19th June 2025: Malpas (mod)

 There was a decent turnout at Alison’s as Keith and I arrived late due to traffic delays. It was expected to be the hottest day of the year so far and most of the guys were sat supping in the shade in the front garden. The potential moderates consisted of Andy Whitgreave, Dave Matthews, Andy Barber, Keith and myself. Andy W and Dave M were intending to cycle back to their respective homes. Dave M had a planned audax ride approaching, so despite his advanced age and medical constraints continues to be an admirably active enthusiast. I think that he is on his bike most days; the extremes people will go to in order to avoid the washing up!

It was a toss-up between Whitchurch and Malpas, with the nearest destination being considered in case the exceptional heat required made a short return prudent. We headed up to Bolesworth Castle and Brown Knowl. As Andy W was heading to Tilston via Duckington we decided to accompany him and forget Whitchurch. Andy turned for home at Tilston as we made a decent mileage to lunch by riding a quiet loop via Shocklach, Upper Threapwood and a new ‘first’: a gradual diagonal climb into Malpas up the appropriately named Sunnyside. We found one free table in the Little Deli enjoying our modestly priced English breakfasts and the friendly service.

We ensured our water bottles were refilled before our shorter route back on this beautiful but baking hot day. Our return was via Chorlton Lane, Horton Green and Tilston. These lanes capture the essence of Chester Easy Riders, as we cruise through the lush green countryside with only the very occasional vehicle disturbing our day-dreaming progress. It is surprising to note the number of discreet halls and lodges that we pass in a small area: usually we only get a glimpse, and often only view the end of a long drive. Newton Hall, Stretton Hall, Preston Hall, Cuddington Hall, Chorlton Hall, Chorlton Lodge, Overton Hall and Grafton Hall and so on. What sort of people live in these grand homes? How did they acquire their money? Are they part of “The Cheshire Set”? Late morning we had passed a young glamorous couple, finely dressed, riding magnificent shining chestnut horses, who politely acknowledged us with high-class accents and dazzling white smiles; were they part of the Cheshire Set? Do they only mix with their own? Perhaps they socialise at a Cheshire Hunt meet or at the Cheshire Polo Club. Do they ever slip down to Waitrose in their Bentley Bentaygas or do they have everything delivered? We completed our return to Tattenhall in brilliant sunshine by way of Barton, Coddington and Chowley. I didn’t envy Andy B with a long leg to Mold ahead in the heat, and unfortunately Alison’s was locking up, so we couldn’t easily share a last drink with him; good job he’s a certified masochist. A shortish but completely satisfying ride in glorious weather and totally relaxing company.

DH

19th June 2025: Aqueduct Marina (mod+)

 Warning!  The following content could be dangerous to your mental health- Lol.

Alison’s was the start venue today, on what was the best day of the year, with a cloudless sky, very light SE winds and near 30 degrees promised.  We were split to the front and back, which made a head count difficult, but based on DH saying he had 3 and no fast guys I figured it was 11-ish.

I had 7 in my group and I believe there were a couple in civvies, one was DM, out for coffee only.

My route was to the Aqueduct Marina, which is one of my favourites, due to the quality of the lanes and more open scenery, which works really well from Alison’s, as long as the winds are light of course.

My group formed instantly, as 6 of the eventual seven turned up virtually at the same time and grabbed the shade out front, the 7th was a lucky ‘kling-on’-Lol.

 

We set off right out of Alison’s and turned immediately left, settling into an easy rhythm, as I was warned by Steve-Lol. Shortly after turning right to Huxley, the rhythm was upset by somebody pulling along side me at the front. At first I thought it was a solo cyclist catching and passing us. However, after casually responding to his overtures with “yep, I’m alright mate”, I looked across and recognised those long blond-ish locks & the give away mini rucksack, as being Chris of course- Lol. “Where have you come from”, said I.

He had arrived late, riding in from home. Luckily for him (depending on your view point- Lol) he was just riding past the school and saw us go by in the distance, but wasn’t sure if we were CER. 

He chased us down, but had to work through the peloton, until he recognised somebody- Lol, which is probably why he simply rode straight past all of us - ok that last bit was a lie- Lol. 

The rest of the group was Nick (I’ve got no fast boy mates),the Chuckle Brothers (Allan & wife, aka Steve Hu- Lol) Shane ( what a nice man-Lol) And Kev (almost as nice as Shane- Lol, Lol, Lol) And little old me of course.

