30th December 2022 : Annual Statistics

Cyclists tend to like statistics - fact and figures about rate of climb, cadence, watts expended, calories expended, distance ridden and of course, average speed. Some cyclists use these figures to help them better their performance and make year-on-year comparisons. 

So here are the 2022 statistics - firstly, you are a year older now and all those cycling performance stats are harder to better year-on-year. I know this from reviewing my own simple statistic of miles ridden per ride - it's going down year on year!

Year	Mileage	Blogs	Av Miles/Ride
2008	1137	24	47
2009	2894	53	55
2010	2640	53	50
2011	3495	61	57
2012	3615	76	48
2013	3025	57	53
2014	3708	72	52
2015	4216	81	52
2016	4325	83	52
2017	3832	74	52
2018	4472	89	50
2019	3947	84	47
2020	2030	47	43
2021	3600	77	47
2022	4357	93	47

So after 14 years of club riding, the average ride length looks like it has peaked, perhaps supporting the premise that we are all older and not out to ride for longer and longer distances. What was that famous saying? Wiki explains thus:-

"Lies, damned lies, and statistics" is a phrase describing the persuasive power of statistics to bolster weak arguments, "one of the best, and best-known" critiques of applied statistics.^[2] It is also sometimes colloquially used to doubt statistics used to prove an opponent's point.

The phrase was popularized in the United States by Mark Twain (among others), who attributed it to the British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.^[1]However, the phrase is not found in any of Disraeli's works and the earliest known appearances were years after his death. Several other people have been listed as originators of the quote, and it is often attributed to Twain himself.^[3]

An interesting statistic however is to be found in the analysis of who the blog rider has been. Usually this is the ride leader, but not always so. 

The top blog author was none other than Ivan with 19 credits followed by Steve Ha on 15. Of the 12 blog authors, 79 of the 93 were written by just six riders.

So in the New Year perhaps a few more riders will avow to lead a ride or two and write a blog or two?

Finally, can I thank Dave H, on your behalf, for his unstinting attention to detail and quiet cogitation of potential issues that might befall us going forward. It is good to know that he has our backs covered on matters cycling.

So enjoy your New Year's Eve celebrations and see you all some time in 2023.

CA

29th December 2022: Brimstage (mod)

There was an excellent turnout of CER members for the last ride of 2022. The weather had been especially kind with a dry forecast for today sandwiched between two rainy days. Whilst most of the members shared stories of their favourite presents from Santa , Alan Oates was wrestling with a “king of thorns” puncture outside. This happened literally within 50m of Meadow Lea so hot coffee supplemented his spannering duties and he was ready to go again. 

Alan & Steve T both had a previous route from Mickle Trafford to Brimstage, Steve T fired up his trusty Wahoo computer and loaded the route first time, in fact a first time for Steve T as he normally has to ring the Wahoo helpline. So the mod group consisted of Dave M, Electric Pete, Steve T, Steve Hu, Alan, Ray, Andy B and Dave H.  It was particularly nice to also have Matt along on his recumbent. After a short time, Dave M and Pete went to do their own route and the intrepid 7 - all 15 wheels - set off for the Wirral.

The route took us along Salters lane and then joined Fox Covert Lane. This lane then pops you out by Chester Zoo. All was quiet there today, the animals probably sleeping off the excesses of Christmas Parties. The Dingos and Wolves having just celebrated Feliz Navidog. A quick dash across the A41 at Backford and down Station Road; this delightful lane meanders past the “5 Villages Hall”. A sharp right on to Demage Lane provides a lovely cycleway across the fields parallel to the railway line. A number of gates have to be traversed before ending at Bridle Lane and dicing with the Boundary Mill Traffic. 

A quick ride past Capenhurst and onto Ledsham Lane means the Welsh Road is soon in sight. From here a gentle spin into Hooton and then past Bromborough Golf club provides the first stop at Raby Mere. A quick zip tie bodge sees Dave H saddle bag re acquainted with his seat and we head for Higher Bebington. At the Storeton turn everyone is riding together, however by Brakenwood Golf course the peloton has put the hammer down, leaving Dave H, Matt and Steve Hu in the Autobus. Taking our life in our hands we approach Clatterbridge Roundabout. Matt and Steve take the cycle route whilst Daredevil Dave joins the cars to circumnavigate the roundabout. Unfortunately, Dave’s navigation sans paper Garmin is not up to the task and he finds himself outside Clatterbridge Triage gates, only 180 degrees out. A quick phone call from Steve gets us all to the Courtyard Cafe at Brimstage for lunch. 

