31st October 2024: Calveley (mod+)

 Today’s mod+ ride was planned to follow the route forged by Neil and co at the end of February this year. A gentle 30+ miler down to Bunbury. As things turned out, whilst we did pass through Bunbury, that was not to be our lunch destination. ‘We’ in this instance, comprised Steves Hu and T, Alan, Paul and Clive as Neil and Nick had decided to head for destinations west rather than east.

In the February ride report by Steve Hu, mention was made of the high prices being charged at the time at Tilly’s and the possibility of going to a farm shop near Calveley. So it was agreed that we’d try it out…if we could find it, with Tilly’s as a fall back.

Our route out was the inevitable potholed road to Hatchmere. Even before we got there, we had to stop as my rear mudguard was loose. The problem was eventually solved by discarding the toothpicks and using a cable tie. There followed some slightly better roads through Delamere Park to Cuddington and Sandiway, where we crossed the A49 into Dalesford Lane. Turning south-west we crossed the Whitegate Way at Marton and threaded our way down the pleasant country lanes to reach Little Budworth.

As we skirted around the wall of Oulton Park, the was a cry of ‘puncture!’ from behind. It seemed that Alan had a slow puncture which he tried to rectify by adding some air from his canister. Although this worked for a short while, we were soon stopped at the end of King’s Lane where the punctured tube was replaced and the offending thorn extracted by Alan using his teeth! Him Tarzan!

Photo ST

As we pressed on towards Alpraham, Clive said that he knew of a good cheese farm and café near Calveley, although it might not be the one that Steve Hu had mentioned. So that’s where we headed, the Calveley Mill Shop and Cafe. The food was quickly ordered and it arrived within 10 minutes of the order and the prices were extremely competitive – for some reason they were even less than advertised on the menu!

 A mixture of all day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches tea and coffee was soon polished off and we were soon on our way again. The route took us  through Bunbury, around Beeston Castle  and past The Shady to the junction with Huxley Lane, where Clive left us to head back to Mollington.

We rode on up the hill into Tarporley, pausing at the junction with the A51 while Alan fiddled (again) with his seat post. A case of too much grease, he said. Then on through Eaton and Cotebrook to arrive back at Delamere with 31 miles covered at an average speed of 14.2 mph.

A pleasant ride on roads that were a mix of dry and muddy in weather that started out grey and damp, but finished grey and dry. Whatever the weather, the company was excellent and it was a pleasure to be out.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

24th October 2024: Malpas (mod)

 Neil and I arrived at Walk Mill with a common lunch destination and similar routes in mind: The Carden Arms at Tilston by way of Beeston. The club had a strong turnout, so I decided to lead a different ride to Malpas for the moderate group, so avoiding the likelihood of overcrowding for lunch if we all descended on The Carden Arms.

The moderate group consisted of George, Keith, Ray Baird, Dave Pipe and me. We headed out to Burton and continued to Brassey Green before heading down to The Shady and up again to Beeston Castle. Ray coped well on his new light bike sans electrical assistance. Unfortunately, my revised route included further climbs past Bolesworth Castle and Broxton Old Hall. It has to be said that despite some groaning Big Ray showed admiral determination in conquering the climbs. Mind you, I’m not sure if his slimline Halford’s special is guaranteed to withstand his King Kong stature. After a fast plunge to Ashtons Cross, we entered Malpas by way of Hampton Heath. The Little Deli had plenty of space for us. Food portions were notably generous, and the staff were friendly as usual.