 

Chris settled into an immediate discussion about our bikes. This lead me to realising what a shrewd negotiator he must be, because he had paid less for his bike than I paid for my new cassette-Lol.

Anyway, by now we were cruising along nicely to Brassy Green and our right turn up to Beeston Castle, over my favourite little canal bridge for our first small effort. There would only be a couple more uppy bits on this almost pan flat route. Despite our lack of real hills, Nick still commented about how he hated that little pull up over the railway bridge, just as he was passing me. I completely concurred, as I shouted my response at his back wheel- Lol.

Now several miles on, and on a gorgeous stretch of lanes that being so well smooth, inevitably meant the pace naturally picked up slightly. I therefore took the opportunity to rotate back to enjoy the views, grab a smoke break and have a little chat with Kev, who I knew hadn’t been to the Aqueduct Marina before. He was revelling in the fact that there were no potholes for several miles, quote; “It’s so nice to not have to think about where to point the bike”. Then, mid chat, Steve called for a stop, to straighten his socks or swap bottles or was it to eat a melted chocolate bar - Ah no, that was later, Lol.

We got going again and within a couple of miles or so we were swinging into Church Minshull, where upon somebody behind commented on the Badger Pub, as we passed by. “Ah! Last weeks destination”, which was now only 1 mile from todays destination- Lol, although our route was completely different, according to the lunch conversations. These ranged from Trump possibly bombing Iran to our resident chatter box being offered the chance to get his food liquidised into a smoothie, to take away.

 

Kev offered to ask the staff, as he was worried it might be dark by the time we all got home, which was especially relevant today as Steve & Shane also planned to carry on for their 100 miles again. “What!” I hear you say, “ on a day of 30+ degrees”. I did hear somebody call them idiots, which couldn’t have been me, could it- Lol. Anyway, as soon as Kev made the offer, Steve then took a long breath and got on with eating. DH has a challenger for the slow eating title—Lol.

The popular choice for lunch was jacket spuds and tuna. However, our very own version of Jamie Oliver, had other ideas, when he pulled out lunch from his rucksack. I was not aware of the culinary talents of our newest member who, in the right light, could be said to look a little like Jamie Oliver, or was that Mary Berry- Lol. That said, Chris tucked into what looked like a simple egg mayo roll, which I commented was a pet hate of mine. “But have you tried my secret ingredient”, with a wry smile. “Oh yes”, with hopeful anticipation. “Sweet chilli sauce” was his response. “with eggs?”, to which I had this instant picture in my head of JO, with his head in his hands- Lol,Lol.

We got going with the assurance of light tailwinds all the way back. After a couple of miles, it got even easier, as Nick came to the front and decided he would lead us home, which felt lovely, I don’t often get to ride for numerous miles on somebody’s back wheel, even if it was a light tailwind, it’s still makes a big difference and much appreciated.

I then decided to lead the group up to Bunbary via Chestnut Meats farm/cafe, along Long Lane to Haughton, as the more traditional way to Bunbury, via Brindley crossing, has become very bumpy & pot holed, as we discovered a week earlier with Fiona & Elwyn, who were absent today, having fun at the dentist BTW. As I hoped, Long Lane has had loads of repairs and resurfacing since I last rode it several years back and is now a much better alternative and only adds a half mile. It was at this point that Nick didn’t think he had enough water to get him back to Tilston, so we diverted into the Co-Op in Bunbury.

This subsequently lead to the revelation of the day regarding the true characters of the Chuckle Brothers.

Let me set the scene. Nick got distracted and needed reminding to get his water-Lol, while everybody was wiping themselves down and shuffling into the shade ( 30 degrees on my Garmin).  Meanwhile, Chuckle Brother number 2 (aka- Alan) suddenly appeared eating a Cornetto. “No team ice creams then”, was my response- Lol. 

Where upon the Lovely Kev shouted out, “oh that’s a good idea and promptly offered to buy them. 

Almost simultaneously, the equally lovely and other half of the Chuckle Brothers also shouted he would get them in. Off they went and swiftly returned with sumptuous Mango Solero’s for everybody (such generosity-Lol). They were so well received  and quickly dispatched, although not before Shane decided to teach Chris how to juggle his-Lol. CB No 2 clearly must have thought that the whole group had a dairy intolerance or something and hence, he just bought a single Cornetto- Lol, Lol,Lol. 

