20th July 2023 : Crewe ( Brisk)

Do you recall these "slightly amended lyrics" from yesteryear?

Where have all the Fast Lads gone?

Long time passing
Where have all the Fast Lads gone?
Long time ago

Of course it was Bob Dylan and Joan Baez who sang the original song waybackwhen. I think I can still play it on my guitar as well.

For many weeks, whenever I have been out on a Thursday, there is usually a question “Where are all the Fast Lads”. As I am not on Strava or other cycling apps, I usually didn’t have an idea. I will admit that I’m often away either in Norfolk or on a boat. Well today there were two Fast Lads and this is the blog of the ride that Ivan suggested for he and I (there were no others, except John W who was just out for coffee) to ride to Crewe and have lunch in the cafe in the spendid Queens Park.

The route is pretty straightforward in getting us to and through Nantwich. Ivan’s intimate knowledge of the back streets of Crewe then came into play. We arrived at Queens Park before 1200 at the very large cafe in the landscaped park complete with a large ornamental lake. The cafe was quite quiet and we got our lunch quickly sitting outside on the large deck overlooking the lake in the sunshine.

 Credit: www.webbaviation.co.uk

As Steve T remarked that the group was going to The Badger in Church Minshull, Ivan crafted a route back so we could pop in and surprise you all (and have a pint) - but you surprised us as you weren’t there! So we soldier on along familiar lanes arriving back in Guilden Sutton by 1430, and I’m home with 66 miles ridden by 1500. 

One highlight of the route back was the spectacular patch of wild flowers resplendent near Huxley on Huxley Lane.

So, thanks Ivan for being out today, and dragging me at 16.7mph average around for 60+ miles.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

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