26th September 2024: Bunbury (mod)

 I arrived early at Rose Farm to a warm welcome from the staff.  Are you on your own today? I was asked “the weather is so wet”  “No” I responded confidently “the lads are on their way”. 

The two dependable’s Steve Hu and Alan followed me in having cycled the 7 miles from Waverton.  Clive, Jim and Trevor arrived shortly thereafter the later two only out for coffee.  Trevor limping noticeably having damaged his left knee while walking in mid Wales.  A little later Electric Ray clocked in and then Dave M joined us in his civvies.  So “the lads” dressed to ride were a little thin on the ground today.

I was now the de facto leader of a Moderate Group of two.  There was some discussion about today’s weather with little agreement among the various sources.  I chose to go with Alan’s App which showed a clearing picture from the south.  So I suggested to Ray a southerly loop as far as Churton and then swinging north east to Tilly’s.  I had heard that Tilly’s was up for sale and wondered if it would be open.  Again, Alan thoughtfully checked their website which confirmed that they were indeed open for business.    

Without further ado Batman & Robin mounted their steeds and headed south without map or compass steering only by the stars.  I managed to get us to Waverton and across the A41 today mercifully quiet.  Our trajectory ever southwards as we passed over the river at Aldford and following the B5130 arrived at Churton.  Here we turned left on to Pump Lane and travelled east and north east on deserted lanes now drying out nicely as the rain had stopped.  We re-crossed the A41 and cycled into Tattenhall.  I did discuss with Ray whether we should lunch at Alison’s or push on to Tilly’s.  Having just read Clive’s report of the Mod+ ride had we chosen Alison’s we would have joined them for lunch.  However, the Mods may be slow but we are tenacious once a lunch stop is agreed upon and gritting our teeth we eschewed Alison’s and pushed on.  Our route to Bunbury following that taken by the Mods+ a little earlier in the day.

Tilly’s was open and doing brisk business largely due to a septuagenarian group of bikers.  A tip here – don’t get into a toilet queue behind a group of ageing bikers – all that leather it takes them a age.  Watching them trying to mount their huge bikes was an education.  Upon enquiry I was informed that Tilly’s is now under new management and cyclists are welcome.  The only difference to the old Tilly’s appeared to be some new furniture.

We had covered over 26 miles to lunch so a more direct route back to Rose Farm was decided upon.  Leaving Bunbury we retraced our route to Beeston Castle but then dropped down to the Shady Oak and crossing the Shropshire Union canal climbed up to Huxley Lane.  Here on familiar lanes, Ray declared more than once ”I know where I am now” we made our way back to our cars.

My thanks to Ray for his excellent company and his unfailing trust in my navigational skills.  We covered just over 40 miles at an average speed of 10.8mph.  A very enjoyable day’s riding. 

GW

26th September 2024 : Tattenhall (Mod+)

It’s always difficult to decide whether to ride out to the start point of a ride knowing that it is going to rain at some point during the day. I decided that I would risk it and suitably cocooned in wet-weather gear and bib-tights, the rain didn't disapppoint. By the time I was in Waverton the rain had started albeit gently but persistently.

At Rose Farm cafe, I was surprised to see that Steve Hu, Alan, George and later Ray were ready to ride with Dave M, Trevor and Jim in civvies. Outside the rain had been developing nicely as Steve and Alan suggested a circular ride back to Waverton where they had parked their cars. So on the fly, I cobbled together a route based upon Alan’s suggestion of going via Tarporley and Beeston. George and Ray went somewhere else - I know not where.

We three set off down the hill and then left and out towards Oulton Mill and thence Eaton where I decided to veer left and down the long Winterford Lane to Alpraham. Recalcuating, we head for Bunbury via the long way round down Birds Lane. Passing by Tilly’s, the next leg comes to mind - Spurstow, Peckforton and Bickerton. Here we take Alan’s favourite Goldford Lane to slide to the south around Larkton Hill. It's then a drag up to Brown Knowl.

By this time the rain had already stopped and dry roads appeared. The route is easy now sliding around the less steep side of Harthill beside Bolesworth Castle grounds. A short sprint brings us into Tattenhall and the warm inner sanctum of Alison’s cafe by about 1230.

