29th May 2025: Overwater Marina (mod+)

 It was warm with a blustery SW wind when we gathered at Rose Farm, so it was no surprise that Neil was not there. If there’s one thing that the ‘wind whisperer’ hates, it’s….wind! Lol! Also absent was Steve Hu, who was on grandpa duties, so a quiet ride would be guaranteed (ha,ha!).

I hadn’t expected to lead today, but as we sorted ourselves out into groups of similar ‘talent’, a mod+ team of Alan, Kevin and myself dropped out. Fortunately, I had put a route down to Overwater (Audlem) Marina onto my phone, so was able to load it up onto my Wahoo.

Turning left out of the car park, we ran down the hill and turned right into Wood Lane, which has to be one of the roughest lanes in Cheshire. We soon crossed the A51 at Clotton and whizzed along Corkscrew Lane, heading  for Huxley  and  Brassey Green, before dropping down the hill past The Shady pub and across the canal. Then came the long drag up to Beeston Castle, from where we took Moss Lane to cross the A49 and run into Bunbury.

Pushing on south into increasingly strong gusts of wind, we crossed the A534 at Brindley and swept on through Larden Green and Chorley, heading for Wrenbury. From there, we swung eastwards through Sound and soon arrived at The Café at Bridge 80, our lunch-stop. The café was busy and we were warned of a 20-minute wait for food, but quiches and ‘full breakfast’ soon arrived.

Before setting off back, Alan set about adjusting the limit stops on the front mech of Kevin’s bike.  He’d had problems changing onto the small chain ring and couldn’t get onto the big ring at all.

Adjusting

To Kevin’s delight, the adjustments were made so that all three chain rings could be used, so we set off back long Cool Lane now with the wind (mostly) behind us. On reaching Nantwich, we avoided the town centre by going through the lakeside park to cross the River Weaver, emerging through the houses on the north side, where we crossed the A51 and ran past Rease Heath College.

Crossing the Shropshire Union Canal (again) at the Venetian Marina, we continued north to Cholmondelston and Wettenhall. Now we swung westwards, into the wind to climb the long hill through Eaton to arrive at the summit on Tarporley Road, near the Portal Golf Club.

From here we ran down Heath Green to cross the A49 and join Utkinton Road, from where it was a short run back to Rose Farm.

44 miles covered on a warm, sunny, but blustery day. Thanks to Alan and Kevin for their company and encouragement on a day I struggled (again) on the hills.

ST

See route map an/or gpx file download

29th May 2025 : Northwich (brisk)

The weather forecast was favourable but with high winds from the south west. Ivan had offered a route which exploited the wind on the way out but we would have to fight it on the way back! So it was to the metropolis of Northwich that three of us were headed for today.

Ivan, Nick and I set off down the hill avoiding the already deteriorating, yet recently re-surfaced road surface, bound for Little Budworth. At the crossroads before Cinders Hill near Whitegate, Nick peels off in a loop back to Tilston as domestic duties call. Ivan and I head north through Sandiway to Weaverham and onto to Little Leigh, thence Comberbach, Great Budworth and Pickmere. 

We turn into the wind now at Wincham village and hence southwest through the Business Park to slide into the back of Northwich heading for the Spoons pub “ The Penny Black” arriving at around 1200. As ever the pub is busy, but there is a good choice of beers on hand and half the price of anywhere else, and a wide range of food to choose from.

The way back is riding via Chester Road out of Northwich to Hartford and into the strengthening wind. We head for Whitegate and the climb up to the crossroads where Nick left us for home earlier in the day. We turn left to ride through Winsford to Glebe Green turning due west.  Ivan provides some relief for me riding in his wake as the wind is across us and quite gusty as we head for Eaton. The route back is around Tarporley at 40 miles all told. 

I suggest we should ride via Tarporley High Street and down the A49 back to Duddon and then slide off to Waverton and Chester environs. Getting back home at 1500, I find I have cycled nearly 70 miles and just at under 16mph, and Ivan just a little less mileage but a higher average speed (as he had to wait for me on the hills!). Not the most prettiest of rides today, but dry under the tyres and worth the effort of the 14 mile ride out (and back) to Rose Farm.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

22nd May 2025: Caerwys

 What a shock ! not only to see Mike Gilbert on an aluminium bicycle that was A not steel and B not 35plus years old! But more importantly we seemed to subject to a form of wetness originating in the sky , we later discovered this phenomenon was called rain that we have not seen in Gogledd Cymru for over eight weeks.