Following an excellent array of sandwiches and drinks we leave Brimstage en route to Thornton Hough. Crossing a very busy Chester High Rd we cruise through Neston, Ness gardens and then plunge down to Burton Marshes. We were all delighted to see that the path had been cleared of agricultural effluvia seen by Alan 10 days earlier. With the sun setting over N.Wales, a group photo was hastily arranged. 

Photo by Steve T

At the junction with the Greenway, Andy and Steve H set of for N.Wales and the remaining team headed back to Meadow Lea

Thanks to Steve T and Alan for jointly leading the ride. 

See route map and/or gpx file download 

Steve Hu

29th December 2022: Nantwich (brisk)

Midweek between celebrations, on checking the weather forecast for today there was a good chance of a fine day to ride. The usual WhatsApp message was broadcast to the brisk group elicited only two responses, John W and Ken. A route was created to start and finish at the café and allow Ken to drop off at Rossett as he was riding out to Chester in the morning. Route posted to both and Ken also proposed a very similar route at the same time as I posted my route!! Great minds! 

Meeting at Meadow Lea cafe, there was a good turnout of riders wanting to enjoy a festival ride and try and shift a few pounds as well as the gears including Matt – very welcome back into the club and riding again. We had the addition of Ray, who decided to join us, so four of us set off along Station Lane to Waverton and the grind from Duddon up to Utkinton. 

There would be no exploring new lanes today as there aren’t any between Chester and Nantwich so it was the usual meandering of lanes via Wettenhall and Cholmondeston to Nantwich. With 27 miles covered, we arrive at our lunch destination, The Leopard Inn, which we have used previously. This is a Joules establishment, so we knew the drink would be good but didn’t expect the pricey menu. After ordering and sitting at our table, we had omitted to notice the "lunch bite" menu posted at the side of the bar so paid nearly double for our main course lunch. It was quickly presented and, although we commented on the price, the food was excellent. 

As it is still Christmas Holidays with decorations adorning most premises, we discussed the many Christmas lunches we have enjoyed being part of the cycling club and the locations and weather we have happily ridden to over the years. I have been chauffeured over the last couple of years so must make more of an effort for 2023 to enjoy the ride to wherever we go. That is myNew Year's Resolution sorted. 

Back out and getting ready to depart, it is very sunny in Nantwich as we made our way out of the town to Wrenbury. Passing the Dusty Miller pub, we are stopped by a canal boat crossing and the bridge up. When the drawbridge is lowered, we roll over to the utter annoyance of a car driver on the opposite side impatient to be on his way; zero Christmas spirit from him to cyclists – same old tales going to hamper us in the New Year no doubt! 

We are all to soon rolling through Tilston heading for Farndon, so we decide to call at Lewis’s for coffee An enjoyable interlude and festive cake devoured, we re-join our steeds and roll down the hill to wait at the lights. The Dee water level is high and fast flowing, but lights change and we head up the hill and on towards Rossett where Ken leaves us for home. Our route is via Dodleston and Bretton before joining the cycle way along the Dee back into Chester and the café. 

A round trip of 62 miles and today ridden on relative clean and dry roads and only minor water at the side of the road in places. Along the greenway though a different tale as at the bridge under the M53 motorway, the path is flooded again but passable on a bike or wellies. 

Thanks to John, Ken and Ray for an enjoyable day out.

A Happy New Year to all CER riders and our blog readers

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

22nd December 2022: Overton (mod)

The weather forecast had been changing almost by the hour, so it was difficult to predict what we would face as Dave and I drove down to Holt. Whatever, it seemed that we’d get wet at some point. However, by the time we got to Cleopatra’s the rain had stopped, so perhaps things were looking up.

I’d planned a ride down to Overton, based on one I’d done with Ken 5 years ago. It would be only about 30 miles, but it was overcast so it would drop dark early. The mod riders would be Dave H, Steves Hu and T, Alan, Andy B and (only to Tilston), Trevor.

