24th April 2025: West Kirkby (mod)

 There was a good turnout at Ness. Jim, Dave Matthews and Andy Whitgreave had ridden out for coffee but would not be on the moderate ride. Andy has been as scarce as curlews on Thursdays until recently, but it has been great to be able to share banter with him again. I hope he can join us more often for the day. I have an untested theory that some of our coffee and home guys are hamstrung by their downsizing to one car, and their wives being unwilling to buy a Lambretta to putter down to M&S on a Thursday. Are they being Green or mean? Keith, Trevor, Big Ray, Mike Gilbert, Andy Barber, George and I were the laid-back rovers for the day. At best, I am a one and a bit trick-pony when it comes to offering a Wirral route. Where is Brian Mac when you need him? We agreed that we weren’t too keen on ferreting around the lorry-laden industrial areas around Birkenhead, so we headed up the sunny green centre of the Wirral instead. The route we took was through Burton, Oaks Farm, then passing just north-east of Willaston onto Benty Heath Lane. It was here that I was able to disorientate myself by not heading for Raby by the obvious route. I was glad to have a wealth of navigation expertise in the group, with Trevor and his new Garmin setting the gold standard, and Ray’s local knowledge also reassuring at Raby’s little grid of lanes. We carried on in a northerly direction through lovely Thornton Hough, navigated Brimstage and headed down from Storeton to Barnston and Pensby. Keith kindly retrieved my map as it flew off my handlebars on the way down. At Irby Hill the easy route to Tanskey’s café on the promenade is by dropping down to Caldy, but the vote was to carry on to Meols via Greasby. Ray was given the lead as this is his home territory. First we had to negotiate a tooth-rattling Heron Road which had been prepared for resurfacing, and then slip onto the main road for a couple of hundred yards before heading for the prom and then Hoylake. We became a bit broken up as Ray sped ahead; nevertheless, it was a revelation to find that Ray could be useful. I wonder could he write up our next Wirral ride?! The expansive sea view was a delight, although there was a helluva lot of sand to cross before you could paddle in the waters of Liverpool Bay.

Photos by MG

Despite Tanskey’s happily taking our booking, it was over an hour before we were served, by which time the sun had largely moved off us, so we headed inside from our covered, reserved table outside to warm up. It’s a good job that we all get on so well, which meant that conversation remained cheerful and interesting despite the long wait. We largely avoid any controversial politics, although Trump does provide a free hit. Keith has a grizzle about Kier Starmer from time to time, which is fair enough, but despite his relative youth I have warned Keith that he sounds increasingly like a grumpy old man. Mind you, we all know that grumpy old men are usually spot on in their judgement on a vast range of issues!   

It was a good job that we had a shortish, flat thrash to return to Ness via the largely sheltered Wirral Way. Trevor had to get out early when he returned home, and Keith also had to ride to Guilden Sutton where his car was parked.  Trevor went off ahead, and I stopped to fasten my helmet, and was chasing to catch up the rest of the group, resulting in me hitting the metal entrance to the Wirral Way; fortunately, no damage was incurred by man or machine.  The lads eased off to enable me to hook up and we were soon despatching Thurstaston, Gayton and Parkgate at a sustained lick, before surfacing for Neston and back to Ness. Apart from the lunch delay it had been a very enjoyable thirty-four miles or so, more for George and Mike, more still for Andy, and Trevor and Keith must have clocked close to sixty. Many thanks to the group for their company and support. I hope Trevor made his Swingers evening.

DH

See route map and/or gpx file download

24th April 2025: New Brighton (mod+)

 Another good turn out of CER members at Ness Gardens saw nine souls up for a ride out to New Brighton on a bright and sunny morning. I was a bit concerned that the usual crew of Clive, Steve Hu, Alan, Shane and myself had been joined by Elwyn, Fiona, Chris and Paul as the latter pair are capable of much higher average speeds than I can manage these days.