The weather was fine, and the route back promised to be scenic, flattish and reasonably brisk. What could go wrong? Well, for a start I left my car keys at the Café, and only a member of staff from the café running after us and shouting avoided a nightmare scenario for me when we returned to Walk Mill. Then Dave Pipe’s new larger tyres began to cause a problem with a mudguard attaching bolt under his fork crown. Our return was via Cuddington Heath, Shocklach, Farndon and Waverton. We were really in the groove flying up to Farndon, but Dave was still having trouble and sent a message via Ray to carry on without him. I tried ringing Dave to confirm that he didn’t require assistance but had no reply. Keith was bothered in case our fast flog had left Dave not feeling too well. The compromise was for George and Ray to carry on and I followed Keith turning back to find Dave. I then made another phone call, managing to make contact with Dave, and was reassured, but Keith was now well down the road. I turned back to head for Waverton, but then had a rear tyre thorn puncture without a pump and with tyre levers made from Lifebuoy soap.  I was in the entrance of a side road hoping that Keith and Dave would eventually appear, they did, but the jokers initially sped past pretending they had not seen me. Anyway, with an aching stiff hip I was very grateful for their help, with my Schwalbe Marathons being a very tight fit. Keith’s gas canister was quickly effective, but any notion of an early return was now out of the window. When we eventually reached Walk Mill, George, Ray and Steve Tan were anxiously waiting for our arrival, as attempts at phone communication had been difficult. Despite the afternoon’s problems it had been another enjoyable Thursday in relaxing company and decent weather. About thirty-six miles covered.

DH

24th October 2024: Tilston (mod+)

 Those of you that have looked up in awe at a Red Arrows aircraft display will be familiar with their signature move, the bomb burst. This is where the tightly highly skilled aircraft pilots fly overhead and then disappear in all directions complete with red white and blue smoke.

 Well apart from the smoke that was us on Neils ride today! LOL. It all started so well with both old and new faces at Walk Mill Cafe. It was great to see John W, who earlier had stopped to assist Chris with a puncture. We also had a new rider today, Paul who Steve Hu brought along for the first time. Kevin who only joined us less than six months ago must feel like a veteran member now!

 We had two routes on offer from Steve T and Neil T. As Neil T is known as the “Wind Whisperer” it was decided to go with his route today as it was blustery. So nine riders consisting of John M, Kevin, Alan, Chris, Steve T, Steve Hu, Clive, Paul and our leader Neil T.

 Neils earlier feigned injury seemed to have evaporated as he set a spirited pace along Guy Lane and up to the Tarvin Bypass. Neil had chosen a cunning route to mitigate the sandstone ridge both avoiding steep climbs and the ever-present wind. Soon Kelsall was bypassed and we sped through Cotebrook and Eaton.

 We were later to learn that Pauls cycling palmares included training at Hern Hill Velodrome with a certain Bradley Wiggins and David Millar! The net result being placed in the top ten of the National Time trial events.  Coupled with extensive time spent overseas Paul was clearly happier riding on the right-hand side of the road rather than the left, much to the surprise and consternation of oncoming road users.

 As we passed Bolesworth Road it was clear John M was now missing. A quick call to Clive confirmed he was making a shorter detour to the pub. By Duckington we had lost Alan following a comfort break and both Kevin and Steve Hu were off the back due to a combination of waiting for Alan and trying to sort out the pernicious problem Kevin’s gears were presenting despite his attempts with the spanners.

 At this point we met Clive riding in the opposite direction looking for us, satisfied he had located us, he set off to find Alan. What a gent (take note Mr Tanner).

 So now we had at least four groups on the road, all notionally heading for the lunch spot. At the pub the nine reformed , but not for long as John M and Clive wanted to try a new cafe in Holt and Chris was off to work.

 Now down to six we stopped for a photo of four of us!!!  We chose a beautiful Jaguar E Type as a backdrop. I say beautiful  fortunately still so despite Steve T’s bike falling over inches from its pristine paintwork.

The homebound route was excellent and fast with all of us keeping together. Kevin broke off at Alford to ride into Chester leaving the rest of us to swing though Bruera and Saighton. Avid readers of these blogs will know Neil T’s distaste of having been mugged recently at the end of a ride. So as was customary we mugged Neil as a trident of fast riders zoomed into Waverton with Neil and Steve T in hot pursuit.

