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