Nevertheless, we set off from the café, heading down to the path along the edge of the marsh to thread our way first through Little Neston and then Neston itself before wiggling through Lower Heswall and climbing gradually to cross Telegraph Road into Heswall itself. Who says there are no hills on The Wirral!

Photo by SHu standing in the middle of the road!

Then it was zooming downhill past the school to Irby where there’s another wiggle to avoid the one-way system before we reach the roundabout at Irby Hill where we swing left to head through Newton to pick up the path that runs next to the railway line and the station at Hoylake.

Reaching the seafront, Fiona asks if this is New Brighton, but I have to disappoint her as we’ve several miles to go before we get there. We run along the seafront until we reach Meols, where we turn inland, crossing the railway line just before a train arrives. Running along a road next to a housing estate, Clive, who is now leading, suddenly turns left along a footpath and I nearly take his rear wheel off as I follow him. This is a short cut that he’d spotted that last time he’d done this route which saved a longer run through the houses.

We’re soon out of the houses and running along Leasowe Road – straight into the wind which is now quite strong. Fortunately, I was able to hide behind Chris and we were soon on the seafront running into New Brighton. As usual, the Seaside Café offered their excellent fish and chips lunch which comes with a cup of tea and a slice of bread. At £9.50 it still represents great value for money, although only a couple of years back the cost was a mere £8.95.

Leaving we headed along the promenade, running past The Ferry pub at Egremont which has featured on the BBC tv series ‘This City is Ours’. We paused a couple of times to take photos  - Everton’s shiny new stadium at Bramley Dock and the Liverpool waterfront – as this was all new stuff to Elewyn and Fiona.

Everton's stadium just above Steve Hu's head!

Then we were soon wiggling our way past the Seacombe Ferry terminal, the ancient priory at Birkenhead and the industrial delights of Bromborough Pool. Approaching Eastham Country Park, Alan made slight contact with a gate which pulled his front mudguard and had him on the deck, fortunately without injury. After a few minutes sorting out the recalcitrant mudguard we were soon on our way through Eastham Village and Willaston, arriving back at Ness Gardens having covered 42 miles.

Congrats to Elwyn and Fiona who had ridden in from home, so they will have clocked 70 odd miles on the day. Trooper of the Day award goes to Clive who’d had a tooth extracted at 09.30, but had come out on the ride and hour later!

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

17th April 2025: Overton (mod)

 Thanks to Dave Matthews I was just about able to use my usual steed with some excellent replacement wheels supplied and fitted by himself at short notice. Whilst transporting my bike back from Oscroft on Wednesday evening my Berlingo started playing up, so I cancelled my pick up arrangement with Steve Tan for Thursday morning. However, after a further twilight test drive with no problems, I called at Steve’s home, and we decided to chance it. So, we turned up together at Holt after all, but I was even less prepared than normal regarding a route plan.

The staff at Maggie’s were very friendly and efficient as usual, which further reinforced my belief that we were correct in staying loyal to them, when Cleopatra’s2 eventually reopened.  George, Keith, Ray Big-Decibels, and Mold Andy agreed with my suggestion of The Two Doves at Overton. Andy was hopeful that the attractive waitress with the big personality, that we imagined could have been off “EastEnders”, would be at The Two Doves. We set off for Tilston with Jim and Dave Matthews joining us initially. It was good to see Jim, back from holiday and looking well. Dave was partly staying with us to ensure that his untried day- before work on my bike didn’t present any problems. We set out for Shocklach via Tilston before heading down the quiet lanes to Cuddington Green. At Threapwood we turned right over Sarn Bridge and cruised to Holly Bush. South of the A526 we were again on sunny, quiet lanes, and approached Overton by way of Cloy, with the last mile to lunch ridden on the road from Bangor-on-Dee. The guys had been patient with my map-checking stops here and there, and everything had been hunky-dory, but I hadn’t found any obvious loops after Holly Bush to give us a few more morning miles than the sixteen recorded. Much to Andy’s disappointment Miss West Ham c.1998 wasn’t on duty, but the regular staff were lovely with us as we have come to expect. The food was very good, but their appetizing full English breakfast was no longer available for lunch. I voiced my concern that they may be on that slippery slope, where they started to make changes that made it easier for themselves and less convenient for the customer. The ultimate result can be ‘Frodshamitis,’ when cafes won’t supply hot food a minute after 3p.m. even to loyal customers, W.H. Smith closes for lunch and ‘back in ten minutes’ stickers on shop doors are both rife and frustratingly inaccurate.