 Neil and Steve T continued to Walk Mill whilst Alan Steve Hu and Paul made our way back to Guilden Sutton.

 A great ride, on dry relatively clean roads with minimal wind in our face. Thanks for leading Neil.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or file download

17th October 2024: Bunbury

 In a change from the norm, this will be a very short blog, as I have no time at all over the next few days and as nobody in the group would volunteer to write the blog, it is therefor short and that means everybody escapes my usual endearing comments- well almost- Lol, Lol.

8 turned up at Alison’s -10 in fact, as the  tandem team turned up, just as we were about to leave ( as usual- Lol)

I expected to possibly ride an easy one on my own, due to my cracked ribs, but was also happy to lead the easy rider group, which can you believe, became 8 individuals- Lol. DP & Liz decided to abandon as the motor on the Tandem wouldn’t fire up.

Photos AO

My route was to Tilly’s (under new management ) and very nice it was too. On departure, George and Elec Ray decided to head back to Alison’s, as Ray was having derailleur issues and was stuck in the big ring ( yes- he was on a proper bike, for the first time and a baptism of fire. However, he coped well, as there were a few  short inclines for him to get over- well done Ray.

The other Ray was the next to depart the group, as we passed through Waverton, only a few hundred mtrs before Fiona & Elwyn departed  for home via the A41 crossing.

Now only Steve Hu & Allan left, we turn left along the canal road.  To my surprise, I got spoilt with a nice tow for a change, when Steve hit the front into a light SW headwind. He pulled us to the traffic lights at the canal crossing.

10 minutes later, after passing the spot that caused my rib issue- Lol, I say goodbye at Alison’s. 

I ride the last mile home through the biggest of the floods for the day ( 50 mtrs long at least and just passable after some tricky 10-2 pedalling- Lol ( see pic) 

Photo NT

If there was any doubt as to the pace today, I got home with an AS of 13.8 mph- bang on the upper end of CTC’s recommended easy rider pace.

 

Cheers everybody, till next time.

 

PS- first time I have got my blog in on the day of the ride ( eat your heart out Steve Hu- Lol)

 

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

10th October 2024 : Bunbury (Mod)

It was good to see rare bird Andy Whitgreave who was accompanying Dave Matthews after his challenging north Yorkshire adventure. It was also very pleasant to meet Chris Evans for the first time. I checked with Chris at the weekend, and he obviously enjoyed his ride, and I expect that he will turn out again when he can. Trevor was nursing a sore toe, so was riding solo locally. The moderate group for the day consisted of Keith, Andy Barber, Ray, Jim, Dave Pipe and me.

Our route out was via the A56, Hollowmoor Heath, Oscroft and Cotebrook. We meandered on little quiet lanes before reaching Alpraham and heading for The Dysart Arms at Bunbury. I had originally hoped that we would reach Tattenhall for lunch, but the troops were getting hungry and Alison’s now seemed too much of a stretch. 

Having lost their winter fuel allowance the lads were feeling parsimonious, so Dave Pipe managed to persuade them to save a tenner by carrying on to The Nag’s Head. Healthy eating Pipey decided to have a starter of black pudding slathered with a thick mustard(?) sauce. The pub atmosphere was very friendly and the food was indeed fine and good value. Keith later mentioned to me how lunch reminded him of relaxed eating with Dave and Liz over past years. 

Certainly, we were all quite laid back when remounting our bikes about four hours later! Our return was straightforward via Beeston Castle, Newton and Hargrave. It had been lovely weather for cycling all day, and the slightly cool headwind didn’t detract from our pleasure. Nevertheless, for a while I took shelter behind Electric Ray’s considerable bulk at an enhanced pace. 

Christleton was a madhouse with hundreds of pupils spilling out of school mainly into bloated SUVs cramming the narrow roads. Dave Pipe suggested taking the next road into Christleton in order to miss the school at this time in future. Andy at this stage had parted for Mold. Keith and I managed a late coffee at Meadow Lea. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable thirty eight miles of scenic cycling in relaxed company.

