Well, there were more mods in the Gallery Cafe this morning than at a Paul Weller reunion event. It was particularly encouraging to see that our new member Ray was out for a second ride, well done Ray.
Alan had a number of options and the consensus was a revisiting the Two Doves Cafe in Overton.
The mod group consisted of Alan, George, Dave P and Liz on the tandem, Dave H, Steve Hu, Ray and Andy B.
Following a slight “is it left or right?” navigation error by Steve Hu we were on our way up Tinkersdale climb and towards the A55 footbridge. As Dave P approached he was greeted by 5 strapping chaps all prepared to lift the tandem over the five-bar gate. However, Dave had other ideas. He raised the tandem onto its back wheel and demonstrated a tremendous pirouette style.
All back together again we proceeded along Old Hope only stopping to introduce the legendary Dave Heath to Mrs Steve Hu.
The climb up Chester Road towards Marford sorted out the strong riders. In fact, not content with achieving a KOM, Andy B vaulted the fence by the side of the road only to go scrumping for apples. A team event resulted in a healthy haul of apples all carefully stored in Dave P’s panniers, as if his panniers were not heavy enough already.
Some lovely lanes ensued until we approached Holt road. Similar quiet scenic lanes herald the route towards Bangor on Dee. A quick photo opportunity allowed the curating of the ride to be handed over from Electronic Alan to Paper Garmin Dave H for the last 2 miles to Overton.
Photo: SHu
The sight of the “breakfast” on the menu at the
2 Doves must have been appealing as 7 out of 8 opted for this choice.
Fuelled by bangers and beans we re-traced our route back to Bangor on Dee where the baton was handed back to Alan who became ride leader again. The route along Creamery Road is a lovely series of roads knitted together. So much so ride leader Alan Andy B and George decided they would carry on to Talwrn. Fortunately wing man Steve (Goose) H was reading the map and the team successfully made their way to Holt.
As we approached Cleopatra’s, Dave H experienced a serious case of wheel wobble as the pull of fresh coffee was strong. However, digging deep Dave moved to the front as we progressed to Lavister. Prior to Lavister, Dave & Liz diverted off to Rossett for a coffee and the remaining group carried on to Pulford.
The pull of caffeine was so strong for Dave H and at one point he was a good five minutes ahead of the group, with Andy B leading the charge to chase him down. The nice flat lanes of Pulford and Dodleston fell away to reveal the climb up to Penymydd.
Reduced by a further two riders as Dave H and Andy B succumbed to caffeine, George, Alan and Steve watched Ray demonstrate the superior performance of his E bike, despatching us easily on the climb. However, always a gent, he waited for us at the top. The group now meandered past Rough Piece Wood before plunging down Tinkersdale to complete the ride.
A fantastic 46 miles in brilliant October sunshine with great company. Thanks for planning the route Al.
Shu
A great route Alan, and the Two Doves is becoming a consistently pleasant lunch destination. Many thanks for an enjoyable, sunny autumn ride. The late tea and cake stop which Steve Hughes directed myself and Andy to in Higher Kinnerton was a bonus!
ReplyDelete