We headed back toward Bangor-on-Dee, but I felt we had to make a radical change to the obvious return routes or we would be too speedily back with a following wind, and with a measly number of miles under our belts. Heading east took us to Worthenbury and we then cut off at Threapwood to ride the more peaceful lane to Oldcastle Heath. Ken Page then appeared and joined us for a few miles as we discussed the proximity  of the Bourne family farm where they produce top prize-winning Cheshire cheese; they have been cheese makers since 1750 and use traditional ‘hands on’ techniques.  We exited Malpas by a new route bypassing the centre on a pleasant narrow lane which exits opposite the high school. Ebnal, Kidnal and Tilston  were soon reeled off and we still had time for cake and coffee as Alan and Steve Tan arrived on cue. They had managed forty-seven miles, an admirable jaunt considering Steve’s current condition; we had managed a more modest thirty-eight. The weather had been fine, the countryside had looked lovely and the company had been very enjoyable. My new wheels were smooth as silk, and the Berlingo never missed a beat. Another smashing Thursday.

DH

17th April 2025: Wrenbury (mod+)

 What a turn out today at Maggies. I counted 21 heads and may have missed a couple in the toilet or outside ogling at Ivan’s flashy new bit of kit- Lol.

Both Steve T and I had a Mod + route and being as I had ridden from home, his was too far for my sickly body. I was therefore resigned to a ‘Billy no mates’ ride, when Fiona and Elwyn suddenly changed their minds and decided to join me (obviously thought they would miss out if the didn’t join me -Lol)  And then, just as everybody was forming up, Shane jumped ship from Steve’s ride, when he heard my route would get him back home earlier, as he had a deadline.

So it was, that ‘the one’, became ‘the fab 4’- Lol, Lol.

 

We set off down to the Dee Bridge, with the fast boys close behind, which stayed that way for a good 10 miles. Clearly Ivan’s ebike is not so quick, but looks good though (They must have zigged when we zagged, as we never passed them & yet they passed us twice- Lol) 

 

We were now close to Chorley, heading for Ravensmore, on my enhanced route to Berries Cafe in Wrenbury.

Fiona was now having a go out front, up a small hill, as I was doing nothing on the uphill bits, due to me still carrying a bad chest. We were still tapping it along on the flat though, which meant we settled into a few miles of really steady pace until we turned south into a minor cross headwind, which saw Fiona on the front, calling for Elwyn’s help, after 30 seconds. However,  I encouraged her to get on with it, as the crosswind! was very light- Lol. A few seconds later Shaun took the lead for a mile or so, until they both shot past my next planned turn, fortunately they were close enough to hear my cry of “left”!

 

Now on the road to Ravensmore  I got back on the front ( just can’t trust them at the front- Lol). For the next mile or so we had some good banter with Fiona over what constituted a headwind and knowing the direction of it, after her stint on the front.  Meanwhile Elwyn was oblivious at the back, doing his thing, as he does- Lol.

It was only a couple of miles later when we pulled into Berries cafe (previously The Park Cafe)

The new owners have put their stamp on the place, which prompted me to ask why they had removed the roof from the rear decked area. It turns out that the previous owners took the roof and decking with them. This meant that the new owner had to install new decking and plans to do the roof at a later date.

Lunch was very good, especially the tomato red pepper soup. Prices were reasonable as well.

Lunch and chit chat over, I mapped out our return, which was again, not conventional, mainly due to Wrenbury Road from the Swan at Marbury, being atrocious these days and that’s after extensive pot hole repairs

.