I ran into a problem loading up the route onto my bike computer which even our resident Wahoo guru couldn’t solve, so we fell back on Dave’s ‘paper Garmin’ to guide us. Almost as soon as we set off Steve Hu had a mechanical. He’d just fitted a new chain, but there was a mis-match with the cogs on his cassette, which made the chain jump as he pedaled. So he had to use the small chain ring and put the cassette into top gear to stop the chain jumping. He rode the whole route in that gear!

We took the usual route through Farndon and down Wetrains Lane. When we reached the end of the lane we stopped to take a photo at the gates leading to Stretton Hall. As we did so, a Range Rover came speeding towards us from Tilston. As it drew up we thought that we must be blocking access to the hall, but the lady driver wound down her window and offered to take our group photo – but we’d already done it.

Photo by Steve T

Onward then to Tilston, where Trevor left us and thence up the hill to Malpas, where a discussion raged about the elevation of the town (328 ft, according to Google). In Malpas itself, the road out to Worthenbury was closed, so we went a little further before taking Mastiff Lane to Oldcastle Heath and Threapwood where we re-joined the B5069. It has started to drizzle in Malpas and, as we reached Worthenbury it came on harder. By the time we got to Bangor-on-Dee it was, in Andy’s words, ‘proper raining’. But we pressed on past the racecourse and up the hill into Overton which was so steep that ‘top gear’ Steve Hu had to get off and push.

The choice of lunch stop was either the White Horse or the Two Doves café. We decided to see if the Two Doves had room for us - in fact we were welcomed in with open arms. No only did we get a good table, but the larger than life waitress insisted on taking our wet gloves and coats to put them over the radiator!

After polishing off their all-day breakfast, or in the case of Steve Hu, the Christmas Special, we retrieved our gloves and coats for the return journey. By now the rain had pretty much stopped and there was even a glimmer of sunshine, so the short route back through Bangor, Worthenbury and Shocklack was covered easily and quickly. We arrived back in Holt well before dark and just before the rain started again.

A modest ride of 31 miles on a day that promised little, but delivered through the company of the group and the people we met along the way.

See route map and/or gpx file download 

ST

15th December 2022 : Gresford - Christmas Lunch Ride (brisk)

I'd offered a little while ago to lead a brisk Christmas ride from Tattenhall to the Pant. Not knowing how the weather would be on the day, I had prepared three routes – a direct run of 15 miles, a longer loop of 35 miles, and one in the middle at 22 miles. So this is the one in middle at 22 miles.

I wasn't altogether happy with riding all the way out to Tattenhall, thence to Pant, and thence to home after lunch in the gloom as this would have been 50 miles in sub-zero temperatures – but this is what John W did of course! Under some pressure about being careful on the roads, I hit on the idea of asking Ken if I could park at his house and then ride out with him to Tattenhall for coffee at Alison's. This would mean that on the ride out to coffee from Rossett, Ken and I would each have a ride-buddy in case anything untoward happened. Ken was happy to oblige me.

So I arrived at Ken's at 0900 with -7.5C showing on the car's outside temperature gauge. Ken offered a cuppa so that we could defer starting out for 30 mins or so to allow the weak sun to “warm up the air”. We set off out of Rossett to Farndon then to Churton where we decide to take Pump Lane towards Coddington. There was little evidence of serious icing; the real problem was the deteriorating road surface of this lane. So riding cautiously, we end up a Chowley Oak, crossing the A41, and thence into the warm arms of Alison's cafe.

There were quite a lot of Mods already there – some in civvies who would join us at lunch. John W arrived at 1100 after the Mods had left, now making the Brisk Triad for the day. Ivan was hoping to come, but a nasty chesty cough prevented him from joining us on his bike.We set off back towards the A41, then running south on it for a mile or so before taking the shortcut up the Old Coach Road and then up the hill to Duckington. We were glad of the hills today to warm up our legs. The roads were actually surprisingly clear as we enter the gridlocked Malpas High Street. Out on Wrexham Road, we decide to just take this all the way to Bangor-on-Dee as it was well salted with extremely light traffic.

A burn along the A525 to the new road into the Industrial Estate finds us riding the long uphill road around Caia Park. It's now 10 mins from lunch and we take extreme care over the icy footbridge onto the Old Wrexham Road and the Pant. The pub is very busy but there is already a Brisk Formation drinking team at the bar aka Ray, Nick, Ivan and John M. Richard was planning to come but the lure of a dental appointment back in the Lakes was too much for him to ignore.

