The sun was shining, hardly a cloud in the sky, and with a forecast of temperatures in the mid-teens it was hardly surprising to find Meadow Lea teeming with cyclists. Mostly CER members but supplemented by a group from the local CTC. It was particularly good to see Ivan, back home safely after his recent Spanish 'adventure'.
I'd heard that Dave H wouldn't be there this week. As it happened he did turn up but clearly not dressed for cycling. As expected the others turned to me. Had I got a ride? Fortunately, I had come prepared with a ride to Bangor-on-Dee. The Royal Oak is right next to the old bridge and river and a lovely spot on a sunny day. The wind was also a factor with a strong southerly wind in our faces on the way down but behind us for the return.
Six riders (Andy B, George, Mike D, Jim, Ray and myself) set off towards Guilden Sutton and turned right into School Lane. We crossed the A41 and over into Hoole Lane heading for Dee Lane and the river. We crossed the river by the 14th century Old Dee Bridge, passed through Eccleston before turning left onto the Rossett road. This can be quite a busy and fast road so I avoided some of it by turning down the Straight Mile, rejoining it in Pulford. We turned left just before reaching Rossett then took the country lanes to take us up to Hoseley Lane.
At Borras Head we went straight on and down to the new roundabout near Wrexham Industrial Estate. We crossed this and found our way onto the little lane that skirts round the edge of the estate. At the far side we got onto another new and busy road but quickly found the old road which would take us up to the traffic lights at Cross Lanes.
Lunch was beckoning and from the lights it’s not far down the A525 to the Royal Oak at Bangor-on-Dee. Despite the pub being virtually empty service was quite slow but when it came, the food was good. After lunch I thought we should have a group photo (we hadn't had one for some time) and what better backdrop than the old Dee bridge. However, we crossed the road to find the banks of the river piled high with debris, presumably washed down after the winter storms. It spoiled the view of the bridge somewhat but I managed to hide most of it behind the wall.
I had been right about the wind. We had battled all the way down into a head wind. Now as we left Bangor-on- Dee we could feel the wind coming in from the side. After passing through Worthenbury we turned north and now the wind was behind us. Our pace increased and we were soon passing through Shocklach to reach Farndon. Andy B left us here and the rest carried on towards Aldford. We passed through Saighton and Waverton before crossing the A51 to return to Meadow Lea, having completed 42 miles.
TC
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