It was a pretty flat return route  that quickly saw us  nearing Tilston, which meant Shane left us at Kidnal, as we turned left into Whitewood Lane. After a couple of more bends we turned left toward Shocklach and the expected tail wind dash into Farndon. However, I decided to try and sort out my gears that had plagued me for the whole ride. I couldn’t select any of my top 4 gears, yet all the others indexed perfectly. I must have stopped at least 5 times and made fine adjustments, to no avail,

which meant my dash became a cruise. Fiona and Elwyn carried on and simply abandoned me- Lol. 

They were waiting for me at the bottom of Wetreins Lane, where I said goodbye and left them to ride through to Holt and Lavister beyond.

 

I got home with 56 miles on the clock and an AS of 14.8 mph, which surprised me considering the easy pace, especially the Shocklach stretch, for me at least. Clearly the route suited the light south easterly wind.

 

Anyway, another great day out, good lunch stop and great company. We did however, notice the missing ‘Chuckle Brothers’, as it was such a peaceful ride, who knew all that bird song was out there- Lol.

 

Till next time folks

Neil.

 

PS: I found out later that Fiona had a personal best and her fastest ride this year.

See route map and/or gpx file download

17th April 2025: Loppington (mod+?)

 I had planned to follow a route down to The Dickin Arms at Loppington, last done with Alan and Steve Hu just over a year ago. At 47 miles it would extend me as I gradually recover some degree of cycling fitness after a long lay-off. Arriving at Maggies, the place was jam packed with CER members (Neil said he counted 21!), but as you will see from this and other reports, not all would be riding today.

Originally, my group was to be me, Alan, Steve Hu and Shane, but Steve arrived on his motorbike as he’d arranged emergency dental work to deal with a root canal problem. Shane was dog sitting and had to be back sharpish, but as I wasn’t sure how soon we’d be back as I couldn’t guarantee riding at a full ‘mod+’ rate, he chose to go with the mod+ group that Neil was leading to Wrenbury.

So, Alan and I set off in bright sunshinethrough Farndon and Tilston, where we caught sight of the briskers disappearing around a corner. We were riding into quite a strong south westerly wind and, as Alan pointed out, steadily uphill, which slowed our progress somewhat. Continuing through Threapwood and Fenn’s Bank we climbed gradually past Whixhall, arriving in Loppington about two hours after leaving Holt.

As usual the fare on offer was good with both of us choosing the lamb tagine which was delicious, although a little expensive – something we’ve noted in recent times. The food came quickly and we were ready for the return journey with 45 minutes of our arrival. We paused to take a photo of the wisteria which was in full bloom outside the pub before re-mounting our steeds.

The return route was via some lovely quiet lanes through English Frankton, Lyneal and Welshampton. There was so little traffic that it came as quite a surprise when two large 4x4s came around a corner. I think they were as surprised as we were to come across other road users.  As we arrived in Penley, my Wahoo computer was showing the chequered flag, indicating that we’d reached the end of the journey! It looks like the full route had not been downloaded, but fortunately Alan had also downloaded the full route onto his computer, so we were able to use that to continue.

We were soon through Worthenbury and Shocklach, arriving back in Holt to find Dave H, Keith and Andy B in Maggies, where we joined them, having covered 47 miles at an average speed of 13 mph – somewhat below a ‘mod+’ pace, but, for me, a step towards improved fitness. Thanks to Alan for his company and patience with my slow pace.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download 

 

17th April 2025 : Poole (brisk)

Ivan was keen to get out on his new steed today but wanted to limit the overall mileage to about 60 miles. I obliged by crafting a ride from GS to Holt and thence to Poole for lunch. Where's Poole you say? – this one's not near Bournemouth but is on the Nantwich to Wettenhall road.

We set off from GS at a pace meeting Dave M on the smoothly resurfaced Bruera to Aldford road. At Maggies there were a few riders there already and many more to arrive. The Brisk group today would be small as Ken was only out for coffee with Ray S only out until 1200 and Shane had similar restrictions. So it was just Nick that accompanied Ivan and I to the Milking Parlour cafe in Poole. Ray came with us for a few miles but turned for home in Stretton.

We set off following the Wind Whisperers group out to Shocklach. At the top of Wetreins Lane, we somewhat unexpectedly turned left through Stretton and onto its mill at the back of Carden Park on a circular diversion to Tilston. Here we espy Alan and Steve T deciding which way to go for their ride. We now take the slowly rising Grange Lane for 3 miles where we meet Neil's group again at the A41 crossing. They are off Wrenbury way as we were. We push ahead but rest at Hamptons Post Office where the Whisperers pass us pedalling towards Cholmondeley Castle where we catch them up and press on to Wrenbury by crossing the A49 as they shortly will as well.

Passing through Wrenbury, we veer off to Sound thence to Ravensmoor rather than taking the direct Nantwich Road. A left off Marsh Lane takes us down Tally Ho Lane which although now spot repaired, is a bumpy challenge at speed. At the A51 lights, we take the Nantwich bypass road until the canal bridge and dive down along Poole Hill Lane alongside the canal itself. 

Soon we are on our least favourite north-south road from Nantwich to Winsford aka Wettenhall Road 'enjoying” its specially designed potholes and strafed surface. At Poole itself we find the Milking Parlour cafe in the small roadside development of Gates Farm Enterprise Park which also includes Cheshire Cycles and Imagination Lane – a children's play emporium. 

We are the only punters in the cafe at this early hour of 1215 so the food comes quickly and is of good quality and a fair price. We are soon replete and out in the sunshine again taking Stoke Hall Lane to Barbridge. A shoot up the A51 for a mile allows us to access Calveley Hall Lane to bypass a lot more of the A51 until we get to Alpraham. 

We slide around the back of Bunbury heading for Beeston Castle. Here Nick heads for Tattenhall and home whereas Ivan and I dive down passing the Shady pub heading for GS via Waverton.

We arrive back in GS having completed 57 miles at 16.8mph! How is that possible? – well it wasn't very windy, the roads were dry, the traffic was light and Nick and I were chasing Ivan up every incline as he engaged "leg-assist" on his new Cervelo road bike i.e. just a bit of light motor assist. 

Nick and I were quietly jealous of the "leg-assist" today as we both hit 65+ miles once we got home with somewhat tired legs. So once again we manage to ride little-ridden lanes to new cafes all in a familiar area either side of the Holt to Nantwich A534.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

10th April 2025: Overwater Marina (mod)

 I arrived later than intended, like Lando Norris in Bahrain. Lando had a struggling George Russell frustrating him, I had the usual doddery Honda Jazz drivers meandering between Frodsham and Kingsley at Welsh urban driving speeds. Some of those drivers were even older than me! Throw in a grid sucking tanker, and a girl leading three horses slowly up the narrow lane towards Utkinton, and my committed fast drive was largely sabotaged. It was poignant to see Steve Hayward and Steve Tan, guys who would always ride in all weathers if not on holiday, being unable to do so today; more about that elsewhere.

My suggested destination of Overwater Marina near Audlem was accepted by Dad’s Army: Big Ray, Dave Matthews, George, Keith and me. Our route out was via Cotebrook, Eaton and Wettenhall.  It was so dry and sunny that we were able to use the paths through the park and along the scenic bank of the River Weaver to avoid traffic at Nantwich. After just a couple of hundred yards south on the A530 we turned onto the back road toward Bridge80 cafe based at Overwater Marina on the side of the Shropshire Union Canal .  It was delightful to sit in the sun in these surroundings downing a “Full English”, and so Chester Easy Riders.

'Full English'

Our return was past the moated Hall o’Coole, through Sound, and straight north beyond Ravensmoor. Dave Matthews was in good form having been cycling nearly every day recently and Ray was straining at the leash. Keith and George were being patient as I was probably even slower than normal. A challenging foray in The Lake District on Tuesday with Keith, and my knackered hip, were taking their toll. (The reprise of one of my Special Rides had been worth it: taking in Grange-Over-Sands, Rusland Woods, Hawkshead, Coniston Lake and the Kent estuary in glorious weather). The glorious weather was still with us as we crossed the A534 at Paddiley, and aimed for Tilly’s at Bunbury. Our Tilly’s sojourn was very enjoyable, but there was still some climbing ahead on our last leg: around Beeston Castle, up from “The Shady”, through Birch Heath and up from Tarporley before the last steep bank to reach Rose Farm. About forty miles covered in ideal cycling weather on scenic Cheshire lanes in the usual agreeable company.

DH  

10th April: Waverton (mod+)

 What a glorious day for our meeting at Rose Farm, where roughly a dozen of us pitched up and that included Steve T and Steve Hayward in their civies.

Steve T had got his appointments mixed up and Steve Hayward, unfortunately, announced that his cycling days were over, due to his doctors orders. This all meant that there were 3 riding with me and the rest with DH. Nick was the only fast rider on the day who therefore decided to join Allan, Steve Hu and yours truly.

 

I had a route that took full advantage of the Sandstone ridge (now there’s a surprise- Lol) which also included a couple of obscure lanes that I hoped would interest the group. We set off south and up the horrible little climb, heading toward Tarporley, however, we soon turned left up the little shortcut across the A49 and quickly descend to Eaton. I had already warned Nick that it would be a slow Mod + ride, due to my recovery from a bad chest cold. I was currently finding it tough uphill, without coughing my lungs up.

 

Anyway this meant I tried to push on when descending and followed their back wheels going up - Lol.

It was only a few miles up the road when I turned left near the main entrance to Oulton Park, for my first, less familiar routing through Little Budworth Country Park. After half a mile we turned right into Beech Road for a meander that took us near the back entrance to The Hollies cafe, which is a favourite of mine and I point out to the group, as I assumed they wouldn’t know this route in. Surprisingly, nobody even knew of The Hollies, let alone this way in through the car park exit.

 

Nick was the first to realise where my deviation had lead us to, which was the more usual route of Clay Lane, as we were heading for the Station House cafe in order to get on the Whitegate Way (WGW) 

This lead Nick to mention that he was at that cafe only a few days earlier. We didn’t stop of course, although almost, as we slip down the side of the cafe as the easiest way on to the WGW. After so much dry weather the WGW was so firm and smooth that we made excellent progress, hardly seemed like 4 miles before we were off it and bunny hopping the speed bumps on Waste Lane.

We turned left for the first of our more serious climbs, that took us back to the top of the ridge, all be it a little slower for me- Lol. This allowed the Chuckle Brothers to show their prowess and pull away, but not that far- Lol. I sensed Nick was just tagging along, taking it easy, after he sat on my wheel for a few yards and then clearly found it so slow he had to chase them down - Lol.

I catch up and we regroup, before doing a left right chink into one of my all time favourite lanes, although more so in the other direction. This was another lane that Nick was unfamiliar with, which prompted me to enlighten him as to our whereabouts, as we descend into the back of Norley. Steve had remembered the lane, from previous rides, usually from Delamere Forest.

That said, only a mile or so later, we get a shift on through said forest, on Ashton Road, which seems to get longer every time I ride it- Lol. We turned left at the junction, up a familiar short kicker into my last surprise lane. This, yet again, had Nick pondering where he was, to the point that he remarked, as we descended the 1 mile long Grange Road, that he was going to get the map out when he got home- Lol. Once at the bottom, even Alan knew where we were, I think- Lol.

We turned left into a little climb before descending to a familiar left turn at Ashton Hayes, where I remarked to everybody that the rest of the route will be a lot more familiar to everybody, as we headed up toward the crossing of the A54. A not so quick stop from me, saw Steve turn back, just as I came into his sight ( he was worried about me, bless him- Lol). Soon after regrouping we turned right at the traffic lights and swing around the south of Kelsall and now have roughly 4 miles to Walk Mill. We pass Weetwood brewery, which lead me to think my cold was worse than I thought, because I couldn’t smell the usual yeasty air, but Steve also couldn’t smell anything, just as Al or Nick remarked “what Brewery”- Lol.

I decide to put in a little effort and see how long my lungs would last, which was only about half a mile before I was gasping between coughs. That bit of madness over, we settle into a steady last few miles into Walk Mill. Steve did his customary passing manoeuvre, just before we reach the cafe, in his bid to get first in the cafe queue. This prompted me to leap on his wheel and undercut him, just as we turn into Walk Mill driveway, but embarrassingly for me, I then turn into the farm entrance, only yards before and give him back the lead- Lol, Lol.

 

We chose to sit outside and put our metaphorical towels (helmets etc) on the deck chairs / benches, which Nick did not comprehend and clearly has no German gene in his blood, as he took my seat- Lol.

The gorgeous sun persuaded some of us to strip off our top layer and soak up the sun, while all throwing our two penny-worth into the initial conversation about Mr Trump- Lol.  Fortunately we moved on to more interesting conversation, but the strange thing is, I can only remember the Trump abuse - Lol.

We got going again and I lead the posse  through to Hargrave and on to Huxley, ignoring the road closure sign, as I knew it was for a big hole in the road that the council seemed to have abandoned a week ago, but left the road closure in place, as they often do. Sure enough the same hole and pile of dirt was where I saw it last week- Lol.

Just a mile or so later we arrive in Brassey Green and I say goodbye to the guys, as they turned left up to Tarporley. Fortunately, for the Chuckle brothers, Nick was still with them, so I didn’t need to draw them a map to take them the last 2 miles to Rose Farm- Lol, Lol.

 

I turned right down to the ‘Shady’ for my return to Tattenhall, via what I think is the nicest 5 mile stretch, anywhere in the county and not just because of the scenery, but the quality of the lanes as well.

Starting with my favourite little slope up to Beeston Castle.

I got home with 52 miles on the clock and a bit of a sun tan to boot.

 

What a cracking day, with great company and even better lanes- Lol.

 

PS : Thanks Nick, for baby sitting the Chuckle Brothers back to Rose Farm- Lol.

 

Till next time gents.

Neil.

3rd April 2025 : Overton (brisk)

I met Ivan at the Blacon Old Station on the Greenway for the ride via Ferry bridge and Aerospace to The Gladstone Library cafe where there were a few EasyRiders already by the time we arrived. Slowly more arrived and welcomed Ivan back into the fold after his Spanish "adventures". Next time we see him on a bike, it may well be an electrifying experience!

I’d cobbled together a ride taking the easterly wind direction into account as fairly strong winds were forecasted for late in the day. I also didn’t fancy a lot of hills as I hadn’t been in the saddle for two weeks or more. With this type of wind-slipping route in mind,  I’d dressed for the part today with a multi-coloured snood thus emulating the Wind Whisperer - Lol, lol !

So Nick, Ray S and Chris followed me out of the Gladstone café and down the A550 road towards Wrexham. The Mods were just turning left off this road to take the rough uphill track to access the A55 footbridge. This is where we also wanted to go but I decided to stay on the main road and then, at the A55 roundabout, cut back up onto this tired old lane to “overtake” the Mods - and this we did as they were arriving at the bike gate, we were through it and on towards the footbridge.

Onwards and upwards we take Lower Mountain Road in glorious, if a bit chilly, sunshine to the Kinnerton Road where a left and right takes us down Sandy Lane - the surface here is really bad so it’ll live up to its name in time. We peel off right down Shordley Lane into the countryside taking a right and crossing Greenford Road then diving down into Caergwrle. 

Heading towards Wrexham, we peel off left and up the hill and turn into the ominously named Blast Lane. This is an excellent example of the state of our country lanes so we travel sedately before diving down Bradley Lane to Barrett’s Hill - a short but sharp uptick into the back of Gwersyllt. Running parallel to Mold Road, we access the back side of Wrexham arriving alongside the football ground for a swift transfer down and out via the hospital grounds.