You know what it is like in crowded restaurants when the adjoining table is being loud and boisterous. There were 18 of them! - some in fancy dress of cycling attire! Good to see some “old” faces that we haven't seen for a while though.

The Pant looked after us royally with the food being very good indeed considering how busy the kitchen must have been. Time was marching on as the the Mod group were now leaving around 1500 with certainly three of them riding back to Tattenhall. Our brisk group decided to leave around 1545 with a certain electric trike, piloted by Matt, taking up the rear as we zoomed down Marford Hill towards Chester. John W and Matt pedalled onto Chester as Ken and I broke off in Rossett heading towards his house.

It was only -1.5 C now, but I was glad to be driving back to Chester as the sun sunk below the horizon. So only 22 miles from Tattenhall, but 40 miles in total ridden in sub-zero temperatures; nonetheless a very enjoyable experience all round especially the warmth of the Pant and that first pint of Titanic Plum Porter. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

BTW: If the Mods were wondering what happened to their inclusive mince pie at the end of the meal, the Brisk Group had to decide how to dispense these out - and it was achieved!

15th December 2022: Gresford - Christmas Dinner Ride (mod)

There were five moderate riders at Alison's willing to give it a go in risky, icy conditions. Alan was recovering, but still game, and it was great to have Big Roy back. Mike's hardiness had been honed in the Welsh hills, Steve Tan was positive as ever, and I was wearing my old helmet in case my new one was scarred by freezing tarmac. Ken and Clive had already been for a cold spin and were waiting for John Wilkie for further forays. Dave Matthews was in civvies, as was Neil with his wife, Paula. Dave and Neil would be driving over to join us for Christmas lunch, later. Trevor was a bit under the weather, so he had sent us his route the day before, and Steve had downloaded it. I had one of Mike's maps from the bundle that he had kindly donated to me the week before, so between us we were unlikely to go wrong. It was a bit of a wrench to leave the warm and friendly hospitality of Alison's for the face-cutting cold air outside.

Photo by Mike G

We headed in the direction of Huxley before turning north-west alongside the canal to Waverton. We were riding steadily, with reckless overtaking by the odd driver causing more concern than the road surfaces. Steve was sure that his Garmin's temperature reading was too low, but my dentist, who lives at Tattenhall, told me that her car registered -7°C on Thursday morning. Farndon via Saighton was our next target. We stopped at the toilets next to the ancient Dee bridge. In this sheltered spot we briefly enjoyed the warmth of the brilliant sun, set in a clear, cold-blue sky. The road from Holt was straightforward, but we were not sure if the smaller lanes up the hill would be rideable. Some of the surfaces looked threateningly slippery, but we made it to Pant-yr-Ochain on schedule. It was good to see Matt on his tricycle continuing his recovery from being smashed off his bicycle by a turning car many months ago.

Our hopes of a prompt start to our meal, in order to ensure we had time to return to Tattenhall before dark were undermined by a couple of still- empty seats after a quarter-past-one. A misunderstanding about the time of the booked meal I believe. Never mind, we were served promptly when all had arrived. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and the socialising. It was good that our hosts had managed to accommodate the brisk group in the library, adjacent to the originally booked main table. I was pleased to see Jim again, who has now ordered his electric bike from Ribble Cycles. Trevor had also made it, but I apologise for not chatting to some people at all, because I needed to pay the bill, and join the fabulous five as quickly as possible at the end. It was a really good turnout, so I hope everyone was pleased that they had made the effort to attend, even those who had to suffer Roy's jokes at our end of the table.

Photos by Steve T

The ride back was as direct as possible. We retraced our steps as far as Churton then headed east to Coddington and Chowley. Steve and I like this route, but many think that the road surface is too rough. The thin coating of frozen mud and  patches of ice needed some care as twilight advanced. Roy yelled a warning at one stage as his vintage steed had a slippery moment. It was a relief to cross the busy A41 and reach the car park at Tattenhall before it became properly dark. As so often, were all glad that we had ridden, and enjoyed the challenge. Three courses, and thirty three miles covered on a memorable day in very agreeable company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

8th December 2022: Bangor on Dee (mod)

Despite Alan going to the trouble of preparing a route, and Steve Hughes checking it out on his bike, neither were going to be at The Gallery Tea Rooms. Alan has Covid, and for some unfathomable reason, Megan Hughes preferred having Steve in one piece rather than enjoying his insurance payout. The ice and cold forecast was indeed concerning, but we had a very good turnout on the day. The group consisted of Ray, Steve Haywood, Mold Andy, Mike Gilbert, Clive, Ken and myself. With the Lone Ranger and Tonto of the back alleys of Queensferry and beyond unavailable, we decided on a simple route to Bangor on Dee.  This decision was made easier, by the fact that Ken had arrived on his bike from Rossett without ice issues, so we could retrace his route towards Holt with some confidence. We left with more than a passing thought for Spiros, and a word or two with Alison, who I know appreciates our support.

