However with Ivan and John on the front, our pace hardly slowed .

We better have a photo, John!

The only incident of note was a front wheel puncture on John’s bike. The self healing properties of his tubeless tyres  meant that we we were not delayed at all, very impressive!  A 50 miler at 16.5 mph average (at least) 

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

Photo JW