Alan and Steve chose the curry and I had the meatballs in tomato sauce smothered fries. We were ready for the warmth and the calories. Time to go and ride the short leg back to Waverton for the canal side photo and Alan and Steve’s cars. I rode on to the other side of Chester in sunshine. 

So the route round was 34 miles for Alan and Steve with 49 for me to home. So, we all felt vindicated in giving the rain short shrift by getting out there on yer’ bike

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

19th September 2024: Amlwch Special Ride (mod)

Having walked, run and cycled on Anglesey/Ynys Mon for about 30 years; I have always enjoyed visiting Amlwch because of its history and culture, it was an easy choice of where to go for our Special Ride (Steve Hughes advised he has family associated with the town). 

The island has many interesting places to visit, but it’s finding the right combination of car parking, café stops, lunch venue, not to arduous cycle routes with plenty of long distant views and ‘lightish’ traffic.

The routes I planned for the ride were a combination of parts of regular routes I use when I visit the island. The only unknown was the weather and we were fortunate of having a dry sunny day.

Of the 15 members who turned out and started together, there were five for the Mods ride. Andy Barber, Mike Dodds, George Walker, Dave Heath and myself. We took it steady and some enjoyed the blackberries that were plentiful. On the way out, we visited Parys Mountain to observe the results of the copper ore extraction and George advised that some was processed at Holywell. 

Photos by Mike G

The Amlwch harbour followed before going for lunch at the Dinorben Arms Hotel. They treated us very well and the food was excellent. There, Dave Heath was feeling unwell so he decided to give the afternoon a miss. Steve Tan sorted the transport home. Dave later advised that the Hotel made him very welcome and looked after his needs. 

The remaining four of us set of just after 2:00pm passing an unusual church in Amlwch, ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Winefride’ in the style of an upturned boat, a Grade II listed reinforced concrete structure built in the 1930’s designed by Giuseppe Rinvolucri. As we climbed and went west the wind was in our favour. It was being noted that the road surfaces were generally of good quality and very little traffic.

After Llangaffo we visited Bodowyr, a Neolithic burial chamber with long distant views to be had across to the Eryri mountains. Slight wind against going towards Llanfair PG but we arrived safely just after 4:30 pm with the Briskers and Mods+ having gone.

My thanks go to Dave Heath for the advice and support he gave me and those of you who turned out, making my efforts worthwhile.

See route map and/or gpx file download

Mike Gilbert

    

19th September 2024 : Amlwch Special Ride ( Brisk )

What can one say! Steve Hu has said it all in his blog for this excellent ride around the “hinterland” of the Breadbasket of Wales but I’ll try to add little brisk colour to the ride experience

The weather was near perfect - wind on the nose on the way out and almost at the rear on the way back. The Famous Five consisting of Ivan, Nick, Ken, John M and myself set off with all the other riders, in a magnificent display of herding Welsh sheep up the main 20mph drag and then off sharply left into the interior of this lovely island.

It took a while for the brisk group to fully form and charge ahead on bascially the same route out as the Mods but with an added loop before rejoining the common routing at Pentraeth. We then rode several "Grand Old Duke of York” sections of ups and downs before peaking at Parys Mountain. I’ve often seen this from the sea but hadn’t appreciated its colour and extensive workings from the landward side. 

Swooping down from its 417ft summit, we head for the coast before a diversion into the port area of Amlwch. From the sea side, its entrance looks very forbidding but it was good to see quite a few fishing boats bobbing at anchor in the inner port.

The Dinorben Arms was very grand - not sure that we should have taken our shoes off - yet the welcome was warm and the plates of food enormous! John M was trialling his eco-powered Super Specialized road bike, and I for one was jealous of John effortlessly powering up those hills on the 31 mile rollercoaster back to Llanfair PG. So we set off again on a similar and longer but more westerly route than the Mods, and not quite so hilly route to base arriving about 1500.

So a big thank you to Mike G for planning this outing and organising the weather to behave itself. Thankfully there were no incidents or accidents, and even the A55 ran freely back to Chester.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photos CA and JM

19th September 2024: Amlwch Special Ride (mod+)

World traveller Orienteer’er and Civil Engineer extraordinaire Mike G could not have been happier when fifteen cheerful CER hopefuls turned up for this Mike’s second organised ride of 2024. The crew descended on the Edinburgh Woollen Mill complex where coffees and breakfasts were enjoyed. It was great to welcome Mel, Kevin’s partner for the ride. 