DH

10th October 2024 : Overton (Mod+)

Meadow Lea seems to be the “honeypot” destination for the CER crew. Today was another bumper turnout. It was great to welcome a new rider Chris to the club and to see Steve T who was that afternoon undergoing cataract surgery. Good luck Steve and a speedy and vision enhanced recovery. 

Two groups were formed, Clive had two options a 57 and a 51 miler. I had had hastily downloaded off the CER website a 47 ish to the Two Doves. Our initial mod + group of Kevin Alan and myself was soon doubled in size as the fast lads joined us. So Clive, Ray S, Kevin , Alan , John Mills, Chris and myself set off. 

Having only downloaded the ride that morning and having spent at least 30 seconds reviewing the route it was to my chagrin when asked where are we going that I answered with a knowing blank stare. I quickly realised the best way to avoid navigation questions was to go off the front, which I did for most of the ride. 

The route surprisingly circuited Chester and took us down to the Dee and then through Handbridge. Taking some previously unknown lanes to me we quickly cruised into Rossett and then headed out on Rossett road. Here a temporary traffic lights caused a tailback which another group of cyclists took to be an invitation to attack our peloton. However their speed was not matched by their riders visual acuity and one of them mistook a cone for the road and promptly crashed ending their title battle. 

Our sprinter and leadout man Ray was oblivious to the commotion behind and was nearly at Commonwood before he realised he was doing a Pogacar. Alan was despatched to bring him back. By the time we had crested Park lane the group of seven was back in the game. 

The normally pleasant roads around the industrial estate were unfortunately very muddy and at times flooded. However with Chris and Clive on the front we quickly swept into Bangor on Dee for a quick photo opportunity. From here it was a quick two and a half miles to our lunch venue. Ray remembered they can open a secure rear parking area obviating the need to park seven bikes on the pavement outside the front door , nice one Ray. 

Not the Lone Ray-nger!

Replete with a variety of sandwiches and salads we were treated to a local history gem by Clive, who informed us the yews in the church of St Mary the Virgin were one of the seven wonders of Wales. Apparently the yews are between 1000 and 2000 years old. In addition to banishing bad spirits Yew went on to provide Taxol a product in the needles which in turn was used in the treatment of breast and other cancers. Indeed to this day, Taxol is still approved by the FDA. 

Fuelled by a tuna sandwich I made a quick dive off the front only to be stopped rapidly by a pinch puncture after hitting a pothole. A pitstop equal to a formula one team ably assisted by Alan and his magic gas inflator meant we were soon up and away. By now the tail wind we had so enjoyed during the morning took its toll on our group.

Undaunted Worthenbury Shocklach and Farndon slipped under our wheel, helped at times by John Mills placing his “beic trydan” on the front, thanks John. At Farndon Kevin left us for a more direct route home, Clive also left us at Plough Lane. 

Soon Meadow Lea appeared and Steve Hu and Alan decided they needed a coffee to fuel the additional twelve miles or so home. A rather expensive hi tech carbon bike was parked at Meadow Lea , followed by its rider who appeared in a Team GB strip. The rider no other than previous World hour record holder , Olympic medalist and altogether a really nice guy, Dan Bigham. 

This weekend whilst most of us are doing weekend chores Dan is representing Great Britain at the World Championships. In August 24 he, Ethan Hayter, Ethan Vernon and Charlie Tanfield smashed the team time trial at the Paris Olympics coming home with a silver medal. So what a great end to a brilliant ride in the sun with great company . 

