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