We would never have attempted Bilberry Wood in these conditions without Ken's assurances. As it was, only the central metal drain grid on the walkway over the A55 gave any particular cause for concern. It was good to see relative newcomer, Ray, turning out so regularly in winter conditions. It was also pleasant to share a rare unified ride with Clive and Ken onboard.  It was cold, but nice and bright as we proceeded via Higher Kinnerton, Dodleston,and Lavister, before reaching Holt. Clive peeled off at this point. I'm not sure if he was getting cold at our gentle pace, or perhaps he fancied a coffee and chat with Helen at Cleopatra's!

We proceeded around the outskirts of Wrexham Industrial Estate on the B5130 before a left down Talwryn Road, and passing the familiar Maelor Creamery. There was the usual short stretch on the main road before heading for the old bridge over the river to the High Street at Bangor on Dee. I was wary of the shiny looking stone setts on the bridge, but we all arrived safely at the back of The Royal Oak. Last time we passed here we were not sure if it was open, or serving food, so we carried on to Overton. Today the cold and short daylight meant that alternative was not on the agenda. I think Ken broke in through the back door like a gunslinger in a western, because the doors were open, without being unlocked, and Ken had disappeared inside to track down the guy with a black Stetson.

We settled down on a couple of tables, Andy cannily grabbing a seat next to the radiator. Food and drink soon appeared as we talked about the difficulty pubs are currently facing and how we were lucky to find one open on a midweek lunchtime.  Before long we had to take our leave and pose for our group picture – a passing cyclist was kind enough to take the photo for us, and then we were on our way.

Photo by Mike G

Ken used his local knowledge to guide us back through the western edges of Wrexham Industrial Estate to emerge near the bottom of Marford Hill and on to Rossett.  We left Ken as we passed by his house and rejoined our outward route at Higher Kinnerton. Crossing Mold Road was challenging due to really blinding December sunshine, but we climbed back up to Bilberry Wood, said goodbye to Andy, and descended back to the car park in Hawarden.

Our expectations at the start of the day were poor, but we ended up with an excellent ride in sunny cold conditions, a good lunch stop, and 36 miles covered. This write up is a joint effort by Dave and Steve Ha – you may guess who wrote which bit!

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH/SHa

1st December 2022 : Dunham Massey (brisk)

Five of us had been out on a 60+ mile loop out from Chester and back on Tuesday. This started off cold but crisp and in the sunshine along the river path. Around Wrexham, the misty gloom came down and the temperature dropped as well and never got above 5C. It would be the same today without the sunshine though.

Ivan had put together a 50+ miler out-and-back from Delamere to The Vine at Dunham Massey. I suggested a modification in that we wouldn't need to go back to Delamere (as all the riders had ridden out) but make it a 70+ miler as if we had all started from Mickle Trafford. So if you are looking for such a ride - then here it is!

The station cafe was busy as I joined Ray, Steve T and H for coffee – to warm up! It soon became much busier with a dozen or so CER members. The Brisk group consisted of Ray, John W, Richard, Ivan and myself as we set off along with the Mods, up the bumpiest road in Cheshire heading for Acton Bridge. Down Norley Lane, hedge cutting was in progress and Ray picked up what he thought was a problem with the thorns – but it was just a large thorn twig wrapped around his front brakes – a narrow miss then.

The other side of Acton Bridge, we divert westwards down Heath Lane crossing to Higher Lane. This manoeuvre we would repeat on the way back as it was the cross over point of the figure-of-eight shaped ride. Hatton comes and goes as does Walton Hall Golf club. I notice here that a lot of the trees are still in full golden autumn leaf. Now we are wiggling through Appleton and Grappenhall towards Lymm.