Thus a damp start heralded the brave riders venturing into the hills for our Welsh leg of the CER rota. Trevor fresh from his coast to coast was joined by Keith who had been training in gale force winds with Mike G on Anglesey last week and myself back from Dave M’s 80 mile Bob Clift charity ride.

 We were greeted by the waitress at 09:45 to be advised the coffee machine was “cleaning itself” but normal service would resume when they opened at 10am. Unfortunately they must have the cleanest machine in the dwyrain as it was still enjoying its spa at 10:15. Joyfully at 10:20 our coffee’s arrived.

The mod+ group consisted of young Chris Alan Kevin and yours truly. Steve T was leading the mod group with a ride to Overton. Caerwys is always a hilly route and I had attempted to flatten this out by routing through Mold and Gwernaffield. whilst this section of the route was pleasant and undulating the laws of physics and topography prevailed as we rose out of Rhydymwyn heading for Lixwm. Another series of tough climbs and descents to Ysceifiog saw young Chris a hundred yards up the road riding in his big ring whilst we twiddled away in granny gears commensurate with three ( with Kevin just two weeks ago) grandad’s.

The corner cafe at Caerwys were excellent as usual providing a brunch and “panad o de” for under £9. On leaving the cafe a stinging vote of no confidence in the tour guide led to Alan taking over the reins of the return journey. He was voted in with a manifesto to remove as many hills from the route as possible and in fairness succeeded. A high level route taking in Babell Pentre Halkyn and Rhosesmor soon had us dropping down to Northop. This is the preferred route for our outbound route normally. 

In Northop our trusted guide Alan departed for Flint and the baton was returned to the shaky grip of yours truly. Cognisant of the fact there were no more hills twixt Northop and Hawarden I happily led the team home, only stopping briefly to check if Chris wished to use the A55 for one section to Dobshill, as it was more in keeping with his speed and abilities LOL.

A pleasant ride with all the mods+ riding to the start venue ,so an estimate of the core route would be 39 miles with 2800 feet of climbing, not the flatter route planned.

Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

22nd May 2025: Bangor-on-Dee

This was a day when patience was needed. We had gathered at The Gladstone Library and had ordered coffees when the waitress came to tell us that they were still cleaning the machine. So, she took any remaining orders and disappeared. A while later, she came back and told us that the machine was broken and offered us filter coffees. Almost immediately, she came back to say that the machine was now working and we could have the coffees we had ordered originally. But they came in dribs and drabs as did the toasted teacakes some had ordered.

So, it was well after 10.30 by the time we got outside to the bikes to start the rides. This was only my fourth ride of the year since January, so I’d decided to go with the ‘mods’ today. My plan was to go down to The Two Doves café in Overton, a ride I’d done about a year ago. My ‘mod’ compatriots were Dave H, Keith, Ray B, Mike G and Trevor.

We set off down the hill past the castle car park and then up the steep road/track at the side of Bilberry Wood to reach the footbridge over the A55. Going down the hill I was immediately struck by how cold it was. The sky was overcast and there was a strong north-easterly wind.

Having climbed some more along Old Hope Road to cross the Mold road near Penymynydd, we were soon flying down Lower Mountain Road, crossing Kinnerton Road and into Golly and Burton. Here we crossed the railway line on the outskirts of Rossett. The wind chill had made me so cold that I stopped to put on me waterproof in an effort to keep warm.

We climbed part of the way up Marford Hill before peeling off down Hoseley Lane which took us to the roundabout on the A534 at Llan-y-pwll. After that, we followed more quiet lanes which skirt around Wrexham Industrial Estate and popped us out near Pentre Maelor. From here we threaded our way to Cross Lanes to pick up the A525 from where it was only a short run down to Bangor-on-Dee.

By this time, because of being cold, I’d decided to forego the delights of The Two Doves and persuaded the peleton to stop for lunch at The Royal Oak instead of going on to Overton. Once again, our orders were swiftly taken, but the meals took ages to appear. This gave us plenty of time to swap stories about our travels. The best one was told by Mike about a time that he and his wife were staying in Sunny Beach in Bulgaria. The decided to go by train to Plovdiv for the day. When it came time to go back, they found that there were no trains that evening! The lady at the railway station was able to find overnight accommodation for them…in an army barracks in Burgas!