As many of our avid readers to this blog (like me) know little of the roads of Yns Mon I will skip the blow blow by blow road directions, trusting the attached gpx file show the route. With fifteen riders we had enough for three and arguably as you will see later four groups. Mel, Steve T, Kevin, Alan and Steve H formed the mod+ group. Anglesey is probably more notorious for its sandy beaches and secluded coves, however the roads that circumnavigate the east are very busy A roads. Thus Mike had devised a route to travel down the spine of the island on lovely quiet roads. 

These quiet roads had a surprise in that the profile resulted in an elevation gain of 2800 feet over just 47 miles. This was delivered by lots of short sharp climbs. On one of these climbs Steve T’s chain became detached, resulting in the mod+ group stretching out. At this time fast lads were also just overhauling us at warp speed.  Kevin hadn’t released there were two routes and took Mel on a peloton chasing exercise to tag onto the tail of the fast group. Later they would make their own way to the lunch stop hence four groups on the road. 

Mike’s route took us high up to Parys mountain and the swooped us into Amlwch. A quick navigation error by the writer was quickly negated by years of holidaying on Anglesey and coupled with cries of “I know where I'm going” led us the wrong way up a one way system and up to the Dinorben Arms. 

The staff of the pub were lovely and soon settled us in with refreshments for all fifteen riders as they came in in disparate groups. It was clear our erstwhile secretary Dave H had “peaked” too early on the climbs and wanted an extended stay in the pub to recuperate. His man Steve T volunteered to bring his chariot “ Berlingo Passion edition” to the pub. 

Thus the return leg resolved to four groups, Alan and Steve T direct to LLanfair Pg, Mel Kevin and myself on Mike's original route, plus the now “rowdy fast lads” having furnished themselves of “guru Cymraeg”. Lastly the mods, who were still awaiting their food when we left!

The route home involved less climbing and crossed the magnificent plain of Anglesey. Of particular note was a mile long Roman Road which then crossed the River Cefni which Mel correctly spotted had been canalised in 1824 and so looks like a wide canal running east to west and is apparently home to a variety of wetland birds and a RSPB reserve. 

Arriving back at LLanfair Pg the fast lads were just leaving and we reflected that between our five rider group , we had four different mileages, as diversions and differing routes had taken their toll. 

So on a day blessed by Welsh Sunshine we have to thank Mike G for a grand day out, and trust our secretary Dave recovers quickly for next week's ride. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu

12th September 2024 : Dunham Massey (Brisk)

Ivan and I drove through to Delamere in torrential rain and with an outside temperature of 8c; this dampened our enthusiasm for today's ride out to “The Vine” at Dunham Massey.

The Met office had forecast the rain to ease with only occasional showers from late morning but  we weren’t convinced  and came very close to abandoning our day out. We used a route designed by Ivan which  led us through Norley and out to Acton Bridge. It was here the sun emerged allowing us to remove our waterproofs. Continuing on, we  skirted around the eastern side of Lymm  arriving at “The Vine” just after midday.

The weather forecast was obviously correct as the sun was now shining and the roads had dried considerably throughout the morning making for an easy trouble-free ride. Our venue was not to busy so our order of food and drink was delivered promptly and we were back on the bikes in no time.

Initially heading south east, we skirted around the boundary of Dunham Park and through the village of Hale.Turning to the south west we then weaved our way past Tatton Park and through Great Budworth  stopping briefly to admire the Anderton Boat lift. After crossing over the River Weaver we navigated our way  through Northwich and Hartford to join our outbound route at Norley. Here we came across the Mod’s who were returning from their ride to Goostrey. On reaching Hatchmere  Ivan and I parted company as he decided to make the most of good weather and ride home.

I’m glad we made the effort  to ride this morning  because the change from appalling to good weather conditions did allow us to enjoy an uneventful 50 mile route.

See route map and/or gpx file download

KP

Photos KP and ID

12th September 2024: Goostrey (mod+)

One often questions the sanity of going out for a club ride in bad weather. This salient point was driven home to me as I decelerated to 50mph on the A55 due to the visibility being reduced by the torrential rain and spray. If reinforcement were needed the complete flooding of the road leading from Ashton Hayes to Hatchmere should have been another telltale!

However undaunted I rode the mile or so from the Sandstone trail car park to the Station Cafe and managed to get thoroughly soaked . Once the lenses on my specs has cleared I saw a brace of easy ridders sat in a mix of civvie clothes, or ready to ride. 

The suggestion of “go east young man” held the promise of drier weather and potentially some sun. The fast group of Ivan and Ken set off first. 

So the intrepid four set off, Steve T, Alan Mike G and myself. Steve T had proposed a route we last did on the 27th August 2020 with our sadly departed member Eric Borg (RIP). Steve led us out of Hatchmere and onto Forest Lane, a little used lane for us. At this point it was raining slightly and I noticed the air temperature was a stirring six degrees Celsius. 

Beech lane soon opened into Crowton and we started our route North as this route circumnavigates Northwich on fairly quiet roads. Cogshall lane found us whizzing through the lovely village of Comberbach before the even nicer parish of Great Budworth. 

Great Budworth has its history documented in the Doomsday book , however more recently it has featured in advertisements for Nat West Bank and also in the 2019 BBC adaption of War of the Worlds.

As we crossed the busy Chester road we descended into Goostrey. The Pastime cafe is a lovely facility favoured by locals and visitors alike. A cursory glance at the menu resulted in four identical orders of Welsh Rarebit with a poached egg on top plus what seemed like limitless tea!

Photo by AO

The food was delicious and the attentive staff were first class. Replete and ready for the seventeen mile return journey we started by getting undressed! Over lunch the sun had come out and despite a slight headwind we were now enjoying temperatures of 16/18 deg C a 12 deg C change in three hours! 

Steve T went to the front and led us along Holmes Chapel Rd a busy little section and then through the intricacies of beating the one way systems in Hartford. Before long we tackled the last hill of the day (unless your name is Mike) Maddocks Hill which allowed us to breeze through Norley and go our separate ways. Mike was off to Shotton, Steve T to Runcorn and Alan and myself to the comfort of a warm dry car. 

A lovely route, thanks to Steve T for leading, with 41 miles covered on a day when any sane cyclist should have stayed at home!

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu  

5th September 2024: Loppington (mod)

There was a strong turnout at the Castle Bistro for our last visit to Chirk for the season. We have certainly cycled some very wet and muddy lanes around here during the last year.  Nevertheless, the venue presents us with varied and attractive selection of routes, which we have particularly appreciated on fine days. Today was expected to be dry, if cloudy with a strong wind from the north. The Moderate group consisted of Mike Dodd, Andy Barber, Dave and Liz Pipe and myself. Dave Matthews had made it for coffee but would not be on the ride itself. Andy, had a new map, but refused to lend it to me; I wasn’t surprised.

We set off across the Russian roulette roundabout on the A5 and were soon relieved to be on the quiet lanes to Hindford. The tandem, understandably, had to be dismounted for the particularly narrow and grotty surfaced lanes at Gannow Hill. From Welsh Frankton we cruised down the smooth tarmac before carefully attacking the severe humpback bridge across the canal. Unusually, the wind was in our sails on this south-west route to Hordley. I discussed with Mike the fact that a number of club riders had been, or still were caravanners, and that we all enjoyed riding past green fields, but hardly any of us chose to live in the country (or “the middle of nowhere” as Moreton Ray calls it). Mike liked having facilities close to home in Chester, such as coffee bars and alehouses; particularly alehouses.  Those of us in our late seventies or early eighties generally like to be near a ready supply of Eccles cakes, the Countess of Chester or a local graveyard. We took to the lanes bordering Kenwick Park to reach Cockshutt, and entered Loppington via English Frankton and Brownheath .

As ever, lunch was delicious at the Dickin Arms, and it was great to catch up with Dave and Liz. Mike and Liz were discussing following the latest Netflix films, and education in Switzerland and Singapore. Alongside his globetrotting, including being in an internationally performing choir, I don’t know how Mike finds the time and energy for everything. I blame the dog for making me so boring in comparison. Of course, my wife would say Scousers always blame someone or something else for their deficiencies. Andy was well-informed company as usual. Liz resurrected a once regular Easy Riders’ indulgence of ordering pudding. I joined her in enjoying a melt in the mouth ginger sponge and custard.

 The way back was by the more westerly route to Colemere and was very pleasant, and mostly well-surfaced. We were soon passing my favourite spot near the side of White Mere at Spunhill. Some stiff banks followed on our route to Perthy and New Marton. Liz and Dave coped commendably, until a puncture on their tandem halted progress. The busy road section from St.Martins to the A5 has a swoop down followed by a demanding rise. My attempted run at the hill was sabotaged by my map flying off across the road. Mike and Andy generously rescued it for me, evidently only half a dozen lorries had run over it. It was a relief to join the canal towpath at Rhoswiel (a first for me) and cycle in on the peaceful towpath. With pedestrians and dogs on the spectacular viaduct it was no surprise that Dave and Liz walked it. Impressively, Dave managed to ride the tandem solo up the steep path to Castle Road.  It had been a very enjoyable day, and I really appreciated Dave and Liz making the effort. Of course, the very patient Steve Tan had been waiting sometime after our day which had included a map retrieval, a puncture, tandem walking and two sponge puddings. I must leave him with a car key, a flask of coffee, and a couple of novels to read in the Berlingo next time. About thirty-five miles covered in very agreeable company; many more for Mold Andy as usual.

DH 

5th September 2024 : Montford Bridge ( Mod+)

I arrived at the Castle Bistro around 1000 after completing my customary warm-up ride through Chirk castle grounds. A gaggle of CERers were already esconsced with coffees and tea cakes. Steve T, as the gentleman he is, had allowed my proposed ride to hold sway over the prospective brisk and mod+ riders. So I ended up with Diane, a guest rider from Frodsham Wheelers, Roy, Nick, Alan, Elwyn and Fiona, and Steve T opting for a 47 Mod+ ride to Montford Bridge.

We started off on a loop of the town to access a fast descent down the Glyn Ceiriog road before slogging up hill into Weston Rhyn. Already there were complaints about hills but not from Elwyn who powered passed me into the distance - he must surely have a hidden battery drive on that bike! Together again and with the promise on nearly no more hills to lunch, we access the tiny lanes via the ancient Iron-Age hill fort that bring us out into Oswestry.

We endure acres of modern housing exiting Oswestry on a long quiet lane out over the A5, and after Aston Square, we cross the said ancient highway again heading for Maesbury and its marsh bound for Knockin via Woolston Bank. I can’t resist the photo opportunity outside the shop, which has a very good yet small cafe. After a piloting error, we eventually take the correct road to Kinnerley.

No comment!

We now have 6 miles of small lanes running either side of the extensive army training camp at Nesscliffe before Shrawardine village turns us east then south to Montford village then east again and over that A5 once again to Montford Bridge.The bridge was Thomas Telford's first bridge design and although now reinforced, still spans the River Severn. Charles Darwin’s parents are buried in the local church.

To get to the Montford Bridge cafe, we have to ride a half mile of the busy A5 before slipping off left and round and under to the cafe. I have been to this cafe several times and notice that they have added inside seating to complement the covered outside seating. I also notice that the smoking sign which stated “Please use the ash trays when the floor is full” has disappeared. The cafe has a 4. 3 stars over 800+ reports on Tripadviser and I think all of the group were happy with their luncheon repast.

The tricky bit is now to ride back along the A5 and then cross the road back into Montford village. It’s only 21 miles back but the route is unfortunately into the strengthening wind but deep lanes and high hedges ameliorate the experience. It’s a long run up to Ruyton XI Towns were I note the pub is open for lunches again. The way out is via Grug Hill  - a long lane ever upwards but not especially steep. Alan has a gearing misfunction that needed sorting which he successfully fixes.

We kiss by Queen’s Head before the long drag up the old A5 into the wind and into Whittington. The advance party pull up half way along here to allow the rear party to catch up and zoom by - guess who was leading that 3 rider peloton. Our group eventually catches them up in Gobowen as we ascend the bank onto the last part of the route parallel to that which we took on the way out. I always favour the aqueduct option back into Chirk where we arrive at around 1500 with 47 miles ridden.

So a cool, overcast and windy day which did not deter this octet group from sampling a lot of excellent Salopian lanes and a quick lunch at a very good transport cafe. Many thanks to the long suffering group for allowing me to indulge my love of the Shropshire countryside.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photo AO