We arrive at The Vine soon after opening time and 36 miles from Mickle Trafford, and inside there are already two formation drinking tables in evidence. Service is brisk as we take the window seat with a view of the Primitive Methodist Church across the road. Prices have risen here I noticed; however, the food was quickly delivered and of good quality, although the “smaller plate” option was quite small..

Conscious of the gathering gloom, we set off for High Legh via the “Swan with Two Nicks” bridge transfer. We work our way around the old airfield and the Arley Airstrip towards Antrobus. The old airfield was the Royal Naval Air Station Stretton (aka HMS Blackcap). Wiki details here. As we approach the centre of the figure-of-eight transfer, I worry that the Garmins will interpret the need to go back down the outward route – but it works fine without a blip.

The rest of the route is straightforward once we get on the A56 in and out of market day Frodsham and Helsby all the way back to Chester. So another good day out with 70+ miles ridden at 16mph average – not bad considering the cold and the many lanes we rode down today and fortunately no incidents to report on. Back home by 1530!

So, thanks to Ivan for the original route idea and lunch venue and to Richard, Ray and John W for dragging me around the lanes.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

1st December 2022: Tilston (mod)

It was overcast and grey as I left home to ride to Delamere Station Café, but, unlike last week, it was dry with almost no wind. At the café, there were 14 CER members, who eventually shook out into 5 ‘briskers’, 6 ‘mods’, with Electric Pete doing his own thing, Dave Matthews attending to some pressing family business and Andy B going home to attend an appointment with his wife.

My plan was a run down to The Carden Arms at Tilston, but I was slightly perturbed when Clive said he thought it might be closed. However, Steve Ha reassured me that there were a number of ‘Plan B’ options if that turned out to be the case. I was also anxious to ensure that we got back to Delamere in good time, as the light at this time of the year is falling very soon after sunset, which was due at 4pm.

So, the ‘super six’ (Steves Ha, Hu and T, Alan, George and Ray) set off to Hatchmere, where we turned left. Turning left again at Brines Brow Lane, I was confused to see that my bike computer had turned itself off, so we had to stop and re-load the route. Later on, Steve Hu explained to me that, in addition to loading the route onto the device, you have to ‘start’ the route, otherwise the thing just assumes that you don’t need it on.  This piece of information was added to the long list of technical support that Steve Hu has given me about my Wahoo computer and I will need a very large mortgage to pay off his invoices.

Things then went well and we passed quickly through Ashton, Oscroft, Waverton and Aldford. At Churton, we turned left into Pump Lane, which Steve Ha had warned me has a very poor surface. This turned out to be the case and it prompted a vocal complaint from Steve Hu. His ire was further inflamed when we lost him and Alan at the end of Aldersley Lane. They had stopped for a comfort break and didn’t see us turn left into Mill Lane, so they turned right into Coddington Lane. A quick phone call led to an agreement to meet up at The Carden Arms.

While they reached there via Barton, we went through the grounds of The Carden Park Golf Club, something we had done with Neil a few weeks ago. Steve and Alan were at The Carden Arms when we arrived at 12.10, but, although the sign over the door said ‘Open’, the doors were locked and the lights inside were not on. So ‘Plan B’ was put into action and we rode half a mile down Stretton Hall Lane to the Lost Barn Coffee Roaster café, which was a first for everyone except Steve Ha and T.

We had been there before, but only for a drink or ice cream towards the end of a ride. Their food menu was not huge, but their ‘Farmers Bap’ was popular and the service was rapid. Following, the traditional group photo, we left the café at 1.15 pm and re-traced our steps to Tilston. Ironically, the pub lights were on as we passed it and it looked like it was open – another time, perhaps.

Photo by Steve T

We turned left into Duckington Lane and ran through there to Bickerton, joining the A534 Wrexham Road for the short run down to the Bickerton Poacher, where we peeled off left onto Stonehouse Lane. This runs in the shadow of the Peckforton Hills which, by this time, were shrouded in mist, emphasizing the need to press on before darkness came. So on we went, through Spurstow, Bunbury and Alpraham. Here, it seemed that we might have lost Steves Ha and Hu, but it turned out that a ‘mudguard clearing’ exercise had been necessary, delaying them for a few minutes. It’s that time of the year, isn’t it?

The last miles took us through Eaton and Cotebrook to Delamere, where we arrived at 3pm, having covered 45 miles at a brisk (for the mods) speed of 13.4 mph. No rain and mud-free dry lanes made for a pleasant day out with great company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST