29th August 2024: Whitchurch (mod)

 There was a strong turnout at Alison’s including the Moderate riders: the two Mikes, Andy, Ray, Dave Matthews and me. Our destination was The Black Bear at Whitchurch. The route out had us pegging up Harthill and then then tumbling down left toward Cholmondeley, only Mike Dodd didn’t! Evidently, Mike’s rear light fell off and when he remounted the rest of us had disappeared. After we waited a few times, and tried to make mobile contact, Mike sent a text saying that he would make his own way and meet us in Whitchurch. At Wrenbury we took the very pleasant route through Pinsley Green. An intended detour to Black Park was prevented by hedge cutting. The weather was ideal for cycling being sunny and dry with a welcome light breeze. When we arrived in the pub Mike was already ensconced and drinking beer, which is one of his principal pastimes. The food at the Black Bear was of the usual reliable high standard.

Photos by Mike G

Conversation at lunch was unusually political, a sort of amateur Newsnight, but without the essential preparation. Fortunately, views were exchanged in good humour, and none of us caused offence despite our obvious differences. Andy was asked about the successful birth of his new grandchild for which he had returned last week. I had a route out which would take us back west of the A41. I had viewed the one-way system around Whitchurch centre on my laptop the night before, but I was still glad to have the expertise and experience of Dave and Mike Gilbert to ensure that we found Alkington Road, and the later turn to Fenn’s Bank sans bumbling

no bumbling here....

The route is quiet and scenic, crossing the Shropshire Union Canal. We were soon passing Iscoyd Park and heading north for Malpas. Dave Matthews peeled off for home as we turned off just before Malpas for Threapwood . We must have been very close to John Bourne’s renowned Cheshire cheese making farm. I was to later buy some excellent blue Cheshire from his stall at the Nantwich food festival where his wife or daughter said that I should have dropped in for a cup of tea! I didn’t tell her that I had been part of a Dad’s Army cycling group! Just short of Upper Threapwood we turned north past Crabtree Farm and Cuddington Hall, ending up at Tilston. The Lost Barn was just too tempting for me, and with three riders with some distance beyond Tattenhall still to ride for their return home there were no arguments. It seems a long time since we have sat outside in perfect weather relaxing with cake and coffee before the last leg. Barton, Coddington and Chowley traced our way back to Tattenhall. Andy left us at Coddington for his return to Mold, and the two Mikes still had a ride ahead as Ray and myself turned into the car park at Alison’s. Apart from mislaying Mike D on our way out it had been a perfect day with a traditional Easy Riders’ feel to it. Forty-one miles covered from Alison’s and back, but considerably more by most.

DH