See route map and/or gpx file download

SHu

3rd October 2024: Aston (mod)

The truly moderate group at Holt consisted of Mike Dodd, George, Ray, Keith, Andy Barber and myself. Andy had a broken gear cable, so reluctantly had to return to Mold. I had an idea for a route, but was wary of being too ambitious as Keith was recovering from a recent knee replacement, and I hadn’t cycled since abandoning the Anglesey ride at lunch. The health problems some of us are negotiating remind me of my two old, hot Renaults: they are still quite feisty, but sometimes yellow flashing lights appear on the dash and can be difficult to diagnose and eradicate. I decided to give the Churton to Barton loop a miss: we could always extend the route in the afternoon if desired.

Our route took us to Tilston, Duckington and Bickerton Hill. Goldford Lane across the Coach Road from Duckington is a special, lush climb with lovely properties studded in the escarpment and fabulous views. It was a treat just to be living the moment in this environment in such relaxed company on a fine day.  Bryan Wade would identify cycling like this as the essence of Chester Easy Riders. We were soon heading down past Cholmondeley Castle without losing Mike Dodd this week. After crossing the A49 we took a novel diversion along the quiet little lanes down to Gauntons Bank before riding alongside the Llangollen Canal to the lift bridge at Wrenbury. We were even able to give advice to a white van man on how to circumnavigate the roadworks on Station Road. The driver was very cheerful but had made the mistake of asking Ray in the first place. Ray had told him that he didn’t know what day it was, never mind where we were or how to get to anywhere else. We cycled the back way to Aston, turning left at Pinsley Green.

The renovated Bhurty at Aston was quite busy, so the food was a little slow in coming, but it was excellent and the friendliness of the staff appreciated. Conversation was wide-ranging including quotes from ancient philosophers about leadership and Rory Stewart’s recent book and podcast. Most of the informed conversation emanated from George and Mike as usual.

We set off on our return at about 2p.m. Ray needed to get back handily, and Mike was riding to Chester, so there was no appetite for an expansive afternoon route. We headed for No Man’s Heath by way of the pleasant route through Pinsley Green, Marbury, Swanick Green and Bickley Town. We by-passed Malpas and hit the Roman road at Kidnall in order to reach Tilston. We ignored the Lost Barn with some regret having spent an indulgent last coffee and cake in the sun at the back recently. At Crewe -by -Farndon we attempted the back route to the by-pass in order to rediscover it and avoid the usual boring speed bumped slog to the top of Farndon. Keith managed to fall into the brambled bank alongside the footpath with his foot stuck in the pedal on the leg on which he had his replacement knee.  Fortunately, he appeared to be unscathed. All that leadership discussion in the pub earlier had obviously not led me to cotton on about the risk of tackling a steep path to someone recovering from knee surgery. You can see the point of risk assessments when leading a group activity after all. To compensate, Keith was allowed to have the best cake left at Maggie’s, as those of us not in a hurry enjoyed a last coffee.  About thirty-six miles covered, and no flashing yellow lights on our virtual dashboards, although Keith may have had a temporary red.

DH

3rd October 2024: Plassey (mod+)

 Maggies was today’s meet venue and a popular one it was too. I lost count at 17 heads, as everybody kept moving- Lol.

I had a route to Staples cafe at Plassey, which appealed to Roy, Allan ( ‘the mugger’, more about that later) and Fiona / Elwyn, back from their  hols.

This meant we were the smallest group for a change, assuming there was just a fast group and easy rider group. Surprisingly, my ride to Maggies was, initially, a chilly 3!Degrees on my Garmin, but got to 6 on arrival. However, our departure from Maggies was a much warmer 8 degrees- Lol.

I have to admit to being a tad anxious, as our last departure from Maggies saw us reverse direction twice within 200 mtrs- Lol. Suffice it to say, I took some stick on that day. So, I was determined to make sure my Garmin did not throw another wobbly. 

I have since noticed that if you plot a route for a remote location, but select yes to plot a route to said location, it sometimes causes Garmin to flip out when you stop and restart after the cafe.

My remedy this time was to keep the screen active and Bob’s your uncle, we had no trouble- Lol

Garmin, now compliant, we were off, but not so quickly over the Dee bridge, due to even longer traffic lights than the norm ( more road works)

The promised light southerly winds were just that, as we progressed south along the Shocklach road. 

