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
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