It was a freezing day at Rose Farm. Clive had ridden up and Dave Matthews had driven; neither would be riding with us today. For the third successive week there would be just three of us in the truly moderate group. Reliable Ray had turned up from Far Wirral on his one-horse open sleigh, Steve Tan was going to have to rein himself in, as myself and icy conditions would ensure a modest overall pace.
We went a familiar route to Wettenhall, with a clear blue sky and quiet lanes making us feel glad we had taken the risk to ride. Steve had a popping-out problem with his rear mudguard, which it took a couple of stops to finally sort out. Ray was out of sight, up the road trying to stay in the weak warmth of the winter sun whilst waiting. At Venetian Marina I warned that the steeply cambered curves ahead could be particularly hazardous if icy. Unfortunately, Steve tried to steer himself out of the camber, and his bike duly slid from under him. Fortunately, Ray, in the middle of the road, only gave the slightest of touches with his left pedal to Steve’s helmeted head six inches above the tarmac. We could have had a Dave Heath - Steve Forster incident, with the extra weight of Ray’s electric tank ensuring another visit to A&E. Anyway, Steve’s a tough tyke, and escaped with a sore hip. Not long after, we turned down a little-used lane to Henhull Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal, rode a few yards on the main road, and rang 18 The Park to ensure that we could be accommodated. Raven’s Lane at the back of Dorfold Hall was pretty as ever, but a precarious choice in the conditions. It was a relief to get back on the main drag to Ravensmoor and on to Wrenbury. We arrived for lunch on time and were soon warm and well-fed. Ray was trying to persuade me, not for the first time, that I would enjoy a cruise. My response was that if I ever requested such a holiday, that I should be taken out of the care home and shot!
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| Photo by CER |
A no-frills return route was required, as a puncture would leave us very cold and too close to dusk for comfort. Despite the low wind speed, it was a cool ride into the breeze. Nevertheless, the sun was still scintillating as we headed for Bunbury via Chorley Bank and Brindley. We made good progress to Beeston Castle, where the predictable mini glacier awaited us on the sunless north side. The road down to the canal and railway wasn’t to be trusted regarding its slipperiness. I think Steve has completed a Cresta Run in the past but was still glad to put this slope behind him without further mishap. From here on, there was the usual climbing back to Tarporley, and then Utkinton. Steve’s fitness and light weight, and Ray’s electric assistance meant that they were ahead of me at Rose Farm. Steve was shivering badly when I arrived, and was keen to get in the Berlingo, and have the prospect of some heat. It was the sort of winter’s day where you had to remain vigilant for ice, but overall, it was a very enjoyable ride in brilliant sunshine and good company. Mileage was eighteen out, and the same on the return route. I could have done with another extra top layer to keep warm. Steve needed a Santa costume and a pair of Dave Matthews heated cycling shoes. Ray didn’t require anything extra, because where there is no sense there’s no feeling.
See route map and/or gpx file download
DH
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