The flooded patches I had seen a few days before had drained sufficiently to provide a dry line and a clear run through to Threapwood.

 

Once over Wych brook we had a lovely little climb up to the top of Mulsford lane, where you find some of the best views across to the Welsh hills, with Overton below us, out of site,  in the distance is Ruabon at 90 degrees to our left and Wrexham at 20 degrees-ish to our front left.

Now well into a gentle descent, for approximately a mile+ on a lovely bit of lane, I couldn’t help notice the clouds starting to build, which made me wonder If my ambitions of an outside lunch venue was a bit ambitious- Lol.

No sooner up, we were down and rapidly approaching the crossroads of Whitchurch Road, with  Overton beyond. We bypass Overton via a very nice smooth lane that lead us to a very fast descent to yet another crossing of the River Dee at the Cross Foxes pub, where we turn left to Erbistock.

 

After another brief regroup we head up slightly toward the fabulous Boat Inn, but we turn right before the descent to the pub for our only bit of serious climbing for the day. 

A couple of short climbs that deliver us to the top of this small ridge, setting us up for a few nice easy miles down into Plassey, except for the nasty little climb up the driveway to the cafe - Lol. 

Staples cafe is within the caravan park, next to the pub, for those who have not been there. It’s a quaint cosy cafe, that always has some fantastic cakes.

I was for staying outside, but a certain individual who had foolishly removed his outer jacket, several miles back, immediately shouted “ inside!”- Lol. Not one for dropping names, but he did have a moustache that was straight out of the 2nd world war- Lol Lol.

So, now inside and orders made, the usual catch up conversations ensued. I think it was Wing Cmdr Biggles (Roy to those in the know- Lol)  who recalled visiting the caravan park many times as a lad with his family, to which Allan then piped up with similar memories.

Meanwhile I was catching up with F&E about their recent cruise of the Med and few lovely stop offs, which inevitable got us on to the subject of restaurants and some choices for a future trip we were planning. 

After a brief chat about whether F& E would stay with the group or not, I suggested they decide on the fly and got us all going again, after a good lunch with potato and leek soup being the popular choice for Roy and I.

Roy’s shout for “inside” was the right option, as it was well cosy in there.

We were soon down the road and turning left on Overton road, which lead us up to our right turn to Bedwell and Cross Lanes beyond. As usual the traffic lights stopped us. However, this allowed time for a quick conversation about our left turn towards Pentre and the quiet lanes beyond. F& E therefore decided to go straight on and take the easy, fast shortcut to Holt, as Fiona was feeling the pace, after 3 weeks of cruising the Med- Lol.

 

Now only 3 us, we found ourselves tapping out a steady rhythm, with Roy leading the way and meandering around Wrexham industrial estate, which you would never know was there on these little lanes and high hedgerows. 

After a few miles we are passing Clays golf club and I shout out that we take the pathway to the right, at the dual carriageway. This allows us to cross the carriageway at the round about and turn back on ourselves, up past Francis lane and on to the now infamous spot where the Flying Bombaliny (Steve T) once took a little tumble, which I still argue was not my fault- Lol.

We were heading for a loop through Marford, in order to get our mileage up to 40 and give us a couple of little of extra inclines- Lol. 

It didn’t take us long to tick off this 4 mile loop, which brought us back to Borras and the fast downhill towards Holt, our pace was still good, but I for one was beginning to feel the legs.

So it was a complete surprise, at the junction of Rossett road, to get ‘mugged’ by Allan, from behind, where he had been for the whole ride, I might add.

It took us a moment or two to collect ourselves at the sight of this Cavendish/ Elwyn like blur getting smaller, as he pulled away. 

However, once Roy realised I was on his wheel, he took off after ‘the mugger’, with a turn of speed that smacked of determination- Lol.