Photo MG

Having taken a group photo outside the pub, we set off back.  By this time, the sun had come out and we were feeling a little warmer. The route took us through Bangor so that we could get back onto the A525 without going the ‘wrong way’ over the old bridge. We were soon off the main road and on to Creamery Road and then on to the tiny roads which run roughly parallel to Holt Roa. These have very little traffic on them and in the winter they are often get flooded or are very muddy. Today they were dry and dusty and completely free of traffic of any kind. At the end of the lanes it was warm enough for me to take off my waterproof.

Emerging from the lanes, we crossed the A534 and headed into Holt. At this point, Trevor left us to get some extra miles in before heading home. Leaving Holt along Borras Road and then up the B5102 towards Lavister, we pressed on through Dodleston and Lower Kinnerton to Higher Kinnerton.

That just left the last four miles for us to get back to Hawarden, but what a tough four miles it is. Although not very steep, a long climb is the last thing you need when you’re tired at the end of a ride. Having got to the top, the bonus is the plunge down Tinkersdale from the Dobshill roundabout.

40 miles covered on a day which started out cold, but wound up being pleasantly warm.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

18th May 2025 : Bob Clift Memorial Rides 50mls and 80mls

Created by Bob Clift, the 150 mile Cheshire Cycleway was originally established in 1986.  This event celebrates  Bob's memory, with two shorter rides better suited to current town and road conditions. One is 80 mls and the other 50 mls. It was organised by Chester & N Wales CTC.

Today, Steve Hu, Shane and Clive were part of 26 riders who rode the 80 miler out to Congleton from Duddon. Weather conditions were ideal and we completed the 80 mls a little over  5hours at 15 mph average speed. 

Fiona and Elwyn rode the 50 mile version where 42 riders set off from Duddon as well albeit starting an hour later than the 80 milers.

Apologies for not mentioning you if other members rode today!

50 mile route 

80 mile route

CA

15th May 2025: Delamere (mod)

 With Dave H., Trevor C., Jim D., and others otherwise engaged, I arranged with George to start a ride from Hooton Station 09:30 am to Delamere and back. The route came from Komoot (reference: Wirral Cycling Group), who normally ride on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Both George and I found the ride interesting, with many of the roads being car-free. However, on the way back, my new Garmin sent George and me a different way, and we ended up on a carriageway for about 100 yards. This was a bit of a challenge, and George kindly offered the use of his map—sorry, George! Fortunately, we survived with no issues.

The ride did include a few steep hills, but for the most part, it was flat (see map). Near Delamere, we met young Chris, who had missed the fast ride (not sure if Chris overslept?). We all had lunch at the Delamere café. George initially opted for a vegan choice but changed his mind when I mentioned that beans on toast were his favourite.

The ride back was a bit more challenging, with some hills near Helsby. However, we both enjoyed exploring the new area, which George calculated to be 45 miles in total.

Ray B

See route map and/or gpx file download

15th May 2025 : Runcorn (brisk)

It was going to be another very sunny day as I set off for the 14 mile ride out to Delamere Station cafe. I decided to ride into the Delamere parkland via the Yeld and the 2 mile forest track in preference to riding through the forest to Hatchmere crossroads. As I was ordering coffee Ivan arrived so we sat outside in the sunshine.

Very soon Dave M arrived along with Mike D. Both Ivan and I had overtaken Mike along the way into Delamere and not fully realised it. Apologies Mike! As we waited for more Easy Riders to arrive, Ivan recounted his near-death experience in Spain and how the NHS is now closely looking after him upon his return. Dave M and Ivan then compared their cardiac monitoring hardware and the scars that they now have where the kit was inserted into their chest walls!

Standard departure time of 1030 came and went, and it became clear that no other riders were going to arrive today.  Dave mentioned riding to Whitegate, maybe with Mike, as Ivan and I saddled up bound for Runcorn the long way round. I'd planned this route a while ago as I wanted to ride around Runcorn as close to the water as possible and this we did.

It was a classic route out to the edge of Northwich with the mega-surprise that part of the road up to Hatchmere crossroads was now baby's bottom smooth! Not so the rest of the Bag Lane or Hodge Lane. Just at the traffic lights at the bridge over the West Coast Line, I noticed that Ivans's rear tubeless tyre had sprung a leak and his dark bike frame was speckled with white tyre sealant. The puncture was found and judged to be self-sealed so we motored on via Winnington and Anderton to Combermere. Skirting Great Budworth we now head towards High Legh.

The next three miles was ideal cycling down lanes anew as we head through the countryside towards Sworton Heath to access Swineyard Lane. It's now a fast burn to Appleton Thorn on smooth roads which was just as well as more white spots appeared on the back stays of Ivans' bike i.e. the tyre hasn't remained sealed. Running parallel with M56, we enter Daresbury village to cross the A56 Chester road. There are mega-road works here all due to the enormous area of house building known as “Daresbury Garden Village”. Crossing the roadworks, narrow Delph lane runs downhill into the back of the Sandymoor edge of Runcorn. 

I had now plotted a course to keep as close to the Manchester Ship canal as possible as we access cycle lanes and poorly surfaced roads into the Astmoor Industrial area. Ivan snaps the old Runcorn Bridge from The Decks area where there were several old locks enumerated from Lock 3-8. We arrive at the Spoons “Ferry Boat” pub with punters spilling out onto the pavement in continental fashion. A pint of refreshing lager (one with and one without ethanol) slakes our thirsts after 30 miles from Delamere. 

To prove we went!

Time to go, as we now hug the shoreline sliding under the road and rail bridges way above our heads. Riding up to Higher Runcorn is a cinch for Ivan these days but not so for me! We pass Beacon Hill and slide around Weston picking up the cycleways to get us down to  the Sutton Weaver swing bridge. As I didn't fancy the two inclines into Frodsham, we hang a right over the river and take the NCR5 to pop out by the Bear's Paw pub. The Thursday market is still just alive with a plethora of white vans as we eschew the route back to Delamere and motor on back to Chester. 

The route back to Delamere is straight forwards at about 7 miles but it's preceded by a two mile slog towards Kingsley. All round the route would be 44 mls. Ivan and I had either 60 or 65 miles on the clock. It was remarkable that his rear tyre had kept sealed (and re-sealed itself) and it didn't affect his riding speed at all!

So a truly enjoyable day's ride with no hiccups. I knew that most of the Brisk group were otherwise engaged today but we were all somewhat surprised that other regulars were absent on such a fine cycling day

PS: As I took a shower at home, I noticed white spots on my legs and arms - Ivan's tyre sealant!

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

8th May 2025 : Loppington (mod)

It was a strange set-up for the Mods as we sorted out our arrangements over coffee in Chirk. Mutt and Jeff (Dave Matthews and Andy Whitgreave) were cycling back towards Chester, and Trevor and Mike Gilbert were undertaking separate, very hilly, training rides. Although Trevor and Mike made it clear that we were welcome to join either of them, Keith and I planned to ride in the opposite direction to The Dickin Arms, at Loppington. Our route soon saw us on the quiet lanes past Henlle Hall and Hindford before the so-easy riders’ scenic swoop down from Welsh Frankton to Lower Frankton. One of the two canal bridges to be crossed at Lower Frankton is ludicrously steep, and if not approached at a reasonable pace and in an appropriate gear could result in disaster. At Lower Hordley we turned off the main drag and headed up to Kendrick Park before crossing the A528 at Cockshutt on the A528 and drifting into Loppington via English Frankton.

The ‘mod plus’ group had just arrived for lunch before us on their slightly longer route. It was great to catch up with them and have an interesting conversation about current affairs. Keith was “havin’ a larf” with the pub staff who appeared as practised as Peter Mandelson in displaying amusement in the face of a nutter. The food, ambience and service at the Dickin Arms was “a cut above” as usual. I ordered an extra tea and began to think of ordering a taxi back to Chirk, but we eventually started our return on the narrow, well-surfaced lush lane to Lyneal. It was great to be in deep, green countryside in this weather, and with two old muckers together we had no demands regarding pace or finding the best route back. Colemere, White Mere, Lee, Tetchill and Welsh Frankton marked our progress. At the back of Welsh Frankton we briefly rode east to Perthy before crossing the old railway at Crickett. 

The return route had a number of steepish climbs but St.Martin’s was duly reached before the bit of a drag to the worryingly fierce A483 roundabout. The roundabout is like a neighbourhood Rottweiller which always growls menacingly as you pass its house, but has never actually got through the fence and ripped you apart; but you are aware it could happen. Keith went onto the roundabout when there was a gap, only to be loudly honked at by a car tearing around from the Chirk direction heading south. I remember us once before being nearly taken out by a car as we exited this roundabout, and I expected a punch-up to follow! Anyway, Keith sped up for the last couple of kilometres to Castle Bistro, and surprisingly, I wasn’t too far behind. 

The woman serving us in the morning had a face like thunder for some reason, but the young woman who greeted us on our return was very pleasant, so received a decent tip. We were too late to get back to Runcorn handily, so we indulged in coffee and cake in the sun at the rear of the bistro. Trevor sent a photo of his arrival at the impressive Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. The much-missed Mike Morley led a long special ride to this waterfall from Manley Mere some years ago, and it was Trevor’s first ride with the club. We wish Trevor “all the best” for his upcoming coast-to- coast ride. Many thanks to Keith for his good -humoured support on our ride. A modest thirty-seven or so miles covered, but a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

DH

8th May 2025 : Loppington (mod +)

To think only seven days ago we were basking in twenty seven deg C temperatures at the beginning of May. One week later and it felt like autumn, a full twenty degree change to nine deg C.

Only one brisker today, so Nick joined Alan, Kevin and myself to form a small group. I last rode this route in Nov 2021. I believe its either a Clive route (as there is plenty of grass growing in the centre of the lanes) or a Steve T.

The mods were displaying a fragmented approach with at least four different groups leaving the Castle Bistro. Our route avoided the plunge down Castle Hill by turning right towards Brongarth. We passed Trevor who was embarking on a challenging ride to Pistyll Rhaeader. This lane meanders towards Weston Rhyn before bearing right towards Hengoed. 

The lanes in Shropshire are synonymous with the spirit of CER, quiet (apart from two huge tractors), and safe (apart from the girl racer that tried to run Nick over!) . Gobowen was soon passed on our left as the road continued to Whittington. It was at this point that most of us realised where we were! A little headwind appeared here, so we were very lucky the wind whisperer wasn’t riding with us today otherwise he would have turned around and headed home - LOL. 

Soon the village of Loppington appeared and the Dickin Arms welcomed us to a well-earned lunch. No sooner than having ordered than Keith & Dave H appeared, so a very pleasant lunch ensued with Trumpy providing no end of conversation as usual. 

As we bade farewell the mods, we headed north and circled White Mere, I incorrectly advised the group we were by Ellesmere! These lanes were sublime, quite scenic and thankfully dusty, not the mud-strewn condition Chirk rides often afford. 

St Martins was busy with lots of mums collecting children, we reflected that the 20mph speed limits must be “what ever the old speed limit was PLUS 20mph” such was the pace of the motorists. 

As we crossed the A483 for the second time today, I made a rare navigation error and instead of following the canal into Chirk over the viaduct, we retraced our outward route. Everyone was polite enough not to complain. 

So a pleasant 42 miles at 13.5mph with great company and a scenic route.

See route map and/or gpx file download

S Hu 

Photo AO

1st May 2025: Whitchurch (mod)

There was a healthy turnout at Tattenhall on a fine, sunny day for cycling. The moderate group consisted of George, Trevor, Keith, Jim, Ray Bird, Mike Gilbert, Mike Dodd, Dave Matthews and me.  Our friends at Alison’s were flat out trying to fulfil our orders, but Dave Matthews had to cancel his food, because it hadn’t arrived before we were about to ride.

We set off for the Black Bear at Whitchurch by heading for Bolesworth Castle. At Brown Knoll we turned eastwards, rounding Bickerton Hill before thrumming down past Cholmondeley Castle and crossing the A49. From here it was straightforward to Wrenbury before turning southwest to Pinsley Green and beyond. Nice, scenic lanes that George couldn’t remember riding before. I was talking to Mike Dodd about Comber Mere and the abbey there showing on my map not far away to our left. Exploration of such sites was probably best following a recce, or solo with a friend, not when leading eight riders to lunch. I understand that it is a private estate with interesting walks and you can book rooms there. There is a monumental obelisk commemorating Lord Combermere, which you can catch a glimpse of from our route.

        

Ray was first to the bar: no surprise there. The staff were a bit thin on the ground, but thankfully the food was fine and didn’t take too long to arrive. Keith sat on his own to get a bit of peace. Ray had to pause because he was served first and would have finished well-first with his large mouth. The only problem was for Dave Matthews who picked prawns that seldom arrive in bulk and consequently were accompanied with less bread than other dishes. Having missed out on food earlier, Dave was a bit miffed and would be stopping to take in more calories at Malpas later. A pleasant lady offered to take our photo in front of St.Alkmund’s church before we started our return, so Mike Gilbert was able to be in the frame for once; was that a good idea? Judge for yourself! 

Manoeuvring through the Whitchurch one-way system to find the quiet and attractive way out on the road to Alkinton is seldom easy, but with an elite team of navigators and their Garmins in support we were soon sorted. Fenn’s Bank was reached by a green lush lane through Blackoe which crossed the Llangollen Canal. We avoided all but a few yards of the A525 near Painters Green by magic, and passed Iscoyd Park before reaching Malpas by way of the steep bank at Higher Wych. I had brain-fade at the start of the climb and changed to a bigger chainring, necessitating returning to the bottom of the hill and starting again. It had been great to have Jim on the ride, but he was peeling off to his daughter’s at Malpas. Dave Matthews was also leaving us and would be heading home after his intended café stop. We bypassed traffic tangled Malpas central by way of my new favourite small lane diversion that surfaces opposite the high school. The rest of the route to Tattenhall was via Ebnal, Kidnal, Tilston, Carden, Clutton and Chowley. Only George, Ray and myself climbed back into our cars at Tattenhall with thirty- six lovely cycling miles under our belts in brilliant weather. All credit to the rest of the guys for cycling many more miles to home or their outlying parked vehicles.  

DH 

 

 

1st May 2025: Whixhall Marina (mod+)

Counted 20 cyclists at Alison’s and nobody in civies, although some were there just for coffee, but all had ridden there. I saw the fast group leave and they were 6. My group was 4, which left DH with a sizeable group, although I don’t know if Trevor, Jim & DM joined him?

My route was to Whixall Marina, the long way, in order to get a few of my favourite lanes in. My select group of 3 were Steve Hu, Alan and Kev. We set off up  Tattenhall hill and across the A41 heading for Carden Park and a steady uphill start. We were quickly into a rhythm, although not as quick as Steve as he was already up to about 100 words a minute- Lol.

Now beyond the Carden Arms and out of Tilston, we turned left into a favourite little climb of mine and our second crossing of the A41, via Scar Lane, leading to No Mans Heath. However, we bypassed NMH by riding the hard shoulder of the A41, which makes for an excellent lung stretcher, as it is almost 1k long at 2% and makes for a great dash, or it does for me- Lol.

 

I got to the left turn and realised there was nobody behind me, although Kev was not that far behind. As for the Chuckle Brothers, I think they must have been discussing what to have for lunch- Lol.

After a hundred metres or so we turned right into Flag Lane, which is a little cracker and lead us to another crossing of the A41 for the 3rd time and my reasoning for riding the hard shoulder earlier, otherwise it would have been our 4th time, within 10 miles- Lol.

It wasn’t long before we were weaving our way through the lanes of Higher Wych and an area I really enjoy. After a few more up and down miles on some very quiet  lanes we passed Fenn’s Wood and the local nature reserve.

I mentioned to the boys that we were about 5 miles from lunch, just as I heard SH ask Kev if he had been to Whixall Marina before. Soon after we turned right through Welsh End, which ironically is not in Wales- Lol. The last couple of miles to the Marina are on some of the best lanes regarding their condition. 

We arrived and found the shaded area was fully occupied. However, just as we were making a plan to move furniture, while getting our orders sorted, somebody left, luckily for us, as it was 27 degrees on my Garmin.

All contented, we sit down in the shade and set about putting the world to rights- Lol. There seemed to be a general opinion that we live in a sick country, due to the many, so called illnesses and mental health issues that are effectively crippling the country.

Anyway, jacket potatoes and sandwiches finished, we headed off again, left over Dobson’s bridge, heading towards Northwood, which, appropriately is where we turned north towards Bettisfield and across the canal once more.

Kev was now noticing the lack of recent miles on his bike, due to his running exploits, I believe.  I backed off the pace a little, as we were on schedule for a 15 mph average speed, not that it mattered on such a nice day, although I was aiming at 3pm finish due to the forecast predicting a northerly wind shift, increasing to 20 kph from virtually no wind, which we were still enjoying.

It wasn’t long before we were in Hanmer where I opted to go through the centre and on toward Tallarn Green, over Wych Brook and up the short, but wicked little left hand kicker. No sooner had I got my breath back from attacking said kicker, I turned right through Threapwood, avoiding the main drag, but I chose the wrong right- Lol. Didn’t make any difference, as there are several options in Threapwood that lead to Dog Lane and the crossing of that main drag toward Chorlton.