Following  the old railway track cycle way, it's a shimmy route to arrive at the Wrexham Road running southwest to turn off left towards Erddig to cycle right through the grounds and out into the poor quality lanes towards Cock Bank and the A528 Overton Road.

Chris decides to take the lead here as we motor down to Overton Bridge for the slog up and into Overton passing one of the Seven Wonders of Wales to arrive after 23 miles at The Two Doves cafe at 1230. The rear gates are unlocked and the bikes are parked out back as our table is found “ Reserved” inside.  Always best to phone ahead here as the cafe is often quite full with “Ladies that Lunch”  and “ Laptops on the table and a single coffee all morning” workers. 

Bangor Bridge stop

After the usual lunch banter we head out into full sunshine 1330. The route out has been largely a straight line due south to ride 90 degrees to the wind. However the route back is via Bangor on Dee, the tiny lanes next to the Dee and Holt. So there is a bit of an angle in it to negate the easterly wind. Nick does a sterling job on Rossett Road pulling us along at 20 mph until he turns off to ride back and uphill to his car in Hawarden with 46 miles ridden. 

We three head for Chester via Dodleston and Lache Lane with 55 plus miles ridden at 15 mph average. The sun is still shining on my bare knees today for the first time this year. So thanks to the peloton for being dragged down so many badly surfaced lanes but it was rewarding riding the byways on such a beautiful Spring day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

3rd April 2025: Holt (mod)

 Another sunny day in prospect and another low turnout. Slightly better this week though with 10 members turning up for coffee. It was nice to see Ivan out again but understandably he was only out for the coffee and intended to cycle straight home. That left four for the brisk ride and five for the moderate, the latter being Andy B, Keith, Mike D, Steve T and me. I had come prepared with a couple of rides which would take us up into the Welsh hills but Steve was still trying to get his legs working following a winter when he wasn't able to get out much. I therefore offered to lead a ride which would take us down onto fairly level terrain with the aim of having lunch at Maggie's in Holt. I didn't have a route prepared but we would be on roads that I was very familiar with.

We set off down the Wrexham Road before turning for the climb up to Bilberry Wood and the footbridge across the A55. Then we followed Lower Mountain Road turning right towards Shordley. I would normally turn down towards Burton Green just after Shordley but we would be returning that way later in the day so we continued on the high road to Croes Howell. We crossed the main road here to pass the quarries then turned left to drop down to and then over the A483. Immediately we turned left into Marford Wood which was resplendent in the sunshine with its carpet of Wood Anemones and Celandine.

We were heading up towards Hoseley Bank now where I had intended to turn towards Holt and our lunch stop. However when we arrived there it wasn't yet noon and we hadn't covered nearly enough miles to justify lunch so a loop was required. A trip around Clays Golf Centre was the answer so we carried on down Borras Hall Lane, round the golf centre and narrowly avoided Wrexham Industrial Estate before heading towards Holt via Francis Lane. Still too early and still too few miles so I added a second loop down to Ridleywood. Satisfied now that we had earned our lunch (Actually I was hearing a few grumbles from behind me and didn't want to get lynched) I led my followers into Holt and to Maggie's.

It was warm and sunny and for the first time this year we were able to sit outside for our lunch. The service was incredibly fast. I was the fourth to place my order and I had hardly sat down before the first of our meals was arriving. I made the mistake of ordering a cold meal and ended up being served last (but still quickly). I'll know better next time.

After lunch we cycled up towards Rossett, making good time with the wind behind us. We made similarly good progress as we turned up to Burton Green and then on to Kinnerton. There it came to an abrupt end as we turned into the wind, making slower progress as we rode on to Bretton. Andy bade us farewell soon after but as we turned into Saltney Ferry Road we came across Chris, returning home after his trip out with the brisk group.

I wasn't intending to return to Hawarden myself having done the climb up there that morning. As it turned out Keith and Mike had also ridden out so we left Steve to complete the ride on his own. He would have returned to Hawarden via Rake Lane having ridden 36 miles.

TC

See route map and/or gpx file download