He was not going to let the upstart get to Maggies without us. However, my legs were almost cooked and I still had another 10 miles to get home, so I sat up, but not before we caught him ( job done- Lol) leaving Roy to claim the spoils at Maggies.

I rolled in and before I could put ‘the mugger’ in his place, Roy was already doing the honours- Lol, Lol. Alan’s response was “that’s what the pro’s do, when near the finish”. “We’re not pro’s & you don’t ‘mug’ the ride leader, having sat on the back for the whole ride”- it’s not cricket or is that cycling- Lol, Lol. 

 

Roy and Alan then decided on another coffee, but I didn’t fancy cafe legs again, so I continued on home, after thanking the boys for an enjoyable ride, even the chase - Lol 

 

The ride route was 40 miles with about 500 mtrs of assent.

I got home, after an easy wind down and a total of 59 miles.

Thanks to the group for a great day out, including ‘ the mugger’, bless him- Lol, Lol, Lol.

I assume F&E got home without event.

 

Cheers all, till next time- Lol.

Neil.

3rd October 2024 : Whixall Marina (brisk)

A dry day was in prospect as I set out from Chester on a cool morning. I briefly met up with Trevor and Jim at Churton arriving at Maggie’s around 1000. A fair few were already supping their hot drinks as more riders turned up. 

The Brisk group were somewhat disorganised as no one had a route ready. I said I’d brought one to Whixall on my phone and emailed it to Nick who tried to upload it to his Garmin - with little success. By the time we had sorted ourselves out, the rest of the riders had slipped away and it was well past 1030.

So uploading the first part of the route into my neural satnav, Shane, Ken, Nick and I set off bound for Borras sliding by the enormous quarry. A quick ride down Borras Park Road led us to Cefn Road and thence to King’s Mills in the dip by the river on the old A525. A short uphill section of A525 takes off right towards Sontley. A left along the tiny Woodhouse Lane brings us back to the A525 again at Cock Bank.

The routing now is straightforward in that it's the A525 then the A539 taking us in and out of Overton and Penley before delivering us at Hanmer. These roads were a delight to ride being mainly smooth and devoid of traffic. We dive down passing Hanmer Mere and out via Arowry to Bettisfield and Northwood. A left then takes us to Dobson’s Bridge and Whixall Marina cafe - a firm favourite now as it is an oasis in a dearth of eating places in this area.

The staff are always pleased to see us and hot food comes quickly in the form of the popular thick mushroom soup combo whilst I take a cheeseburger. Given that we have arrived at 1230 after 26 miles we're soon away on a northerly track. We take in Fenn’s Bank, Redbrook, Higher Wych and thence to Malpas. 

Just before Malpas, we stop to try and sort out why my front derailleur won’t move across to the big chain ring. Try as we might, I’m now left with riding all the way home on the lower gear setting. At Tilston Nick peels off, then Ken dives down Wetreins Lane and Shane rides onto Stretton. I ride on to Chester via Coddington and Churton.

I decide to take my bike in to a cycle repairer to get the front and also the rear shifting sorted out. So I think where can I go and decide to go to the bike shop off Sealand Road in Minerva Avenue - I think it was called the Bike Hub. I knew where it was was - but it’s no more! What to do - I don't fancy Evans Cycles or the Bike Factory, so decide to go home, get changed and drive the bike to Graham Weigh Cycles in Shotton fully expecting to pick it up sometime next week.

In the shop, Mark takes my bike from me then put’s it on the stand and proceeds to sort the transmission issues out there and then. A replacement rear derailleur cable is also diagnosed as necessary which explains why shifting hasn’t been smooth recently. So within 20 minutes or so all is rectified at a reasonable price. I have used them before and will again as their customer service is excellent.

All round for me it was 76 miles today with the official route being just a fast 44 miles. It was enjoyable being out with the lads on dry, smooth roads (for the most part) with little traffic and the bright autumnal countryside to savour. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA