Arriving at Rose Farm at 10am, there were already a host of bikes outside. There were so many Easy Riders that we’d taken over two large separate tables at each end of the café. Maybe a combination of good weather which was expected to break at the weekend and the onset of Autumn. I’d heard on the radio that morning that 1st September was the first day of Meteorological Autumn, which apparently is different from Astronomical Autumn which is the 22nd of September. If that’s confusing, consider sunrise and sunset, which differ between astronomical, nautical and civil. The mod riders were Dave H, Steve T, Dave P, Steve Hu, Alan O, Trevor, George and myself. Jim and David M were out, but not joining the ride. Dave H suggested Audlem Marina as a destination which found favour as a new lunch stop for many. However, Dave hadn’t worked out a route so I offered to lead the way out.
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| Photos by AO |
We headed towards Clotton and with Steve T in the lead were about to turn into Corkscrew Lane, when a cement lorry heading towards us swerved onto our side of the road before making the same turn. Steve would have been under the wheels if he hadn’t dodged the vehicle. Just the incident when a helmet cam would have provided footage for the police. The rest of the ride was less eventful. We passed by the Shady Oak and up to Beeston Castle before taking the lanes to Bunbury, then south to Brindley, Larden Green and Chorley Bank to enter Wrenbury. From here we made for Sound before Dave took over the lead to guide us onto Overwater Marina on the Shropshire Union Canal about a mile north of Audlem town. The site looked idyllic in the bright sunshine with water lapping and geese swimming.
We sat outdoors on two tables as the food was prepared At Rose Farm, Nick had recommended the Staffordshire Oatcakes which I chose and were very tasty. Conversation at my table inevitably centered on the wasps that made lunch less than totally idyllic, but we stoically carried on.
SHa.
After a very relaxed light lunch, socialising in the sun, we meandered lethargically from the canal to Coole Lane. Our aims on the way back were to avoid any part duplication of our lanes out, and to have slightly shorter, but pleasant return route. Perhaps, we would have time for a coffee before the end? The main road just south of Nantwich wasn't too busy, but we soon turned off on the well-maintained grit paths the other side of the little lake. Although I take the dog for a walk by the river about twice a month when visiting Nantwich food and vintage markets, I hadn't been on these particular paths for a while. Trevor inspired confidence just ahead of me, and soon we were leaving the parkland and heading for Welsh Row. Welsh Row is full of buildings of character and history. The website “A Dabber's Nantwich” provides plenty of interesting historical information about this road. We then wiggle our way back into the countryside passing Henhull Hall before crossing the A51 and reaching Reaseheath College. It seems a shame to see so much house building going on greenfield sites around Nantwich. I haven't seen any that looks affordable for young people. A familiar route directly north takes us over the Shropshire Union Canal at Venetian Marina and up to Cholmondeston. The weather is warm, and the lane is rural and easy going, but for too long there have been stretches of poor road surface to take the shine off for cyclists. The Drays Coffee Shop would seem a good place for a nice cake and coffee sitting at the back looking across the fields. I just need to check my map, as my instinct is to turn right towards Rushton, but my domestiques rein me in, and who needs a map when we have our trusty local yokel, and master guide, Steve Ha. The people at The Drays are very friendly, and their coffee and juicy berry flapjacks are just the job. This is a first visit for some, and I am sure their reviews would be very favourable. Passing some young polo ponies on our way out, we climb straight up to Portal and across the Tarporley by-pass. We are soon back at the rough little bank before Rose Farm. We have covered forty-five very enjoyable miles in excellent company.
DH
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