20 minutes later we got going for our last 8 miles back to Tattenhall. We swiftly past Beeston Castle and before we knew it were at the junction on Burwardsley Road, just a mile left to Alison’s. However, we (Alan & I) had dropped the rest and waited to regroup, but only Kev appeared.  He explained that Shane & Steve had decided to show Chris the direct way for him to get home via the Ice cream farm, Gatesheath, Platt’s Lane and beyond, as they needed more miles anyway for their 100!  So those three turned off, half a mile back. Again the generosity of CB No1 has no bounds- Lol. 

What happened to Nick is unknown ( however, he was on home territory, so I wasn’t concerned about him getting home- Lol) I assumed he turned right with the others, for a longer route home. Meanwhile, we 3 carried on into Tattenhall and no sooner said did the ‘Mugger’ pounce, but this time I was waiting, thanks to the help from Nick on the previous 5 miles or so, which meant I had some legs left. I chased the ‘Mugger’ down and sat on his wheel into Alison’s (job done- Lol) . Unfortunately this meant we had dropped Kev, which was water off a ducks back to the ‘Mugger’ of course, but not me, so I apologise Kev (nice man) but I had to get him- Lol, Lol.

 

I left them both at Alison’s after Alan informed me he had 41 miles with an AS of 15.4 mph, which was surprising considering the heat, but it was pretty flat and low winds, although Nicks contribution probably made the difference. I got home with 46 miles & AS of 15.6 mph, as I used the last of my legs- Ouch!- Lol.

 

What a great day with fabulous company and some great banter- Lol. There was so much ammunition on this ride that I struggled to keep this story as short as it is- Lol.

 

At the time of writing, I discovered Shane & Steve did complete their 100miles ( madness, but well done). And credit to Chris who I think did 75 miles. No doubt, he would have liked to carry on with Shane & Steve, but I know he had a night shift to do.

Well done guy’s, all round, even Allan- Lol, A cracking day, especially the Solero’s- Lol.

 

Till next time chaps,

‘The Wind Whisperer’ & sometimes story teller.

 

Disclaimer: all content was base on a true story, the characters and names have all been taken from fictional scenarios-Lol, Lol.

See route map and/or gpx file download

12th June 2025: Bunbury (mod)

 The weather forecast was decidedly iffy for the ride so I planned a meandering route out to Bunbury and back through Aldford. However, if it turned unpleasant we could head straight back to Tattenhall and then Meadow Lea, only taking just over an hour. 

The morning was very pleasant and warm and the 4 of us, Dave H, Andy, Ray and myself set off up the A56 towards the Barrow turning, but heading then up to Ashton. Skirting Kelsall, we crossed the A51 and took Corkscrew Lane towards the Shady Oak and then up to Beeston. Round the castle, then a short distance took us to Bunbury and the Nags Head for lunch. 

Fortunately we weren't in a rush, and lunch was served at a leisurely pace. We set off down the lane towards Peckforton and felt the first drops of rain. By the time we reached Tattenhall it was clearly settling in for the afternoon so an executive decision was taken to cut out Aldford and head back. It rained on and off all the way to Christleton where Andy and Dave left us. 

Ray and myself returned between the showers, not too wet after all. 

36 miles,not too bad considering we cut a chunk off. 

Jim Dale

12th June 2025: Church Minshull (mod+)

 There was only subject of conversation at Meadow Lea Cafè “when will the rain start”. The wind whisperer had taken the extreme measures of booking a family holiday in the Lake district to avoid today.

 During five minutes of preparation the previous evening, I had downloaded Steve T’s ride from June last year. Steve T also had a ride to Malpas, however the apprentice wind whisperer Alan spoke of favourable wind direction on the return leg if we ventured to Church Minshull, so that sealed the deal.

 An Octet of riders set off consisting of Fiona, Elwyn, Kevin, Shane, John M, Steve T & H and Alan. The long road drag along Warrington road to Bridge Trafford certainly had the blood pumping. However, a right turn and Morley lane provided a more CER in keeping lane to circumnavigate Manley and Mouldsworth.

 The descent of Dark lane and the sharp turn into Ashton road always signals two to three miles of uphill to Hatchmere and Norley. Steve T and John M left the group at this point to return home via their own routes. The road from Sandiway to Church Minshull was nose into the wind and I was grateful to Alan and Shane and later Elwyn who all took turns on the front.