I think it was around that point that a brief discussion happened about the best option for Kev to get back to Chester and Alan to Holt. We had 5 miles-ish to Wetreins Lane, which I mentioned would be ideal for Kev, as he could follow Alan to Farndon and then straight on up into Chester.

No sooner said than done. We arrived at the top of Wetreins Lane and say our goodbyes to Kev and Allan, once Kev stopped apologising for slowing us down, but to be fair, we still had a respectable pace of 14.7 mph, so hardly slow.

This left me with the chatter box so I made a bit of a charge to put some space between us. However, he hung on like a limpet- Lol, so I eased and we cruised on down past Manorwood cafe and through Cuddington, where shortly afterwards I said goodbye to Steve, as he turned up Dog Lane for his 4th crossing of the A41 into Tattenhall. 

Meanwhile I cycle on past Aldersey Golf Course into Handley and home via 300 mtrs of the A41, which had become central to our ride, although I had not realised when I plotted it- Lol.

 

I got home at 2:55 with 49 miles on the clock and AS of 14..9 mph.

What a cracking day, it’s not often you get stunning sunshine and virtually no wind. Mind you, 15 minutes after I  got home that forecast wind turned up and did it blow. My Geums were all over the garden -Lol.

 

Thanks gents, till next time.

 

Neil.

See route map and/or gpx file download

1st May 2025 : Ellesmere (brisk)

As the sunshine surely brings the caravans out on the roads, so it is with cyclists. With a very warm and dry day in prospect, CER riders filled the outside seating area at Alison's cafe today. There were three or possibly four rides on offer, but I had accepted Ivan's offered brisk route to Ellesmere.

Our Brisk group of initially six riders consisted of Ivan, Ray S, Nick, and young Chris and myself with Ken accompanying us to Penley where he would have to strike for home today. Nick modified Ivan's first 4 mile section by striking out via Barton to Tilston as opposed to going via Clutton and it's hill. Chorlton takes us to Threapwood where we cross the badlands border towards Horseman's Green.

Once we had crossed the A525 Wrexham to Whitchurch road, the lanes were smaller and generally in a very poor condition. Beyond the odd poorly-filled surface, Ray remarked that it was more a gravel ride than a road ride. Ken turns for home as Penley appears as we five slide down the dip and up and onwards on the long run in to Ellesmere at only 21 miles.

Our usual lunch stop here has been the Red Lion pub. I had asked Ken if he knew of any cafes in Ellesmere and he recollected one in Scotland Street near a patch of grass. There are two cafes in Scotland Street – “Coco” and “Cherry Tree”– I didn't like the look of Coco so further up Scotland Street was the Cherry Tree cafe sited next to a patch of grass! We sit outside in the shade and the filled paninis come out quickly, along with a baked beans and potato combo. We all enjoyed our food choice.

Ken's lunchtime recommendation

By the time we leave, the inside seating was nearly full with pensioner lunches – so suitable for most of CER then! We head back through the town passing the shining mere and now headed for Welshampton in the rising heat. Cutting off left, we take the little lanes back to Hanmer where once again the lanes are in a very bad condition south of the A525. We briefly stop in Hanmer for an ice-cream break from the small village shop and PO. Several wild water swimmers are in the mere today.

Where is this to be found? *

The Lower Wych road is mostly billiard table smooth as we roll down the hill knowing that there are two steep exits from Lower Wych. We go left and up the hill towards Oldcastle Heath. As we hit the Oldcastle Heath to Malpas road, Nick turns left for home as we turn right into Malpas. Shimmying around the back of the town, we emerge near Bishop Heber high school and roll down to the A41 roundabout heading for Bickerton and Harthill. Harthill Road is “closed” to traffic but a very large tractor coming towards me is therefore a surprise as I hit 30+mph. The road is closed all the way into Tattenhall for what reason we know not. 

We are back in the town with 42 miles ridden and as the cafe will shut in fifteen minutes, we head for Chester. All around, those coming from Chester environs will have cycled mid 60+ miles today in 25C heat. Ivan leads the charge back as I hang on his tail only to find that Ray and Chris are nowhere to be seen but apparently they had been taking a leisurely ride back into Waverton.

So thanks to Ivan for the routeing suggestion as we all had a very enjoyable day out in the countryside today.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

* On the wall outside Hanmer PO