A dryish day in prospect as I arrived at Alison's cafe where Ray S was already into his cake and coffee. Very soon about 10 riders were eager for the off with Dave M and Steve T in civvies,
The Brisk Group consisted of Ray, Nick and Matt, once he had arrived from Walk Mill. Matt was sporting a new Swiss-made titanium bike (even with Ti front forks and Rohloff gearing, massive tyres and a carbon fibre "chain") - must have cost a fortune but it should last forever.
We set off at a pace around Beeston Castle bound for Bunbury and Alpraham. Equally at a pace, we take the aptly named Long Lane to Wettenhall then Darnhall. We weave through pleasant Winsford suburbia on our way to Whitegate and the edge of Hartford.
Arriving at Weaverham, we dive right down to Winnington. After a while I realise that I had loaded up the longer route option. I had meant to drop down to Little Leigh to arrive near Dones Green. I decided not to admit the mistake but exited Winnington up the very steep Soot Hill near the Anderton Boat Lift. We take five to recover not just Soot Hill, but the high speed 22 mile run out to here.
Pushing on, we eventually get to the 2 mile long ever gently upwards Marsh Lane which enables us to approach Frodsham from the North East. At last the lunch stop is in sight. Matt needs to get home so carries on as we three stop at the Devonshire Bakery cafe right by the lights in the centre of Frodsham
We are able to order up very quickly and then access Whatsapp to discover the shocking news of Ivan's medical emergency whilst on holiday in Spain. Ken had been in contact today with Ivan and passed the news onto us and Dave H. Whilst Ivan is recuperating in hospital, apparently he is concerned what has happened to his bike and where it actually is - like we all would be!
I feel I must tell Ray and Nick that I had inadvertently taken the 4 mile longer route thus pushing the distance ridden from home before lunch to 45 miles+. The food is good and very welcome. We discuss the way back and we three take the long hill out of Frodsham towards Hatchmere. Nick motors on for home, whilst Ray and I take the Delamere forest road back to Chester via Manley.
Arriving back home I find its nearly 70 miles today and the 15 mph average belies the fact that we were going a lot quicker than that for most of the route - except for the hills and the minor rain shower.
So many thanks to Ray and Nick for riding with me all the way round, and to Matt for slogging his new bike through muddy lanes - but at least it will not rust! Hopefully Ivan will recover quickly and be back in the saddle again.
See route map and/or gpx file download
CA
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