The Badger exceeded our requirements with “surprise” chips for some of our riders who haven’t yet managed to read the menus correctly :) Replete with food we were delighted to be rewarded with a brisk tailwind from Cholmondeston to Wettenhall. Here we turned slightly south skirting Tarporley and following Utkinton road then heading towards Walk Mill. By now the wind was from the side and passing gates by Walk Mill was interesting!

 Shane and F&E left us to return home leaving the trio of Alan Kevin and I to head towards Waverton and latterly to Meadow Lea.

 Did we avoid the rain? Strictly speaking yes, if you count the conclusion of the ride being Meadow Lea, however everyone had ridden from home so there were a few “moist” riders rocking up finally at home.

 The route was approximately 40 miles with a non-too shabby average speed of 14.5 mph , so thanks to the folk who ventured out against their better judgement and for the humour and company on the day.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

12th June 2025 : Nantwich (brisk)

Bonus week – two blogs for the price of one- now read on!

Ivan had planned a ride out on Tuesday after we had both been away. So I was sent a ridewithgps route which was a “climb every mountain” route up to Minera and over Worlds End. Aware that this was a feel-good ride for Ivan on his new electric Cervello, I said OK but plotted a personal bail out route at Minera. 

We set off after meeting at Blacon Old Station on the greenway. Just as we were approaching Kinnerton I noticed the tell-tale white spots on the dark cherry red frame of Ivan's Cervello ie a rear wheel puncture – and the second on this tyre from new. Ivan decides to return home but encourages me to ride on anyway. This I do but with him Chester-bound by way of a short stop at Chocks Away cafe with 25 miles ridden all round. Ivan decides to buy new Conti tubeless tyres and spends a frustrating time later in the day of removing and fitting the new rear tyre and giving up fitting the front tyre as it will not come off!

So now it's Thursday and he has a route to Nantwich which young Chris decides to ride with us. We are out of the gate at speed bound for Waverton and Tarporley and onto Wettenhall. We now run down the Winsford to Nantwich “unmade” main road – well that's what it feels like on a bike at speed. Just as we hit the nice and smooth resurfaced section, we turn off left down an even worse lane called Poole Old Hall Lane. At the end we hit the main road to Nantwich bound for the marina cafe. Service is slow as the weather looks like rain and the wind is getting stronger. How long can it take to make three coffees and dispense two plates of cake? 

We set off back at high speed with a wind-assist via a regular routing towards Bunbury and out via Beeston castle to slide around Tattenhall bound for Sandy Lane. Well, we certainly put our SPDs down hard, as we got back to the top of Sandy Lane at an all-round average speed of 17 mph with 50 miles ridden.

So despite the wind being somewhat against us on the way out, we reaped the benefits on the return. Did I mention that we were back home by 1400 and no rain at all, but it did start to rain in  Chester just after I got home. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

5th June 2025: Criccieth (Special Ride)

 Well it could be any regular CER Thursday in Nov or Dec heading for Chirk. 50-100 yard visibility torrential rain and steamed up windscreen. But no, its June and we are heading west on the A55!

 No sane rider would have set out today if it wasn’t for the fact all the weather forecasts showed it brightening from the west. And west indeed was todays destination Caernarfon, for a two castles ride.

 Once everyone had unloaded their vehicles we awaited the arrival of our venerable secretary and his wingman Steve T. It was a quick phone call that revealed the two of them were already ensconced in the warm atmosphere of the cafe.

 Once Kevin had consumed his bodyweight in bacon butties our intrepid group set off on our N.Wales adventure. The group consisted of Megan, Mel, Kevin, Mold Andy, Steve T & H, Dave H, Alan, Mike G,  Keith & local boy Trevor. See our group below

Photo Steve Hu

Trevor and Mike had cycled part of the way to Caernarfon so it wasn’t as much of a shock to their legs as the rest of us battled the headwinds along Aber Foreshore Rd with the Menai straights on our right-hand side.

 Soon with the coast behind us we set about tackling what Wales is famous for, not Sheep or Rain but Welsh hills. The climb was only interrupted by a road closed sign (which we normally take with a pinch of halen), but on this occasion was blocked by two vans, a plastic fence, a digger and a sizeable hole. A diplomatic chat with the contractors in their own language ensured a slow squeeze past the various obstacles and normal service was resumed.

 Once clear and along with Steve H’s assurances “this is the last climb” we continued to rise and fall for a further forty-five minutes, by this time Steve overtures were being mostly ignored and the subject turned to “how long before lunch”. Before long the road dropped away and the sea came into view. Alan’s group were straining at the leash and allowed free reign to meet us at the lunch stop Tir a Môr Cafe. On arriving at the cafe Alan and his merry band were not to be seen, we realised later he had taken them on a Tour du Criccieth for extra miles. 

Feeding the sparrows

Replete with crab sandwiches and other excellent fayre we plunged down to the sea shore and took our second photo outside Criccieth Castle.

Photo AO

To avoid the busy A road we entered Llanystumdwy on the cycle path and followed the national cycle path network up to Bryncir.

 At this point Alan decided he needed some extreme hill training and set off up the A road on his own. Soon he realised that the lovely gated Lôn Eifion (a gated old railway) was preferable to the busy A road and re-joined us. Mike and Trevor regaled us with the history of this lovely cycleway which is a 12.5 mile closed road from Bryncir to Caernarfon. The railway ceased operations in 1964 In addition to to it being part of the Avon Wen railway line it also shared part of its route with the Nantile Tramway. The Nantile Tramway transported slate from the local quarries to waiting vessels in Caernarfon.

 Lastly the old tramway/line had a role in transporting materials from the quarry to the Dinorwic pumped power station near Llanberis during its construction.   But probably the MOST endearing part of the route is the nine-mile downhill section all the way into Caernarfon. This section is delight to ride, requiring little pedalling and only the occasional stop to open gates or cross roads.

 Soon we were back in town and here the group split, some heading to the station others to their cars and lastly the thirsty group who headed to the Caffi Maes for another warm drink.

 A very pleasant 42 miles spent in excellent company with only a few short and mild showers.

 Steve Hu 

See route map and/or gpx file download

29th May 2025: Aston

 There were enough riders at Rose Farm for a three-group sortie into the sun and wind. Neil was hiding under the kitchen table at home. But who was that extravagantly bandanad character in the corner? As he walked over I realised that it wasn’t Jack Sparrow, but a Keith Richards look- alike and that wasn’t the only similarity, as Clive is also an enthusiastic guitar player.                                                                                        

Our very moderate group consisted of Big Ray, Mold Andy, and myself. Trevor, Jim Dale and Dave Matthews were not out for the day. As we were leaving we ran into Dave Pipe, who wasn’t oven-ready, so we arranged to meet him for lunch at “The Bhurty.”

 My route was deliberately meandering: south of Cotebrook we cruised the little lanes passing Boothouse Farm before heading for Alpraham and crossing the A51 for Bunbury. At the lovely old school house we stayed left for Haughton and Radmore Green. After a short spell on the main road we were back on familiar lanes at Gradley Green, before heading to Ravensmoor. With perfect timing Dave Pipe arrived at the crossroads having picked the fastest route he could to catch us up; I think that his electrical assistance was supplied by Tesla. We arrived at Aston expecting very good food in an attractive environment, and we were not disappointed. We had an interesting discussion including about the career routes and whereabouts of our adult children. Turn the clock back twelve years or so and Dave Pipe would probably have ordered spotted dick at The Bhurtpore in an extended lunch stop. No time for second courses today but Dave appreciated that the new owners have continued the tradition of stocking a wide range of strong ales.

Our return had us cycling a quiet loop initially alongside the Llangollen Canal before turning north at Gauntons Bank and heading for Chorley and Brindley. We took an excursion down to the site of the old spa, having had to scream to call Ray back as he had sailed too far ahead. Ray is trying to curb his enthusiasm but these days he is a bit too hot for his pants. It was a novel route for Dave Pipe, and we dismounted to look at the old salt and bath house. We negotiated the A49 and continued to Peckforton via Spurstow. The stretch of wooded hillside toward Beeston is studded with attractive old properties with lovely views. We decided to take a late break at the outdoor café at Beeston Castle. Andy provided a good excuse, as with another thirty miles to go into a strong headwind, he would particularly enjoy coffee and cake before battling to Mold. Andy also enjoyed a discount with his English Heritage card. The last few miles from here via “The Shady” involves a fair bit of uphill slogging, but we finally arrived with the patient Steve Tan waiting at Rose Farm. Clive was probably at home now playing Time is on My Side on his guitar having completed a much longer ride. Never mind, it had been a thoroughly enjoyable sunny day for us with over forty-two miles covered.

DH